Mel B Gets Second Chance With ‘America’s Got Talent’
Mel B didn’t have a great go-round with Australia’s Got Talent.
In fact, the former Spice Girl was banned from the show after a judge ruled she was in breach of contract for work with another network. But Talent fans now have a chance to see Mel B, who is signed on as a judge in this summer’s season of America’s Got Talent.
She joins Heidi Klum and returning judges Howie Mandel and Howard Stern on season eight of the reality show, which has relocated to New York’s Radio City Music Hall.
Mel B said she ‘s looking forward to the opportunity.
“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 has already been a judge on The X Factor in the UK and Australia, but said this show will be different because she doesn’t know what to expect next.
“Someone comes on the stage and all of a sudden there’s a snake around their neck or they’re putting a sword down their throat,” she said. “Then there’s also singing and dancing. It’s truly a proper variety show, and anything can happen. It’s like experiencing a roller-coaster ride, everyone is so different, but thoroughly enjoyable.”
She said she plans on evaluating all acts equally, and is hoping to see some good talent.
“I don’t think I have a style of judging. I’m just very, very honest. That’s it,” she said. “When you watch the show, you can judge my judging for yourself, but I’m just honest. At the end of the day, whether it’s a magic act or a dancing act or a singing act, if I want to buy tickets to come see your show, I’m going to like it. As long as you’re professional and entertaining, I appreciate that.
Mel B was banned from the Australian version of Talent over a dispute between rival networks. The former Scary Spice was working for the Seven Network and scheduled to appear on an Australian version of The X Factor, but at the same time signed on to Channel Nine’s Australia’s Got Talent.
Seven Network took Mel B to court for breach on contract, winning an injunction and banning her from Australia’s Got Talent.
Justice David Hammerschlag ruled: “Under the agreement, Mel has an obligation to provide her exclusive services to Seven, and Seven is entitled to her performance of this obligation. I see no reason why she should not be ordered to keep her word that she would not work for anyone but Seven in Australia in 2013.”
Mel B makes her debut on America’s Got Talent on July 23.
