(By Lauren Ocasio) Tyra Banks has been named the new host on the NBC hit show, America’s Got Talent. She will be replacing Nick Cannon, who controversially resigned next month. Cannon who was the host for the past 8 seasons of the show made a Facebook post claiming he was quitting because he’d been threatened with termination after making racial jokes on his Showtime special Nick Cannon: Stand Up, Don’t Shoot.
Cannon stated “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,”
Howie Mandel who a judge on the show made the announcement on Sunday, March 12, via his twitter. “America, strike a pose,” he wrote on Twitter. “#AGT has a brand new host! Welcome to the fam, @tyrabanks!” Banks also took to twitter to confirm the news. She tweeted, “Surprise! TyTy is the new host of AGT. Can’t wait 2work w/new fam @OfficialMel B @howiemandel @heidiklum & @SimonCowell.”
Banks, a former model, was previously the host and producer of the long time running show ‘America’s Next Top Model’ which ended after its 23rd season. “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, who is NBC’s president of alternative and reality
AGT, which has been on air since 2006, showcases individuals with strange, peculiar, and impressive talents. The premise is definitely what attracted Banks to the gig.
Simon Cowell the executive producer, creator and who joined the judges table last season said “Welcome to the ‘America’s Got Talent’ family, Tyra! This is really exciting,” ‘America’s Got Talent’ is ranked as the most-watched summer series.
