People News

Mel B joining 'America's Got Talent'

Feb 21, 2013, 6:01 GMT

Mel B

Mel B is replacing Sharon Osbourne on 'America's Got Talent'.

The 37-year-old former Spice Girl - who previously worked on Australian 'X Factor' - has reportedly signed a deal to join the judging panel for the NBC ahead of the start of its auditions in Los Angeles next month, after winning over the show's boss Simon Cowell.

A source told the MailOnline.com: 'Simon loves trying people out on his shows, Mel's already been a judge on 'X Factor' Australia and it's too far for her to keep taking the kids.

'She did want to do 'X Factor' UK, but Simon really wanted her to do 'America's Got Talent'. She's outspoken and never afraid to speak her mind, she makes for good TV. NBC execs will be watching through their eyes - let's hope they won't be using the delay button on live TV.'

The mother-of-three is expected to join Howard Stern and Howie Mandel on the live TV show.

Sharon quit the panel last August after accusing NBC of 'discrimination' against her son Jack, who was allegedly axed from its other reality show 'Stars Earn Stripes' after he revealed his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.

'The Talk' host previously insisted she will continue watching 'America's Got Talent' after she leaves because her experiences on the programme were 'fabulous'.

She said: 'You know I've done it for six years, this show is the most fabulous show to work on.

'I have an amazing team of people that I work with, and Simon Cowell who created this is a genius.

'I have worked with him for 10 years, and he's has been so great to me but it's just time, you know when your gut tells you, 'Time to move on and do other things.'

'I do truly love doing the show. If I wasn't on it I'd still watch it.'

Howard also recently hinted he might not return to the judging panel either.

The outspoken radio star - who replaced Piers Morgan last year - is said to have dropped major hints he will not return for a second stint as a judge on the popular reality TV series amid rumours the show's format will be completely overhauled for its eight series.