America’s Got Talent starts shooting on March 4 and Heidi Klum will be taking one of the judge’s seats, as the Project Runway host signed on at the very last minute!

Heidi Klum: ‘America’s Got Talent’ Judge

America’s Got Talent secured Heidi in a last minute negotiation and the model headed to New Orleans on March 3, sources close to NBC tell TMZ.

The show will hold its first audition in the city of Mardi Gras. And just in case you are someone who needs to see to believe, TMZ obtained a photo from set, showcasing Heidi’s name on the judging panel, right under the big infamous X!

Heidi will join judges Howie Mandel, Howard Stern and newbie Mel B. So not only will the judges panel be hot this year, it’ll also be spicy!

Heidi Klum Replacing Sharon Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne quit America’s Got Talent last year, under controversial circumstances. Sharon believes her son, Jack Osbourne, was unfairly fired from NBC’s Stars Earn Stripes because he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. ”I just can’t be fake,” she told The New York Post at the time. “It’s discrimination, and it was badly handled.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Is Heidi a good pick for AGT?

Watch: Britney Spears & Heidi Klum Bare Mom Cleavage

— Chris Rogers

Follow
@ChrisRogers86
More ‘America’s Got Talent’ News:

1. Kris Jenner: ‘America’s Got Talent’ Judge? — Replacing Sharon Stone?
2. Sharon Osbourne: ‘Not Returning’ As Judge On ‘America’s Got Talent’
3. Howard Stern Signs On As ‘America’s Got Talent’ Judge — The Deal Is Done

After what seemed like a never-ending season of blood, sweat and talent, a winner — or should I say winners — was crowned on America’s Got Talent. So which act eventually won the $1 million prize and will be headlining a show in Las Vegas? Drumroll please…

Olate Dogs! That’s right — the mind-blowing, adorable, high-flying canine acrobats are going to Vegas!

The rest of the contestants were eliminated one-by-one throughout the hour, in the following order:

6. The Untouchables

5. Joe Castillo

4. David Garibaldi & The CMYKs

3. William Close (I wasn’t the only one bummed. Sharon Osbourne cried, then promised William that Simon Cowell would do “great things” for him. It was kind of weird, actually.)

2. Tom Cotter

I should also note that the results were punctuated by performances from special guests, including an awkward song-and-dance-and-strip number by Justin Bieber.

What do you think of the final results, America? Did the Olate dogs deserve their collective victory, or are you shocked the competition ended up going to the dogs? Vote below, then drop a comment with more of your thoughts.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More America’s Got Talent:

1. ‘America’s Got Talent’ Semi-Finals Results: First 3 Finalists Revealed
2. ‘America’s Got Talent’ Semi-Finals: Has William Close Already Won?
3. Kris Jenner ‘Doesn’t Have A Chance’ At Joining ‘America’s Got Talent’

Justin Bieber may not technically be an American, but he’s definitely got talent! The Biebs swagged his way onto the Sept. 13 season finale of America’s Got Talent, bringing Big Sean along for a cool-then-awkward performance of their new musical baby “As Long As You Love Me.”

On-point dancing? Check. Crazy-awesome laser light display? Check. Back-up dancers in sparkly bras? Double check.

The only iffy part of the whole thing was Justin’s post-performance interview with host Nick Cannon. As the crowd of girls screamed for their Canadian prince, Justin started rolling up his sleeves. Then he took off his gloves. Then he kind of lowered his pants a little.

Even Nick had to ask what he was doing, to which Justin replied with a message for the crowd: “What’s up, ladies?”

Cue more screaming.

Watch Justin and Sean on America’s Got Talent below, then drop a comment with your personal review of the Biebs’ performance — both during and after the song:

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More America’s Got Talent:

1. ‘America’s Got Talent’ Semi-Finals Results: First 3 Finalists Revealed
2. ‘America’s Got Talent’ Semi-Finals: Has William Close Already Won?
3. Kris Jenner ‘Doesn’t Have A Chance’ At Joining ‘America’s Got Talent’

You don’t have to be a psychic, or Eric Dittelman, to know that tonight’s season finale of America’s Got Talent will end with William Close getting his own show in Las Vegas. Not only is he a favorite of the judges — Howard Stern, Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne — but last night, the panel practically begged viewers to cast their vote for the musical marvel. (I believe their exact words were “Vote! Vote! Vote!”)

Of course, there is one potential obstacle standing between William and certain victory. HollywoodLife.com polled our readers after last night’s penultimate episode, and as of this post, William was tied with comedian Tom Cotter!

Truth be told, I don’t think any one act deserves to win tonight. My ideal Vegas show would combine Joe Castillo‘s sand artistry with William’s music — and, of course, the Olate Dogs would provide additional entertainment immediately following intermission.

