The return of AGT judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel for season 20 is “up in the air” as the show announces cast reshuffles

The future of AMERICA's Got Talent judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel on the hit reality competition show remains uncertain for its 20th season next summer.

The America's Got Talent finale took place on Tuesday night and singing janitor Richard Goodall was crowned the winner of season 19.

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Simon Cowell confirmed exclusively to The US Sun on a recent red carpet that he has not renewed their multi-million dollar contracts for next season, even though his celebrity co-stars have helped keep the NBC show at number one for several years Summer primetime ratings remained .

The British head judge and executive producer revealed that casting contestants for the milestone run remains his priority.

When asked if Sofia, 52, Heidi, 51, and Howie, 68, will return next season, Simon grinned and said: “You know I can't answer that.”

“Let’s start with the casting. Let me get the casting right first and then the other parts will work.”

Executives have teased bringing back former judges from previous seasons to sit in on auditions or return for the finale next summer, including Baywatch star David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan.

Asked which former justices wouldn't like to return, he laughed: “You know the answer to that!”

“I mean, seriously, I always say this: They don't tune in to see us, it's the performances. And luckily they fly in from all over the world and you see things you've never seen before. If I hadn't done this show, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to see artists like that.

“The fact that they fly in and step up their game is what I keep telling producers, always, always, always understand. Without actions we are nothing. They really won't just be watching us.

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HOWIE AND HEIDI'S REACTION

The news came as a shock to Simon's long-time friend Howie.

Responding to Simon's refusal to confirm his job, Howie joked: “What a disappointing moment. Now I’m speechless.”

“I don’t pitch. I would like to come back.”

He then joked that given series winner Richard's life-changing appearance in 2024 thanks to AGT, he could replace him as his Indiana middle school's janitor.

“I’m going to get on a plane and sing somewhere. I could also be a janitor in Terre Haute, Indiana. You don't know that. I could clean up in season 20. Get me a rag.”

Heidi added that it was “amazing” to be part of NBC's top show and that she loves her role on the series.

“I'm just there to have a good time.

“I feel like I'm one of many voices that think the same way I do, and I'm just saying it for them.

“The same goes for Simon. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who agree with what he says. We are all different people and have different feelings about what we see on stage. So I feel like we all have different voices of people at home. “

BUZZER BEAT

Howie may be most worried about his future given the tension audiences experienced earlier this season.

In the quarterfinals, The US Sun documented the dispute between Simon and Howie over sending the Japanese dance group Airfootworks to the final.

Although it was Howie's week to dish out a golden buzzer, Simon took over and pressed it instead, sending the act to the finals.

Moments later, on the red carpet, Howie yelled across the room to Simon, “Why did you pick my number?” and “You tried to steal my golden buzzer.”

Simon ignored his angry judge and instead opted to pose for photos with Heidi and presenter Terry Crews.

However, Howie marched back to the carpet and purposefully stood in front of the AGT boss to protect him from photographers.

As Heidi pulled him away, an unhappy Simon complained, “You can't do that!”

Simon was then on the receiving end of another jab from Howie, who was also angry for touching his co-star's hand during the scuffle as he hit the buzzer.

The famous germaphobe shot back at Simon: “In 15 years, boys, that's the only hand I've ever accidentally touched.”

Simon grinned at the drama and then served his own cocktail, telling the stand-up: “I've given you so much material!”

As Howie stormed back to the TV interview area, Simon cheekily added: “Sorry.”

However, speaking to The US Sun, Howie admitted that he wasn't sure if he could make peace with Simon over the buzzer move.

When asked, “How are you going to handle this?” Mandel replied, “I don’t know. I’ll talk to HR.”

America's Got Talent judges

THOUSANDS of hopefuls have taken to the America's Got Talent stage to show off their skills.

WINNER OF THE 19TH SEASON

All judges agreed that Indiana school janitor Richard, 55, was a deserving season 19 winner.

The talented singer captured the hearts of America with his powerful performances and heartwarming story of how he found love and success later in life.

Richard previously spoke to The US Sun about how winning the $1 million prize will change his life and that of his new wife Angela forever.

Richard said he hopes to emulate Britain's Got Talent enigmas Paul Potts and Susan Boyle by having a biopic or documentary made about his life.

Angela added that fans might be shocked at some of the darker trials Richard faced throughout his life.

“Richard’s life would make a great film. The biggest? I just can't show it to the world yet. It’s just life that hasn’t been kind.”

As for the casting of Richard, he says it would be “cool” if Zac Efron played him.

“He probably needs to gain a little weight, though. This sounds like fun and I’m ready to take on anything.”

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