NBC Names Heidi Klum as Fourth 'America's Got Talent' Judge

Supermodel/designer will join fellow newcomer Mel B and returning judges Stern and Mandel

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/4/2013 11:58:10 AM

NBC is expanding the judge panel for its summer reality series America's Got Talent.

The network on Monday named Heidi Klum as the fourth judge on the upcoming season. She joins the returning Howard Stern and Howie Mandel, as well as newcomer Melanie Brown (Spice Girls' Mel B), who replaced Sharon Osbourne. Nick Cannon also returns as host.

"Heidi has an amazing career across multiple media platforms, and has built a brand that is a force in the entertainment business," said Paul Telegdy, president, alternative and late night programming, NBC. "She has achieved superstardom while balancing being a businesswoman and hard-working mom, bringing a huge amount of experience, discernment and taste to the panel. As we look to develop an act that will get the world's attention, we and the contestants will benefit from Heidi's international sensibility and understanding of what works in today's global entertainment industry."

Last summer, AGT averaged a 3.2 rating with adults 18-49 and 10.9 million viewers in its three weekly telecasts, which was down 11% and 16%, respectively from the previous year, despite the addition of Stern, which was expected to boost ratings.

Klum is the host and executive producer of Lifetime's Project Runway.