*It’s official. NBC has announced Tyra Banks as the new host of “America’s Got Talent” for its 12th season to begin this summer.
The supermodel, Emmy-winner and creator of “America’s Next Top Model” will replace Nick Cannon, who left the show amid racial controversy after an eight year run.
NBC revealed Sunday that Banks will join the competition series alongside returning judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel for Season 12.
Banks said she looks forward to “connecting with the dreamers” and will try to get a few to “smize” for the audience.
Episodes will be aired live this summer from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
As previously reported, Cannon announced his departure from the show in mid-February after NBC brass bristled at a joke he made in his Showtime standup special “Stand Up Don’t Shoot.”
During the special, Cannon quipped that the network “took my real ni**a card,” and that NBC stands for “N**ger Better Come on.”
After unsubstantiated reports that NBC felt some kind of way about the joke and was weighing its options, Cannon took to Facebook to announce his departure:
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
