Tyra Banks confirmed as new host of ‘America’s Got Talent’
Tyra Banks will be taking over the hosting duties for America's Got Talent after Nick Cannon abruptly left the show last month.
Tyra Banks will be taking over the hosting duties for America’s Got Talent after Nick Cannon abruptly left the show last month.
The former supermodel turned media mogul confirmed the new gig in a statement:
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible. 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!
“Tyra is the complete package: Out-of-this-world talented, funny, brilliant and all heart. In whatever she has done, she has always connected with audiences around the world. Her vivacious spirit will infuse AGT in a big way,” said Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and reality group at NBC Entertainment.
–Nick Cannon quits ‘America’s Got Talent’ over racial joke–
“Not only is Tyra smart and beautiful, she’s also warm, compassionate and a lot of fun,” added Trish Kinane, president of entertainment programming at Fremantle North America. “She will fit right into the crazy world of AGT.”
Just a month ago, Cannon announced that he would be leaving the show, claiming that he would not return after executives punished him for a racial joke.
“I was to be punished for a joke. This has weighed heavy on my spirit. It was brought to my attention by my ‘team’ that NBC believed that I was in breach of contract because I had disparaged their brand,” he wrote on Facebook. “I find myself in a dark place having to make a decision that I wish I didn’t have to, but as a man, an artist, and a voice for my community I will not be silenced, controlled or treated like a piece of property. There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity.”
“I wish AGT and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I cannot see myself returning,” Cannon later said. “Most of us don’t realize that there are 6 major corporations that control 90 percent of media in America and the amount of minority executives is dismal. With this being the case, true equality in our industry is impossible. There will always be a ‘do as I say’ mentality that mirrors society’s perception of women and minorities, and only a few will stand up against it. I proudly stand as one of those few, and will gladly take on whatever repercussions that come with it.”
