REPORT Mel B to join America’s Got Talent as judge

Melanie Brown is reportedly the latest celebrity to join America’s Got Talent as a judge. The Spice Girl and mother to three will be replacing Sharon Osbourne, who was with the show since it’s second season. Mel B will appear alongside Howard Stern and Howie Mandel, both returning for the show’s eighth season.

“Simon [Cowell] loves trying people out on his shows,” a source reveals to Daily Mail, also confirming that Mel is in fact joining the AGT season 8 cast. “Mel’s already been a judge on X Factor Australia and it’s too far for her to keep taking the kids. She did want to do X Factor UK, but Simon really wanted her to do America’s Got Talent.”

“She’s outspoken and never afraid to speak her mind, she makes for good TV. NBC execs will be watching through their eyes – let’s hope they won’t be using the delay button on live TV,” the source adds.

Melanie previously served as a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor and also guest hosted on the UK version were she became a favorite of Simon’s and also of the viewers.

Sharon announced her exit from the show last summer after claiming NBC execs treated her son Jack unfairly after his MS diagnosis. At the time, she told the NY Post that he was cut from an upcoming show called Stars Earn Stripes because of it. “I just can’t be fake. It’s discrimination, and it was badly handled,” she said.

So far, NBC has no comment on Mel joining AGT.

Top Photo: Judy Eddy/WENN.com