Heidi, who was absent in the last season of the show to serve as a judge on spin-off 'America's Got Talent: The Champions', also reveals her excitement of Sofia's addition.
- Feb 28, 2020
AceShowbiz - A new face and a familiar face are heading to "America's Got Talent". Following the departure of Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, it has been confirmed that Sofia Vergara will be joining the NBC show for the next season with Heidi Klum returning to the mothership series.
"I'm so happy to join my new family on 'AGT'," said the "Modern Family" star, who is the first Latina to join the show as a judge, in a statement on Thursday, February 27. "This is a new and exciting next chapter for me and I'm extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can't wait to watch all the talent and have fun with all you guys!"
Meanwhile, Heidi claimed in a separate statement that she was "so excited to beback at 'AGT' with [Simon Cowell], [Howie Mandel] and [Terry Crews]." Heidi, who has been a judge on spin-off "America's Got Talent: The Champions", added, "The fact that Sofia Vergara is joining us is the icing on an already delicious cake."
Meredith Ahr, President of Alternative & Reality Group in NBC Entertainment, also gushed over Sofia. "Sofia's infectious energy and sharp wit will blend perfectly with returning favorites Heidi, Simon, Howie, and Terry. As both a respected actress and successful entrepreneur, she embodies the American dream that is synonymous with 'AGT' 's transformative stage."
Sofia and Heidi are set to fill the void left by Gabrielle and Julianne, who both exited the talent competition show after only one season. Reports claimed that a "toxic" workplace enviroment led Gabrielle to withdraw from the show as she was reported to be receiving racist treatments in the form of offensive joke from guest judge Jay Leno.
It was also said that the "L.A.'s Finest" alum was told that some of her hairstyles were "too black" for the show. Additionally, Gabrielle allegedly had an issue with Simon's rumored illegal smoking on set. Following the reports, Gabrielle revealed that she had a "lengthy 5-hour and...productive meeting" with NBC, AGT production company Fremantle and Simon's company Syco Entertainment. An investigation into the matter was supposed to wrap by the end of January, though its results are yet to be revealed.
