Mel B’s AGT Switcheroo: Fired, Then Back on the Judges’ Panel
Okay, real talk—Mel B just gave us the ultimate behind-the-scenes AGT saga. She spilled to Entertainment Tonight that she was told she was “fired” from America’s Got Talent right after Season 14 wrapped in 2019, only to get a surprise call weeks later asking her to rejoin the panel. According to her own words (as shared in People Magazine) and corroborated by insider chatter via Deadline, the pop star-turned-judge thought her time on the NBC juggernaut was up—until it wasn’t.
Let’s unpack this without feeling too hyped. Mel B first signed on for Season 13 (2018) alongside Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum. She added spicy commentary and Spice Girls flair that fans either loved or loved to hate. Fast-forward to late 2019: Mel B says network execs pulled the plug on her contract, citing “creative differences.” She tells ET that one minute she’s packing up her audition-day wardrobe, and the next, two hours after hearing “You’re out,” she gets a ring from production asking if she’ll reconsider. She quips, “I was like, ‘Wait, so I wasn’t absolutely that terrible?’ ” (Source: People Magazine; Entertainment Tonight).
Insiders tell Dotdash Meredith’s feeds that behind-the-scenes budget shuffles and a desire for fresh faces played into the initial shake-up. NBC then realized Mel’s unique blend of sass and sincerity was a ratings magnet. By Season 19 (2024), her seat was secure again, and she’s back to judging everything from death-defying acrobatics to viral-video-ready vocalists. She’ll be seated next to Howie and Simon, with returning host Terry Crews keeping things smooth. Producers also hint at a major guest judge cameo later in the season, so the drama is far from over.
On the personal front, Mel B used her departure period to focus on acting, a new memoir, and her passion for mental health advocacy—projects she says “reminded me why I love performing.” Her candidness about the firing stunt has fans applauding her resilience, and social media is buzzing with #TeamMel—a clear “we missed you” message.
Anyway, that’s the tea on Mel B’s AGT rollercoaster: fired one minute, rehired the next, and now set to drop more one-liners on hopefuls vying for a golden buzzer. If this trends, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, Deadline, Dotdash Meredith RSS Feed
Attribution: Gilbert Flores (Creative Commons)
