Sofia Vergara joins ‘America’s Got Talent’ as a new judge for Season 15
Sofia Vergara is closing the door on ABC’s “Modern Family,” but a new show is waiting in the wings.
The actress will join NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” as a new judge this season, alongside Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel.
Terry Crews will also return as host when the show returns in late summer.
“I’m so happy to join my new family on ‘AGT,’” Vergara said in a statement. “This is a new and exciting next chapter for me and I’m extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can’t wait to watch all the talent and have fun with all you guys!”
Vergara replaces Season 14 judges Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union.
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Soon after news broke in November that Union and Hough were being dropped after one season, Variety reported on a “toxic culture” at the show that included racist jokes and excessive focus on female judges’ appearances, including race-related comments.
Union later reported speaking her “unfiltered truth” during a “productive” five-hour meeting with NBC, which is investigating the complaints and promising changes, if necessary, according to NBC Entertainment chief Paul Telegdy.
Crews, who has hosted “AGT” since last year, shot down allegations of racism during an appearance on the “Today” show in January, calling the talent show “the most diverse place I have ever been in my 20 years of entertainment.”
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He has since apologized to Union. “I want you to know it was never my intention to invalidate your experience – but that is what I did,” he said on Twitter Jan 31. “I apologize.”
Meanwhile, new “AGT” judge Vergara has been sharing emotional posts on Instagram of her last days with the “Modern Family” crew, including a video showing her singing Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” with her castmates.
