America's Got Talent is executing a major shakeup ahead of its fourteenth season this summer on NBC!
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NBC has announced America's Got Talent is adding actress and producer Gabrielle Union, former Dancing with the Stars pro Julianne Hough, and actor Terry Crews to its lineup of professional talent.
Union and Hough will join Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel on the judging panel, replacing Heidi Klum and Melanie "Mel B" Brown.
Both Klum and Brown held a position on the judging panel from Season 8 through Season 13 of America's Got Talent. Both women also currently serve as judges for the show's America's Got Talent: The Champions spinoff.
In addition, Crews will take over for Tyra Banks and serve as the host of the reality talent competition.
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Crews' participation may not come as a surprise to fans given he is serving as the host of America's Got Talent: The Champions.
"One of the many secrets to the success and longevity of America's Got Talent is its fearless drive to reinvent itself," NBC executive Meredith Ahr said in a statement.
"The next evolution of the format brings in fresh expert eyes to join Simon and Howie on the panel. Gabrielle and Julianne are two of the most aspirational women in the business, on top of being electric entertainers with talent across disciplines. I am excited to see how their knowledge, compassion and sheer joy enhance the experience for acts and viewers alike."
Ahr added, "As their partner in crime, host Terry Crews will continue to light up the stage with his quick wit and unending charm."
America's Got Talent has remained summer's No. 1 alternative show for 13 seasons. Last season, America's Got Talent averaged 14 million viewers per episode, with magician Shin Lim going on to win the $1 million grand prize.
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The spinoff, America's Got Talent: The Champions, just premiered in January and has established itself as the season's No. 1 most-watched reality series.
Union is set to executive produce and star in L.A.'s Finest that will premiere in May. She is best known for her roles in films such as Bring It On, Bad Boys II, and Think Like a Man. She also released a memoir, We're Going to Need More Wine, in 2017.
Hough is a two-time Dancing with the Stars champion who also judged the reality dancing competition for multiple seasons. The singer and professional choreographer has also starred in such films as Footloose and Safe Haven. She also starred in Grease: Live on Fox.
Crews is an action-movie hero, sitcom star, advertising pitchman, playable video game character, high-end furniture designer and human rights activist. He co-stars in the NBC series Brooklyn Nine-Nine and also co-starred in Deadpool 2.
Auditions for the upcoming season of America's Got Talent are still underway. Interested acts can submit an online audition at AGTauditions.com up until Monday, March 4.
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America's Got Talent was created by Cowell and is co-produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment. In addition to Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace also serve as executive producers.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski