Photo: Trae Patton/NBC
America’s Got Talentis rolling along on season 18 — even if the judges' panel is ever-so-slightly quieter than usual.
JudgesHeidi Klum,Simon Cowell,Howie Mandel,Sofía Vergaraand hostTerry Crewsreturned to Pasadena, California, recently to kick off production on the NBC hit show’s 18th season — and PEOPLE has the exclusive First Look.
The group was all smiles as they welcomed the newest batch of contestants on stage — all with hopes of becoming the next winner ofAGT.
But season 18 threw a wrench in the works for famously sharp-tongued Cowell when he lost his voice early into taping.
“Who would have thought that season 18 would have left Simon literally speechless?” quipped Vergara, 50. “And of course Simon nominated me to give his reactions. He’s passing notes to me like we are back in school.”
Mandel, 67, continued the riff: “There are no words to describe the excitement level of season 18, That’s why it’s serendipitous that this is the season that Simon lost his voice finally.”
Cowell, 63, could only smile and whisper: “I’m at a loss for words.”
Klum, 49, is making up for Cowell’s temporarily muted persona, telling PEOPLE: “I am beyond excited to be back with myAGTfamily and find some new, exceptional talent. I can’t wait to see what the contestants are going to bring to the stage this year.”
Adds Crews, 54: “Season 18 ofAmerica’s Got TalentmeansAGTis all grown up!!! I’m so happy to be here for this milestone!”
Ahead of PEOPLE’s official First Look, the judges celebrated their first day on set with a flurry of photos over the weekend.
Klum stayed true to her supermodel roots, sharing a glam shot from behind the judges' panel.
“Back at my desk 💚 @Agt,” the modelwroteon Instagram.
Meanwhile, Mandel, 67, had a little fun taking over Klum’s Instagram feed, filming a short video of her and Vergara primping in between filming.
“Hey, we’re tapingAGT. I’m back,” he said, before pointing out his fellow judges behind him, jokingly adding: “Don’t look at them without powder. I’m showing you behind the powder.”
Klum is marking her 10th season as a judge (she appeared on seasons 8–13 and 15–18) while Mandel will celebrate his 14th year as a judge, appearing on seasons 5–18. Vergara is starting her fourth season as a judge after joining the series in season 15. Executive producer Cowell joined the panel in 2015 for season 11, with this season marking his eighth.
As for Crews, he’s been hosting the NBC hit series since season 14.
Filming on season 18 comes just a few months afterAmerica’s Got Talent: All-Starswrapped its debut season, with self-taught aerialistAidan Bryantearning the title ofwinner.
It also comes six months after Lebanese female dance troupeThe Mayyasnabbed theseason 17 crown ofAGT. The group had been frontrunners in the competition ever since their audition, which prompted Vergara to press her Golden Buzzer.
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America’s Got Talentpremieres May 30 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
source: people.com
