Tyra Banks Named ‘America’s Got Talent’s’ New Host

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Tyra Banks is replacing Nick Cannon. She will be taking over as host of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, for the show’s upcoming 12th season.

Tyra Banks’ hiring comes about a month after Cannon said he would not return to the show after NBC threatened to fire him over what he said was a racial joke made during his Showtime comedy special Stand Up, Don’t Shoot.

Howie Mandel, one of the show’s judges, tweeted the news about Banks on Sunday.

In the official press release Tyra Banks said: “Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible. I love how AGT brings that feeling into everyone’s home, capturing the best of people who come out and give it their all to make those big, fierce and outrageous dreams come true. I look forward to connecting with the dreamers, having fun and giving hugs and words of encouragement when needed. And maybe I’ll get one or two performers to smize for the audience!”