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AMERICA’S Got Talent judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel’s future on the hit reality competition show remains up in the air for Season 20 next summer.
The America’s Got Talent finale took place on Tuesday night with singing janitor Richard Goodall being crowned the winner of Season 19.
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On a recent red carpet, Simon Cowell confirmed exclusively to The U.S. Sun that despite his celebrity co-stars helping the NBC show remain number one in the primetime summer ratings for several years, he has not renewed their multi-million dollar contracts for next season.
The British head judge and executive producer revealed casting contestants for the milestone run remains his priority.
When asked if Sofia, 52, Heidi, 51, and Howie, 68 will return next season, Simon smirked and said, ”You know I cannot answer that.
“Let’s start with casting. Let me get casting right first and then the other parts will all work.”
Executives have teased bringing back former judges from previous seasons to sit in on auditions or return for the finals next summer, including Baywatch star David Hasselhoff or Piers Morgan.
Asked which former judges would not like to return, he laughed, “You know the answer to that!
“I mean, seriously, I always say this – it is not us that they tune in to see, it is the acts. And fortunately from all over the world, they fly in and you see things they’ve never seen before. I wouldn’t have had a chance to see these kinds of acts if I was not making this show.
“So the fact they fly in and they up their game, that’s always what I keep saying to the producers, always, always, always understand. Without the acts then we are nothing. Genuinely, they’re not just going to watch us.”
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HOWIE AND HEIDI’S REACTION
The news came as a shock to Simon’s longtime friend Howie.
Reacting to Simon’s refusal to confirm his job, Howie reacted by joking, “What a disappointing moment. Now I am speechless.
“I am not pitching. I would like to come back. “
He then joked that given series winner Richard’s 2024 life-changing appearance thanks to AGT, he could replace him as the janitor of his Indiana Middle School.
“I will get on a plane and go sing some place. I could also be a janitor in Terre Haute Indiana. You don’t know. In season 20 I could be cleaning up. Get me a rag.”
Heidi added that it “was great” being part of NBC’s top show and loved her role on the series.
“I’m just there to have a good time.
“I feel like I’m one of many voices that are at home thinking the same way how I’m thinking, and I’m just voicing it for them.
“Same way with Simon. I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there that agree with what he says or what, we all are different people and we have different feelings towards what we see on the stage. So I feel like we’re all different voices of people at home. “
BUZZER BRAWL
Howie may be most concerned about his future given the tension that audiences saw earlier this season.
During the quarterfinals, The U.S. Sun captured Simon and Howie clash over sending the Japanese dance troupe Airfootworks to the final.
Even though it was Howie’s week to dish out a golden buzzer, Simon took over and pressed it instead, sending the act to the final.
In a moment on the red carpet, Howie screamed across the room to Simon, ”Why did you pick my act?” and “You tried to steal my golden buzzer.”
Simon ignored his upset judge, instead choosing to pose for pictures with Heidi and host Terry Crews.
However, Howie marched back towards the carpet and purposefully stood in front of the AGT boss, blocking him from photographers.
As Heidi pulled him away, an unhappy Simon complained, “You cannot do that!”
Simon then was on the end of another jab from Howie, who was also infuriated at having touched his co-star’s hand during the melee of pushing the buzzer.
The famous germaphobe fired back at Simon, “In 15 years guys that is the only hand I ever touched by accident.”
Grinning at the drama, Simon then served up his own zinger telling the stand-up, “I have given you so much material!”
As Howie stormed back to the TV interview area, Simon cheekily added, “Sorry about that.”
However talking to The U.S Sun, Howie admitted he was unsure whether he could make peace with Simon over the buzzer move.
When asked, “How are you going to sort it out?” Mandel replied, “I don’t know. I’m going to go speak to HR.”
America’s Got Talent judges
THOUSANDS of hopefuls have graced the America’s Got Talent stage to showcase their abilities.
SEASON 19 WINNER
All the judges did agree that Indiana school janitor Richard, 55, was a deserved winner of Season 19.
The talented vocalist won the hearts of America with his powerful performances and heartwarming tale of finding love and success later in life.
Richard previously spoke to The U.S. Sun on how taking home the $1 million prize will change his and new wife Angela’s lives forever.
Richard said he hopes he can emulate Britain’s Got Talent enigmas Paul Potts and Susan Boyle by having a film biopic or documentary made about his life.
Angela added fans may be shocked at some of the darker trials Richard has faced during his life.
“Richard’s life would be a magnificent film. The biggest thing? I just can’t put it out there for the world yet. It is just life that has not been kind.”
As for who would be cast as Richard, he feels having Zac Efron play him “would be cool.”
“He’d probably have to put on a little weight though, It sounds like fun and I’m willing to take on anything.”
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