Tyra Banks named new host of Americas Got Talent

“America’s Got Talent” is about to get fierce.

The NBC show has crowned Tyra Banks as its new emcee for its upcoming twelfth season.

The former “America’s Next Top Model” host will be replacing Nick Cannon following his controversial resignation last month, judge Howie Mandel announced on Twitter Sunday night.

In a Facebook post, Cannon claimed to be quitting after he was threatened with termination for making racial jokes about the talent competition during a cable special.

“I was to be punished for a joke,” Cannon wrote. “My soul won’t allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices.”

Banks served as host for the long-running “America’s Next Top Model” reality competition series for 22 seasons — winning over viewers with her crazy facial expressions and catchphrases, such as “fierce” and “smizing” — until it was cancelled in 2015.

She said in a statement Sunday night 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 explained.

“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. I look forward to connecting with the dreamers, having fun and giving hugs and words of encouragement when needed. And maybe I’ll get one or two performers to smize for the audience!”

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