Nick Cannon will be noticeably absent when "America's got talent" returns to NBC for its 12th season later tonight. As the judges of the show, including Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Mel B, return to the show, they will be joined by new host Tyra Banks, who was hired earlier this year after Cannon's sudden exit.
On May 29, Mic shared details regarding Cannon's exit, revealing that the host left the show in February and was replaced in the following months by Banks. As the outlet noted, Cannon announced he was parting ways with the NBC talent competition on Facebook on February 13.
At the time, Cannon claimed NBC executives threatened to fire him due to jokes he reportedly made during his stand-up special on Showtime, "Stand Up, Don't Shoot."
Was NBC trying to silence Nick Cannon?
According to Nick Cannon, NBC was attempting to silence his freedom of expression, which he didn't take kindly to. Cannon also participated in a Black Lives Matter movement in New York City by leading a protest against police brutality. "When people start to put restraints on my creativity, as an artist, I just have to stand on my square and stand for something," he said during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
While Cannon is no longer appearing on "America's Got Talent," that isn't to say he is not still busy on the career front.
In fact, according to Mic's report, Cannon is still working and building the brand of his MTV series, "Wild N' Out," which airs on MTV2. He also told the outlet he has plans to release a series of mixtapes and full albums, and is also developing new talent through his own company, Ncredible.
Nick Cannon was the third host of 'America's Got Talent'
When "America's Got Talent" began airing on NBC in 2006, former Live! co-host Regis Philbin served as the series' host. One year later, Jerry Springer took Philbin's gig and continued to appear on the show through season three. Then, ahead of Season 4, Nick Cannon was brought to the series and remained as the show's host through season 11.
As for the judges, Mandel is the longest-running cast member of the show having been with NBC for eight seasons. Mel B and Heidi Klum have both been with the show for five seasons, and Cowell is on his second season with the show.
"America's Got Talent" premieres tonight on NBC at 8 p.m. The show's premiere will be followed by the premiere of "World of Dance," which debuts its first season at 10 p.m.
