Heidi Klum Marks Post-‘Project Runway’ Career With ‘America’s Got Talent’ Debut
Heidi Klum is ready to move beyond her judging days on Project Runway, but isn’t straying too far in the reality television world.
The supermodel and fashion icon made her debut on the revamped judges’ panel on season 8 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, albeit to tepid reviews.
The departure of longtime judge Sharon Osbourne after a dispute with NBC led the way for Heidi Klum to join the show along with former Spice Girl Mel B.
The two join returning judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel, but the opening episode of America’s Got Talent came with mixed reviews.
“In Tuesday’s two-hour premiere, this new group seemed diluted – more like a conscientious committee,” People magazine noted. “The circus craziness was diminished, despite acts that included a snake trainer who blew up a balloon and then goaded a rattlesnake into popping the balloon with its fangs.
“A talent show ideally requires a show-bizzy, even cheesy energy and personality so vivid it doesn’t matter if it also happens to be vulgar – this goes for not just the contestants, but for the judges. Klum does not bring that to the table.”
Heidi Klum isn’t the only one looking for a fresh start on America’s Got Talent. Mel B is joining the show after a contract dispute kept her from a commitment to appear on Australia’s Got Talent.
Mel has already appeared on on The X Factor in the UK and Australia, but a breach of contract between two Australian television networks kept her from appearing on Australia’s Got Talent.
When she got the chance for a stint on America’s Got Talent, Mel B jumped at the chance.
“I got the phone call and got offered the job and was like, ‘Yeah!’ I love this show, and of course the fact that it’s now in New York at Radio City Music Hall — that’s a legendary place that makes the show even more exciting,” she told Hollywood Reporter. “It’s a great family show, and people love watching it. I’ve watched for many years; I sit down with my kids and watch it. It’s nice to be a part of it.”
Mel B and Heidi Klum can be seen on America’s Got Talent on Thursday nights on NBC.
