Mel B on America’s Got Talent is basically a masterclass in how to be a "harsh" judge without actually being a villain. Honestly, if you grew up watching the Spice Girls, you probably expected her to be the fun, bubbly one. But then she sat behind that desk in Season 8 and everything changed. She didn't just bring the "zig-a-zig-ah" energy; she brought a level of bluntness that made even Simon Cowell look like a softie at times.
Fast forward to 2026, and looking back at her trajectory is wild. She wasn't just a placeholder for Sharon Osbourne. She became the spine of the show for six straight seasons.
The "Fired" Truth and the 2025 Homecoming
You've probably heard the rumors, but Mel B herself cleared the air recently. In a surprisingly candid interview on the Today show in May 2025, she laughed about the fact that she was basically "laid off and fired" back in 2019. It’s rare to hear a celebrity be that honest about getting the boot from a major network gig. Usually, it's all "creative differences" or "scheduling conflicts."
Not Mel. She told it like it is.
That honesty is exactly why NBC brought her back for the massive Season 20 milestone in 2025. With Heidi Klum taking a hiatus, the seat was wide open. Bringing back Mel B on America’s Got Talent wasn't just a nostalgia play; it was a tactical move to inject some grit back into a panel that many fans felt had become a bit too "nice."
Why Mel B on America's Got Talent Changed the Rules
Most judges follow a pattern. Howie Mandel is the class clown. Sofia Vergara is the charismatic heart. Simon is the "final boss" of opinions. Mel B? She’s the wild card.
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During her original run from Season 8 through Season 13, she earned a reputation for being the most difficult female judge to please. She didn't just smile and nod at mediocre singers. If a performance felt "off the chain" (her favorite catchphrase, by the way), she’d be the first one on her feet. But if it was boring? She’d let you know before the second chorus even hit.
The Golden Buzzer Evolution
Her Golden Buzzer history is actually pretty telling. For a long time, she had this specific "singers only" streak. Between Season 10 and The Champions, she almost exclusively pushed the button for vocalists.
That changed during AGT: Fantasy League in 2024.
She finally broke the pattern by hitting the gold for Billy & Emily England—that insane extreme rollerblading duo. It was a "theft" from Simon’s team, which made it even better. It showed a shift in her judging style; she started looking for the spectacle, not just the radio-ready voice.
The "Miss Kill the Mood" Reputation
When she returned for the 20th anniversary season, things got a little spicy (pun intended). Simon Cowell actually nicknamed her "Miss Kill the Mood" during the early auditions.
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Why? Because she was giving out more "no" votes than anyone else.
Some fans on Reddit and social media were torn. One side loved that she was actually judging the talent instead of just acting as a cheerleader. The other side felt she was being a "party crasher" during what was supposed to be a celebratory anniversary season.
Honestly, the show needed it.
By 2026, talent competitions have become so polished that they risk feeling fake. Having Mel B on America's Got Talent—someone who isn't afraid to look physically ill during a gross-out act or buzz an older sword dancer because the energy is lagging—keeps the stakes high. It makes the "yes" votes actually mean something again.
Breaking Down the Mel B Timeline
If you're trying to track her appearances, it’s a bit of a zigzag.
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- The Main Stint: Seasons 8 through 13 (2013–2018).
- The Spinoffs: AGT: The Champions Season 1 (2019) and AGT: Fantasy League (2024).
- The Big Return: Season 20 (2025).
She stepped in for Sharon Osbourne, left alongside Heidi Klum in 2019, and then eventually replaced Heidi for the 20th anniversary. It’s a literal game of musical chairs.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Judging
A lot of viewers think Mel B is just being "mean" for the sake of television. That’s a total misunderstanding of her background. You have to remember: this is a woman who was part of the biggest girl group in history. She knows exactly what it takes to command a stage in front of millions.
When she tells a 14-year-old singer that they don't understand the song they're singing, she isn't trying to crush their dreams. She’s giving them a reality check that the "nicer" judges are too afraid to give.
In Season 20, her critiques focused heavily on "creative direction." She panned acts that didn't capture attention fast enough. In an age of TikTok-length attention spans, she’s basically the only judge looking at the acts through a modern lens.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Acts
If you're following the show or—heaven forbid—planning to audition while Mel is on the panel, keep these three things in mind:
- Don't bore her in the first 10 seconds. Mel B has zero patience for "slow builds." If you haven't done something impressive by the time the music hits the 15-second mark, you're getting a buzzer.
- Authenticity over perfection. She has a sixth sense for "scripted" or "fake" personalities. She’s been in the industry long enough to see through the fluff.
- The "Off the Chain" Factor. To get her Golden Buzzer now, you need more than just a good voice. You need a "spectacle." Think high-energy, high-risk, and something that makes her jump out of her seat.
Mel B on America’s Got Talent remains one of the most polarizing and essential parts of the franchise. Love her or hate her, the show is objectively more interesting when she’s behind the desk. She forces the other judges to defend their "yes" votes, and she forces the contestants to actually be great, not just "good enough."