But since we don’t get to mix-and-match our favorite acts, tell me which one YOU think deserves to win it all tonight:

Also, check out William’s performance from last night — just in case you need more convincing:

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More America’s Got Talent:

1. ‘America’s Got Talent’ Semi-Finals Results: First 3 Finalists Revealed
2. ‘America’s Got Talent’ Semi-Finals: Has William Close Already Won?
3. Kris Jenner ‘Doesn’t Have A Chance’ At Joining ‘America’s Got Talent’

The 12 acts from last night’s episode of America’s Got Talent returned to the stage Aug. 29, where Nick Cannon revealed which three will be continuing on to the finals, and there were quite a few surprises — and disappointments. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Here’s who DID make it through:

Sand artist Joe Castillo

Giant harpist William Close

Comedian Tom Cotter

And here’s who DIDN’T make it through:

Contortionist/street dancer Turf

Robotic dance duo The Scott Brothers

Goth opera singer Andrew de Leon

Dance crew Academy of Villains

Donovan & Rebecca

Pianist/singer Edon

Singer Bria Kelly

Magician Eric Dittelman

Dog ventriloquist Todd Oliver

While some of the results were predictable — we all know William is going to win this thing — I was actually pretty surprised (and bummed) by a few of the acts eliminated this week. Turf? Donovan & Rebecca? Eric Dittelman? These acts are all insanely talented, and I’d pay real non-Monopoly dollars to see any of them in a Las Vegas show.

How do you feel about the three acts sent through? Were they all worthy of competing in the finals? Drop a comment with your reaction to tonight’s surprising reveals.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

It was a night of magic, music and mayhem on the Aug. 28 episode of America’s Got Talent, as Nick Cannon presented the final 12 acts for America — and the show’s illustrious panel — to judge.

And while everyone did a great job, it seems as though William Close has a leg up on the competition. Howie Mandel, speaking for his fellow judges, proclaimed that William is their absolute favorite. Sharon Osbourne also urged America to vote for William. And Howard Stern officially labeled William the competition’s “frontrunner.”

Here’s a quick rundown of the 12 remaining acts (if there’s a *** next to an act, that means it’s one of my personal choices):

Andrew De Leon, opera singer

Todd Oliver, dog ventriloquist

Donovan & Rebecca, gymnasts

Edon, singer

The Scott Brothers, dancers

Eric Dittelman, magician

Turf, contortionist/dancer ***

Bria Kelly, singer

Joe Castillo, sand artist ***

William Close, (giant) harpist ***

Tom Cotter, comedian

Academy of Villains, dance crew

Vote below for the three acts YOU think should make it to next week’s semi-finals!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

After America’s finger-dialing votes, America’s Got Talent whittled down the playing field from 12 to four on the Aug. 15 episode. Despite explosive hype surrounding the performances last night, only a handful proved to be able to sustain a certain level of viral marketability. Plus, Karmin — the super hot duo that began as a YouTube cover group — scorched the stage and demonstrated exactly what it means to want the limelight.

Justin Bieber, who recently released a brand new album, aired a clip of his new music video “As Long as You Love Me.” (Lest you forget, his career, too, began on the small screen.) And Randel, a YT comedian, took the stage in a little judging-gouging segment of his own.

In between the musical performances and videos, host Nick Cannon got down to the nitty gritty of delivering the results.

Here’s how it all went down:

Eliminated:

Reverse Order
Cast in Bronze
Rudy Coby
7 in Unison
Eric Buss
Melinda Hill
Romeo Dance Cheetah

Acts Moving Forward:

Academy of Villains
Bria Kelly
The Magic of Puck

As with the previous rounds, the esteemed panel of judges were given the gavel to decide with act would be moving forward to the semifinals and which one was sent to the metaphorical prison sell. It came down between the guitar-strumming Drew Erwin and the bird-flapping Clint Carvalho.

Howard Stern and Sharon Osbourne both voted for Clint, and because it was a two-thirds majority, Howie Mandel was not required to lay out his thoughts. That means Clint will move forward to the next round.

Goodbye, Drew, we hardly knew ye. (Major pouty face.)

So, Hollywoodlifers, what did you think about those results? Did YOUR favorite act make it through?

— Jason Scott

On the August 14 episode, America’s Got Talent returned after a three-week Olympic hiatus with a two-hour stroll down viral YouTube land. Twelve acts — all of whom participated in the online audition process — took to the flashy stage to impress. “They went from their room to our room,” judge Howie Mandel commented in the opening video montage. But whether it was nerves or simply a lack of talent, most of the performers failed to live up to the hype of the evening.

Clint Carvalho and his Extreme Parrots — Kitten the Stunt Parrot:

After position his Kitten atop a nearby building, Clint took to the stage in front of the judges for his performance. After cattle calling “Kitty, Kitty, Kitty” about a half dozen times, Kitten swooped and swirled through the open doorways of the arena and over the audiences heads. Very cool trick, but can the bird do anything else? Clint said yes.”You must be the bird whisperer,” Sharon commented.

