'America's Got Talent' Season 8, 2013 Spoilers: Judges Not Just Looking for Singers? [VIDEOS]
With the season 8 premiere of America's Got Talent airing Tuesday, the show's four judges have been dishing about what they're looking for this year.
NBC released new interviews with each of the four judges in which they talked about their fellow judges, what they like to see onstage and why they love America's Got Talent.
Mel B, of Spice Girls fame, said that she's taking her new judging role very seriously.
"I guess I can be a bit of a toughie," she said, "It's all fun and game backstage but when it's on that panel it's serious."
She noted that she has good banter with fellow judge Howard Stern, who she called "Grumpy."
Joining Mel B as a new judge is Heidi Klum, but the supermodel admitted that she's had a harder time saying no to certain acts.
"For me it's still hard. I don't know if I'm gonna get harder or harsher as I go but it kind of breaks my heart, though" she said.
She explained that she "changed the rules" for one singer, allowing him to sing another song after the judges' 2-2 split would've meant elimination.
Howie Mandel, who referred to himself as "the elder statesman" of the panel, explained that each judge has their own stake in the entertainment industry, so you want to hear from all of them.
He said that the fact that the show isn't just singers and dancers is part of the appeal, and, in that regard, "It's the only show on television where you can't guess what happens next."
Sophomore judge Howard Stern agreed that they aren't just looking for singers, explaining that singing competitions (American Idol, The Voice, The X Factor) are rather played out. He also pointed out that being technically proficient at a talent doesn't necessarily mean everything: "In the dance category, I see people who are particularly proficient at dancing but are not stars."
The promos shown thus far of the new season have gone along with Mandel and Stern's opinions, severely downplaying singers, especially.
America's Got Talent will have its two-hour season premiere Tuesday, June 4 at 9 p.m. on NBC.
