“Mel B, Terry Crews, and Howie Mandel on ‘America’s Got Talent’: Helping People Achieve Their Dreams”

It’s hard to believe that America’s Got Talent is now in its 20th season. The popular variety competition show on NBC has been captivating audiences with a wide range of talents (both exceptional and not-so-exceptional) for nearly two decades. Rather than resting on its laurels, AGT keeps pushing boundaries by introducing new concepts like All-Stars, The Champions, and Fantasy League editions. Executive Producer Simon Cowell, actress Sofia Vergara, and comedian Howie Mandel return as judges, deliberating on which acts should progress, all while engaging in friendly banter.

Joining them is renowned singer and songwriter Mel B, who previously served as a judge on the show from Seasons 8 to 13. Reflecting on her past stint on the panel, Mel B opened up about the challenges she faced back then. “During my previous time as a judge, I was going through a tough period,” shared Mel B. “I was in a difficult and emotionally abusive marriage, and I also lost my father.” Over the last seven years, Mel B has worked on rebuilding her life, finding joy in turning 50, settling into a new home on a farm, and embracing her current state of happiness. “While I can’t erase my past experiences, I now have the opportunity to support others who have faced or are currently experiencing similar situations,” she expressed.

Since stepping into the role in Season 14, Terry Crews has proven himself to be a charismatic and supportive host on America’s Got Talent. This season marks a first, as cameras offer viewers a glimpse behind the scenes, providing a more intimate view of the show. One aspect that stands out is Crews’ dedication to nurturing the contestants backstage. “Every individual who walks through those doors becomes a part of my extended family,” explained Crews. “We engage in meaningful conversations that the audience hasn’t witnessed until now.”

Crews pointed out hardships—such as domestic violence, poverty, being unhoused—that contestants have faced while trying to make it to get the AGT stage. “You do whatever you have to in order to make it here,” explained Crews. “My job is to help people continue to live their dream. I encourage them to keep going, no matter how difficult things may seem at the time.”


The judge with the longest tenure is Mandel, who has been with the show since Season 5. He credits the show’s long-term success to “engagement,” “relatability,” and “authenticity.” “You’re watching somebody like you, whose hopes and dreams can actually come true in that two minutes, and you’ve just gotta root for them,” explained Mandel.

“What I’ve learned after 15 years is that all I can offer is my honest opinion,” said Mandel, noting that that it’s normal and good that judges don’t all agree on which acts should move forward. “Mel loves something. I don’t get it. She’s confused. I love it. And that’s the beauty of the show,” gushed Mandel. Given the enthusiastic audience response, it’s no wonder that many of the show’s contestants have gone to perform on the Las Vegas Strip, including Terry Fator, Piff the Magic Dragon, Shin Lim, Mat Franco, and more.

So, who will be the breakout star of Season 2? Mandel has already hit his golden buzzer for Jourdan Blue, the 23-year-old singer who went from busking in New Orleans to the AGT stage. Despite his troubled past, Blue was taken in by his grandfather, honed his craft and started a family of his own. While Blue seems like a lock to make it to the finals, Mandel knows that anything can happen on the long-running series. “Just when you think you’ve seen everything, our show will show you that you ain’t seen nothing yet,” said Mandel. “Season 20 is bigger and better than ever before.”

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.