Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B to return as 'America's Got Talent' judges

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Howie Mandel, Mel B and Heidi Klum will return as judges for Season 11 of the summer competition series America's Got Talent, NBC confirmed Wednesday.

Nick Cannon will again assume hosting duties as the show returns to Los Angeles for its live performance and results shows after several seasons in New York to accommodate former panelist Howard Stern.

Replacing Stern this season will be Got Talent creator Simon Cowell.

"Howie, Mel and Heidi have an undeniable chemistry together and bring unbridled energy to everything they do," Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late-night programming for NBC Entertainment, said in a statement. "We are very excited to bring them back along with Nick Cannon as host, and with the addition of creator Simon Cowell as a judge, the panel just got a little more interesting. We can't wait for the new season to begin."

"Without sounding too arrogant, I am going to call us the Fantastic Four," added Cowell. "I like this panel because they are slightly nuts. And, now, let's find a star."

Klum and Mel B are returning as judges for their fourth season. Mandel returns for his seventh season and Cannon for his eighth.