NBC announced this week that Tyra Banks will host its long-running summer hit talent competition “America’s Got Talent,” replacing Nick Cannon, the host for the past eight seasons.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible,” Banks said. “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.”
Cannon wrote on his Facebook page Feb. 13 that I “cannot see myself returning” as host following a dispute with the network over what he called a joke in a Showtime comedy special.
“America’s Got Talent” has been television’s most-watched summer alternative series for each of its 11 seasons.
Banks hosted the modeling competition “America’s Next Top Model” for 22 cycles on UPN and The CW from 2003-2015. She also hosted an eponymous syndicated talk show that ran in syndication from 2005-2009 and on The CW from
2009-10 and won Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding informative talk show in 2008 and 2009.
“Tyra is the complete package- out-of-this-world talented, funny, brilliant and all heart,” said Paul Telegdy, president of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group. “In whatever she has done, she has always connected with audiences around the world. Her vivacious spirit will infuse ‘AGT’ in a big way.”
