Tyra Banks Replaces Nick Cannon As ‘America’s Got Talent’ Host

Tyra Banks is going to make “America’s Got Talent” fierce.

The former “America’s Next Top Model” host will take over for Nick Cannon on the talent competition, she announced Sunday evening.

“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," she said in a press release.

"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!”

Cannon quit the show in social media posts in the middle of February after NBC execs reportedly discussed firing him over a racially charged joke during a stand-up performance.

“Recently many of my mentors have cautioned me that soon 'The System' would come down on me because I was speaking too many truths and being to loud about it. I had no idea that it all would hit so close to home. 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,” Cannon wrote on Facebook.

“I have loved hosting ‘America’s Got Talent for the last 8 seasons, watching talented, brave, and courageous Americans accomplish their dreams in front of millions has been nothing but a joy, and everyone has been a pleasure to work with but my soul won't allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices.”

Banks, meanwhile, has plenty of experience in the camera. The former supermodel hosted “America’s Next Top Model” for 22 seasons, won two Daytime Emmys for “The Tyra Banks Show” and co-hosted the “FABLife” talk show for two months.

She also served as an adviser on the most recent season of “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

“Not only is Tyra smart and beautiful, she’s also warm, compassionate and a lot of fun,” said Trish Kinane, President of Entertainment Programming, Fremantle North America. “She will fit right into the crazy world of ‘AGT.’”

Filming of season 12 of “America’s Got Talent” was delayed after the death of judge Mel B.’s father, but is expected to resume soon with additional judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum.

The show is expected to return in May.

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