America's Got Talent brought back a familiar face for its landmark 20th season, but not all fans are cheering.
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Mel B, the former Spice Girls star and longtime TV personality, rejoined the judging panel this season after stepping away in 2018. She previously judged AGT from 2013 to 2018 and recently returned for America's Got Talent: Fantasy League earlier this year.
Now she sits alongside returning judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel. Season 20 premiered May 27 on NBC.
Judge Receives Fan Backlash
Despite Mel B's pop culture pedigree and years of AGT experience, many fans were quick to voice frustration. Comments flooded the show's official Facebook page following a
promotional video, with critics calling her return "annoying" and "juvenile.""I didn't realize how much I would miss Heidi until I had to listen to Mel B again," one viewer posted, referencing Heidi Klum, who exited the panel after five seasons. Another wrote, "Bring back Heidi! Mel B needs to go away and grow up."
Some suggested more drastic changes. "Just keep three judges," one user said. "Or bring Steve Harvey. Always thought he'd be a good judge." While Harvey remains busy hosting Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud, his name came up more than once as a fan favorite.
Others pulled no punches: "She shouldn't have been asked back," one fan claimed. Another said, "Mel B makes you not want to watch the show with her attitude. Send her home."
Even on Reddit, the sentiment leaned negative. Several fans expressed disappointment over Mel B's on-air behavior, including her controversial move to grab Vergara's Golden Buzzer during a recent episode.
Some Support Mel B's Approach
Not everyone is calling for her exit. A number of fans defended Mel B's judging style, praising her unfiltered honesty and stage presence. While critics dominate the comment threads, a small but vocal group supports her return.
NBC has not yet revealed plans for Season 21, and it's unclear whether public reaction will influence casting decisions. But for now, Mel B is here to stay.
Versatile Performer, Global Recognition
Melanie Janine Brown, known professionally as Mel B, rose to fame in the 1990s as "Scary Spice" in the chart-topping group Spice Girls. With more than 100 million records sold, the group remains the best-selling female act of all time.
Mel B launched her solo career in 1998 and has since become a familiar face on TV. She's judged across multiple franchises, including The X Factor, The Masked Singer Australia, and Queen of the Universe, in addition to her years on AGT.
New episodes of America's Got Talent air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Whether fans are tuning in for the talent or the tension, Mel B's presence guarantees they'll be talking.
