Howie Mandel took to social media to announce the new host of America’s Got Talent, Tyra Banks on Sunday Night. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible,” Banks said 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,” she added.
Please welcome @TyraBanks to the @NBCAGT family! She's our new host. #TyraBanks #AGT pic.twitter.com/JFebSVqUqC
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) March 12, 2017
Banks is replacing former host Nick Cannon. Cannon recently quit the show after alleging NBC threatened to fire him over a joke he made during a standup gig.
“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 said 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 added at the time.
So why is Banks a perfect replacement? She’s no spring chicken when it comes to reality TV. Not only did she host her own talk show but Banks co-created and hosted “America’s Next Top Model,” where she first coined “smize.” She has an incredibly confident and bubbly personality which should fit well on the show. It’ll be interesting to see how she and fellow supermodel Heidi Klum interact. Given Banks’ breath of experience on not only television but as an actress I have a feeling we’re in for some excellent on the fly moments. Cannon was an excellent host but sometimes differences happen. I wish Banks the best of the luck with her new gig.
Follow Us
