There is a seat at the table for Sofia Vergara on the judging panel of America’s Got Talent season 15. Vergara joins returning judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum, who is making a comeback after a year break from the show.
“Sofia’s infectious energy and sharp wit will blend perfectly with returning favorites Heidi, Simon, Howie, and Terry,” Meredith Ahr, president of NBC Entertainment’s alternative and reality group, said Thursday in a statement. “As both a respected actress and successful entrepreneur, she embodies the American dream that is synonymous with AGT’s transformative stage.”
“As we head into our milestone 15th season, we are excited to welcome Sofia to the AGT family. We are also delighted at the return of the amazing Heidi Klum and look forward to a lot of fun as these dynamic, accomplished women join Simon, Howie and host Terry Crews to inspire contestants in a fun-filled and unpredictable series,” added Trish Kinane, president entertainment programming at AGT.
The addition of Vergara to the AGT judges comes in the middle of ongoing investigations concerning the exit of former judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough after last season. Union sparked some toxic culture speculations on how things are done on the show when she revealed that her exit was as a result of some offensive comments passed on about women and people of color.
Vergara is a four-time Emmy nominee for her work on ABC’s Modern Family, which wraps its 11-season run in the spring. Her feature credits include Hot Pursuit, Jon Favreau’s Chef and Wild Card, among others.
