America’s Got Talentwill be missing two familiar faces when it returns for its next season.
JudgesJulianne HoughandGabrielle Union, who both joined the reality competition show for its most recent season, will not return for the upcoming season 15.Simon Cowell,Howie MandelandTerry Crewsare expected to be back for the next season.
Varietywas the first to report the news.
Union, 47, and Hough, 31, wereannouncedas the newest judges ofAGTin February, replacingMel BandHeidi Klum. Crews also joined the show during season 14, taking over hosting duties fromTyra Banks.
It’s unclear who will replace Hough and Union for the upcoming season.
Trae Patton/NBC(2)
The winner ofAGTseason 14 was announced in September. After weeks of competition, singer Kodi Lee, who is blind and was diagnosed with autism, wascrowned the champion. Lee bested fellow finalists opera singer Emanne Beasha, violinistTyler Butler-Figueroa, dance troupe Light Balance Kids, singer Benicio Bryant and Ndlovu Youth Choir.
AGTspinoffAmerica’s Got Talent: The Championsalso changed up its judging panel for its upcoming second season, and PEOPLE exclusivelyrevealed the first looklast month.
Newcomer Alesha Dixon, who is a longtime fan-favorite judge onBritain’s Got Talent, will join Cowell, Mandel and Klum as judges on the spinoff, replacing Mel B.
Kodi Lee.Trae Patton/NBC
In September, Hough and Unionreflected on their inaugural seasonofAGT,telling PEOPLE: “What I’ve learned about being a part of this show is the fact that talent is ageless, genderless and it’s for everyone.” Hough added that the show is “so inclusive and allows people to be fully expressed.”
Meanwhile, Union described her first-time as anAGTjudge as “emotional.”
“It’s emotional for me to watch people come so close to their dreams coming true and being so close. Seeing their faces contort and anguish in pain, I don’t like it. I don’t find that entertaining,” she said.
Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, Howie Mandel and Terry Crews celebrate Kodi Lee.Trae Patton/NBC
“Hopefully, it’s going to be a little easier for parents with special needs children to get the resources that they need,” theL.A.’s Finestactress said of Lee being an example to others. “All of them can get the chance for their dreams to come true and for them to reach their fullest potential.”
America’s Got Talentis expected to return in 2020.
source: people.com
