Tyra Banks [NBC]
Following news of Nick Cannon’s departure from the show, “America’s Got Talent” fans have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of the replacement host.
That news came Sunday night.
NBC confirmed the immensely influential Tyra Banks as host for the upcoming twelfth season.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible,” said Banks in a statement. I love how ‘AGT’ brings that feeling into everyone’s home, capturing the best of people who come out and give it their all to make those big, fierce and outrageous dreams come true. I look forward to connecting with the dreamers, having fun and giving hugs and words of encouragement when needed. And maybe I’ll get one or two performers to smize for the audience!”
Cannon is the only “America’s Got Talent” principal not returning for season twelve. Judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Heidi Klum will all be back for the show when it premieres in late spring/early summer.
Banks recently appeared as a boardroom advisor on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.”