Simon Reigns Supreme! 'AGT' Judges Julianne & Gabrielle Are Cut From Show
Time's up for Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough.
The former America's Got Talent judges will not be making a return to the competition show next year, but their male counterparts Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews will still be helming the NBC show.
Readers know that Union and Hough are not the first to leave the AGT scene.
In fact, the hosts were replacements for Heidi Klum and Mel B, who have both worked as judges since 2013.
Klum reportedly left the talent show because the network wanted to "change things up."
"It was a network decision. The show does well because it has no problem adding new people and making changes," a source told Entertainment Tonight at the time.
The model herself described her time on the show as an "incredible experience" adding she will miss everyone and "will be watching and voting from home."
Mel B's departure wasn't a complete surprise to readers.
In one episode the 42-year-old had a "staged" fight with Cowell after his insensitive comments about her failed marriage.
RadarOnline.com also reported she was uncertain of her future with the show.
“I am currently a judge on the NBC television show, America’s Got Talent. I am currently in contract until the end of October 2018. I do not know if I will be asked back as a Judge on America’s Got Talent or if they will renew my contract," the former Spice Girl said.
Additionally, there were talks that producers were so fed up with Mel B's constant demands and huge salary that they were considering Queen Latifah as her replacement.
In light of Klum and Mel B's exit from the show, Cowell assured that it had nothing to do with their judging capabilities.
"It wasn't like it wasn't working. Everyone who's been on the show over the years, judge or host, has done a brilliant job. It's just one of those shows where I think occasionally they just like to rotate the panel," he told USA Today.
Tyra Banks briefly hosted the show when Nick Cannon resigned following threats of termination from NBC executives who disapproved of racial slurs he made on a comedy special. However, according to US Weekly, she left soon after "on her own volition."
“Tyra’s leaving on her own volition and because she wants to produce and act more,” a source told Us. “She likes to produce and create.”
As for former AGT judge Howard Stern, he was replaced with Cowell who he accused of encouraging executives to fire Stern from America’s Got Talent, and hire him to take his place. The two are still going back and forth to this day.