Reverse Order (pop/rock band) — “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry:

While the idea of flipping a delicious pop anthem on its head and reworking the arrangement isn’t original, these band of cute guys are extremely talented vocalists and musicians. Those electric guitar licks were killer! “I think you need time to gel,” Howard pointed out. (Well, obviously, the at-home experience was quite different.)
Rudy Coby — Magician / Illusionist — “Puppet Boy” by Devo

In his routines, he tries to “make a nightmare come to life,” he said in his intro package. Bizarrely enough, his entire performance consisted of the manipulation of various wooden and electronic creepy-eyed puppets. It certainly was different and “out there” enough, but he lacked a rigid discipline and cohesiveness. “You have something interesting going,” Howard pointed out, but noted that in the middle of the act, the crowd got bored.

7 in Unison (dance crew) — “Fever” by Peggy Lee:

Set to a slow jazz standard, the troupe of young girls took the stage in Las Vegas-style red and gold dresses decked to the nines in sparkly frills. The performance lacked energy and a definitive wow factor. “I wasn’t as wowed as I was bored,” Howie critiqued. (That pretty much summed it up.)

Drew Erwin (singer/musician) — “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia:

As noted by host Nick Cannon, he received the highest number of votes during the online contest. Typically, I’m opposed to acoustic flips of popular hits, but this dude was groovin’! While his vocals are smoothly decent at best, his arrangement and guitar skills should be commended. “You’re not ready for this competition,” Howard comments.

Melinda Hill (comedian):

Did she crash and burn? Her standup consisted of jabs at old boyfriends, Facebook relationship status updates, her mom, and a recent London trip. She set the bar pretty high at the outset and quickly nosedived into oblivion. There were several completely awkward moments when she was waiting for an audience reaction…and nothing. “I loved the beginning and then it kind of went downhill,” Sharon commented. “The atmosphere [in the room] was a little bit icy.”

Eric Buss (performer):

If Mickey Mouse was a human being, it would have been Eric. It was as if he was plucked straight of the streets of Disney World and plopped on stage. His styrofoam french fry act was mediocre, at best, and Howie dubbed it a “million dollar birthday.” Ouch! Not exactly what he wanted to hear.

Romeo Dance Cheetah (air guitar) — “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by the Darkness:

Come again?! It was a real-life version of Guitar Hero, just not as engaging. After donning Queen-like attire, he took to the stage with unrelenting swagger. Dude has some moves, I give him that. “I don’t know where to begin. What is going on?!” Sharon laughed. Needless to say, she was at a loss for words. “You’re very good at mime,” she continued. (At least that’s something, right?)

The Magic of Puck (magician) — “Shake Senora” by Pitbull:

Set to reggae-inspired music, his stunt involved a cute little handkerchief that came to life. It wasn’t anything original, but his delivery was impeccable. Several moments, such as when the white piece of cloth jumped into his elbow, were timed with such tight precision that the judges predicted that he would be voted through to the next round. “You’re very confident up there,” Sharon comments. “I like that.”

Bria Kelly (country singer/musician) — “Gunpowder and Lead” by Miranda Lambert:

As far as singing acts go, she’s certainly one of the best. Her vibrato, however, was a bit too much throughout most of her performance. On the other hand, when she crescendoes into her higher register and belts the notes, she possesses quite a lovely grit to her voice. A definite standout of the evening.

Cast in Bronze (musician/performer):

“Now I’m just a spirit of the bells,” the mysterious contestant said in his pre-performance package. He’s a modern day Phantom of the Opera! Clad in an eerily gold bird mask and black ensembler, seated in front of carillon bells, he stroked the keys of carillon bells with a unique twist on “Carol of the Bells.” Christmas arrived early! (Where’s Santa?)

Academy of  Villains (theatre/hip-hop group) — “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen & “Whatevu” by Remy Ma:

Straight away, this act was something special. I mean, come on, they began the act as a lead dancer entered the stage through a casket. Entertaining, engaging, crisp, cool would be the words to describe this performance. They mixed a fantastic theatrical element with intense hip-hop dance moves. After creating red-induced faces with their arms and hands, there was a cosmic shift in the performance as they broke out super hot dance moves. “We saved the best for last,” Howie exclaimed. (Yup. Indeed.)

Well, that’s a wrap, folks! As with previous rounds, four acts will be voted through to the semifinals tomorrow night.

Jason’s predictions: Academy of Villains, Bria Kelly, The Magic of Puck and Drew Erwin will continue on.

What are your predictions? What was your favorite act of the night? Drop a comment with the acts you think deserve to stick around, and which ones should say goodbye?

— Jason Scott