Tyra Banks is the new host of "America's Got Talent" starting with Season 12. On Sunday evening Howie Mandel, one of the judges, tweeted that the NBC show had named a new host, but he did reveal who it was. Soon afterward, the network and Banks confirmed that she is the new host.
The selection of Banks came after several failed attempts to get another comedian. The top three candidates were Marlon Wayans, Brandon Mychal Smith and Tone Bell. Marlon was the network's first choice, but he reportedly asked for more money than producers were willing to pay.
Nick Cannon quits
Nick Cannon quit his hosting job on "America's Got Talent" on February 13. The 36-year-old rapper, actor, comedian, entrepreneur, record producer, radio and television personality had hosted the popular talent show from 2009 to 2016. He announced on Facebook that he was quitting the show after NBC wasn't pleased that he told a racially-charged joke during a Showtime comedy special. He was never fired. In fact, NBC executives wanted him stay with the show.
Tyra Banks is new host
Tyra Banks is no stranger to television, and she is no stranger to hosting a reality show. However, she is a stranger to hosting a show like "America's Got Talent." The 43-year-old former model created and produced the long-running series "America's Next Top Model." The series was cancelled after 22 seasons in 2015.
She also hosted her own daytime talk show, "The Tyra Banks Show," from 2005 to 2010. The television personality, producer, actress, author, businesswoman, and mother of a year-old son says she is excited and ready to host the variety show. Banks joins judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell for the upcoming season.
Reactions to new host
Banks is happy about her new assignment. Cannon congratulated her on Twitter. During an interview, he said he salutes her. However, most people on social media don't share the excitement. They weren't quiet about their disappointment. First of all, most people were not expecting a woman to take over that responsibility.
The series has had all male hosts since its premiere in 2006. Banks follows Regis Philbin, Jerry Springer, and of course Nick Cannon.
Fans said it will take a while for them to get used to Banks because she has big shoes to fill. The one thing they said they will miss is the comedy that Cannon brought to the show. Executives are satisfied and think Banks will be a good fit for the family show.
