Will there be a contract for AGT judges Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum in Season 20? In a recent interview, Simon Cowell discussed the upcoming season, and fans couldn’t believe what he said. Fans love Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum they have been regulars for several years and it seemed like a given they would be back, but Simon Cowell said something that got fans concerned about the fate of the two judges.

AGT Returns

America’s Got Talent, also known as AGT is a talent competition. Entering its twentieth season, the show has seen lots of acts and many judges. Something that makes the show unique is its golden button. When a judge presses this at auditions, the act is sent automatically to the live show even if the other judges disagree.

As the creator of the series, Simon Cowell has control of the contracts and acts. The other judges from Season 19 include Howie Mandell, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara. All have been judges for at least five seasons with the conclusion of Season 19.

Airing on NBC, the show showcases the craziest hidden talents of all ages. The judges decide if the competitors move forward in the show each week. One of the talented performers gets to win $1 million. The series often brings back other winners or performances that stunned the judges.
Howie Mandell | YouTube

Simon Cowell Takes Charge

Simon Cowell was also a judge on American Idol. Despite not being a beloved judge due to his sometimes so-honest-it’s-hurtful remarks, everyone wanted to impress him. Reportedly, he eventually left the series to join the U.S. version of X-Factor, but when it was canceled he returned to the British version.

Furthermore, Cowell did not like the age limit for American Idol, believing that age should not determine one’s singing ability. Since becoming a judge on AGT, the judge has seemingly become nicer. Perhaps this means the talent is better or he has had a change of heart.

Even though Cowell has been friends with fellow judges like Howie Mandell, it does not seem to stop him from making the decisions he wants. Allegedly, Cowell stole the golden buzzer moment from Mandell when it was his week to press it. Despite pushback from Mandell, Cowell seems to ignore his long-time friend.

Mandell allegedly made his feelings known to Cowell at a red carpet-event. He reportedly said, “Why did you pick my act? You tried to steal my golden buzzer.” When Cowell refused to answer him, he blocked his friend and boss from being photographed. To this, Simon allegedly responded, “You cannot do that!”
Simon Cowell | YouTube

The Sun revealed that Howie was holding a grudge against Cowell for this and did not seem able to move forward. They asked him, “How are you going to sort it out?” Mandel’s response might’ve cost him his judge’s spot as he said, “I’m going to speak to HR.”

Will Simon Be Bringing The Season 19 Judges Back?

The creator of AGT was recently asked about the upcoming season to which he had an interesting reply. The winner of Season 19 was only crowned on Tuesday, but things appear to be quickly moving forward.

Cowell reportedly told The Sun that he has yet to renew the contracts of the Season 19 judges for Season 20. When specifically asked about their return he said, “You know I cannot answer that.” Then, he tried to play it off by saying, “Let’s start with casting. Let me get casting right first and then the other parts will all work out.”

Additionally, Cowell highlighted the fact that the judges do not matter as much because people tune in to see the acts. He explained, “Without the acts then we are nothing. Genuinely, they’re not just going to watch us.”
Simon Cowell | YouTube

Reportedly, Howie was shocked about the news of Simon putting off renewing his contract. His response was, “What a disappointing moment. Now I am speechless.” He also added, “I am not pitching. I would like to come back.”

With the possible loss of his job, Mandel joked that he would take over the previous winner’s janitor job. Moreover, he expressed “I will get on a plane and go sing someplace. I can be a janitor in Terre Haute Indiana. You don’t know. In Season 20 I could be cleaning up. Get me a rag.”

Is it possible Howie might have to beg Simon Cowell for his job after the buzzer debacle? Will he be punished by being a janitor for the show? Or will Cowell kick him off completely?

Heidi Klum’s Reaction

Additionally, Heidi seemed to take a different approach to the news. She expressed how she loved being a part of the series and that she was “just there to have a good time.”
Heidi Klum | YouTube

In addition, she expressed being a voice of the people, saying, “I feel like I’m one of many voices that are at home thinking the same way how I’m thinking, and I’m just voicing it for them.” Furthermore, she connected it to Simon, seemingly sucking up to her AGT boss.

The judge praised, “Same way with Simon. I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there that agree with what he says … we all are different people and we have different feelings towards what we see on the stage. So I feel like we’re all different voices of people at home.”

Will Simon Cowell Bring back the AGT judges or will he switch it up? What are your thoughts on the creator’s actions? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more news at TVShowsAce.