Tyra Banks is hosting the 12th season of America's Got Talent.
NBC said Sunday that the supermodel, Emmy-winner and creator of America's Next Top Model will be joining the competition series alongside returning judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, who made the announcement in a tweet Sunday.
Surprise! TyTy is the new host of #AGT @nbcagt! Can't wait 2work w/new fam @OfficialMelB @howiemandel @heidiklum & @SimonCowell
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) March 12, 2017
Banks will be taking over hosting duties from Nick Cannon, who left the show earlier this year after eight years in the post.
Cannon resigned after he claimed on his Facebook page last month that he was threatened with termination by network executives for making racial jokes about the talent competition during a Showtime comedy special.
Banks was host for 22 seasons of America's Next Top Model and used catchphrases such as "fierce" and 'smizing." Banks said she looks forward to "connecting with the dreamers" and will try to get a few to "smize" for the audience.
In a statement Sunday night, Banks said that she looked forward to being part of another show where people get the chance to have their dreams come true.
"Since I was a little girl, I've been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible," Banks said.
"I love how 'AGT' brings that feeling into everyone's home, capturing the best of people who come out and give it their all to make those big, fierce and outrageous dreams come true."
Paul Telegdy, president of NBC Entertainment's alternative and reality group, told The Los Angeles Times that Banks is "the complete package: Out-of-this-world talented, funny, brilliant and all heart."
Contestants in the popular summer series come out to show off a wide array of talents to compete for a $1 million prize.
Episodes will be aired live this summer from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
