‘America’s Got Talent:’ Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum Sign On As Season 15 Judges

The judges’ table is finally filled out for America’s Got Talent Season 15.

Modern Family star Sofia Vergara has come on board the hit reality series as its new judge. In addition, Heidi Klum is returning to the show after a year away. They will be joining returning judges Simon Cowell, who is also AGT’s creator and executive producer, and Howie Mandel. Terry Crew remains as host.

Vergara is coming off an 11-season run from the ABC Emmy-winning series Modern Family as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett. The role has earned her four Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations. The Columbian actress and model is also known for her work in Hot Pursuit, Happy Feet Two, and Meet The Browns. With her upcoming post on the show, Vergara will be the first Latina judge of America’s Got Talent.

“I’m so happy to join my new family on ‘AGT,’” Vergara said. “This is a new and exciting next chapter for me and I’m extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can’t wait to watch all the talent and have fun with all you guys!”

“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 in a statement. “As both a respected actress and successful entrepreneur, she embodies the American dream that is synonymous with AGT’s transformative stage.”

Klum had a lengthy run as a judge on AGT from 2013 to 2018. Then, she was transferred to judge the spinoff America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019. She was also the host, co-creator, and executive producer of Project Runway for 16 seasons. But, in 2018, she and show mentor Tim Gunn announced that they wouldn’t be returning to the show. The pair has signed a deal with Amazon to helm the fashion competition show Making The Cut.

“I’m so excited to be back at ‘AGT’ with Simon, Howie, and Terry,” Klum said. “The fact that Sofia Vergara is joining us is the icing on an already delicious cake.”

The pair is coming to replace Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough who weren’t retained after 2019 the 2019 season. According to Variety, Union raised concerns of a toxic culture in the show accentuated by insensitivity towards women and people of color. One of those instances was when the judge objected to a racially insensitive joke guest judge Jay Leno made that was cut from the broadcast. Union was also reportedly told that her hairstyles were “too black.”

Following the complaint, NBC and SAG-AFTRA both launched investigations into the matter. According to THR, NBC Entertainment chief Paul Telegdy announced that they’d put new practices in place if that’s what’s necessary to address the issue. The results of the investigation are expected in March.