America's Got Talent is moving to The Big Apple.
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NBC has announced this summer's edition of America's Got Talent, the series' eighth season, will be filmed at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
"There are few entertainment shrines in the world that are as venerated as Radio City Music Hall," NBC reality chief Paul Telegdy said in a statement.
"We are delighted that season eight of America's Got Talent will come from New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall. This venue has welcomed some of the best acts in the world, and AGT will continue in that tradition by bringing exciting new performers to this legendary stage," explained executive producer Trish Kinane.
America's Got Talent's eighth season will feature new judges Melanie Brown -- the former Spice Girls member and Dancing with the Stars participant commonly known as "Mel B" -- and supermodel Heidi Klum, who also hosts Project Runway. They will join returning judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel.
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"Many of America's greatest performers have graced this legendary stage, and now AGT will have the rare opportunity to discover greatness in this renowned venue. This move -- coupled with the addition of Mel B and Heidi Klum joining our judges' panel of Howie Mandel and Howard Stern -- takes the show to a new and even more exciting level," added Telegdy.
Prior to last season, America's Got Talent had filmed in Los Angeles. However, Stern had demanded the show relocate to the New York area as part of his deal to join the show's judging panel -- resulting in last summer's seventh season taping in Newark, NJ.
According to the network, the move to Radio City Music Hall, which is located in New York's famed Rockefeller Center and seats nearly 6,000 people, was made for creative reasons.
"Today's announcement is further proof that New York is becoming the place to go for the film and television industry, creating new jobs for New Yorkers and spurring economic activity across the state," Governor Cuomo said.
"We have the resources, the talented workforce, and the best venues, including the iconic Radio City Music Hall, which will be sure to inspire the contestants of America's Got Talent -- and all the visitors who flock to see it."
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The upcoming edition of America's Got Talent will premiere on Tuesday, June 4 at 9PM ET. The show will air live from Radio City Music Hall twice a week beginning on Tuesday, July 23 at 9PM ET.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski