Mel B on Joining America's Got Talent Season 8: "I've Been a Fan for Years — Who Would've Thought I'd Be on That Panel?"

Mel B said it plainly: "What you see is what you get with us on camera — and off camera we have even more fun because we can say totally inappro…" — and Premier Guide Miami was in the room when it happened.

On May 28, 2013, Mel B joined a press call ahead of her first season as a judge on NBC's America's Got Talent . She had moved her entire family from Australia to Los Angeles within weeks of accepting the offer. Season 8 was also the first with four judges — Mel B and Heidi Klum joining returning judges Howie Mandel and Howard Stern. The season premiered Tuesday, June 4th at 9 p.m. Eastern. Daedrian McNaughton spoke with Mel B about the chemistry on and off camera, and what it meant to finally be on the other side of the judging table.

What you see is what you get with us on camera — and off camera we have even more fun because we can say totally inappropriate things to each other.

Is the chemistry for everyone off camera as great as it is for the two of you on screen?

I think what you see is what you get with us on camera, and then off camera we have even more fun sometimes because we can say totally inappropriate things to each other that wouldn't be that appropriate for the family show of AGT. But I mean I think all of us as judges are very, very honest, and I sit next to Howie and he has me cracking up every five seconds, and that's what I really respect about all four of us. We all hold our own and we're just all very honest. And we all think differently sometimes.

What is your favorite part of this season thus far?

For me, the best thing is just to join the show. I've been a fan of this show for years. I've sat and watched with my whole entire family, so it's kind of like an honor to be finally on that judging panel. I mean, who would've thought? I wouldn't have thought actually I would even have this opportunity, so I'm just really thankful.

On the four-judge format and raising the bar

Mel B was clear that the expanded panel had raised the stakes for every act: "We've all come from different backgrounds and we've all experienced a lot in our own professional career. Sometimes we all agree when the act is amazing. More often than not, we actually disagree. But we've all got valid points because our opinions are coming from a place of professionalism." She also had no patience for comedians who weren't landing: "If they don't rise to the occasion, I'm going to tell you why I don't like you — because you're not funny."

On moving from Australia for the show

Asked what made her say yes, Mel B was matter-of-fact: "I was living in Australia and I got offered the job and I said yes. It wasn't even a thought of, 'Well, I've got to move the whole family back to LA.' I checked in with my kids that they didn't mind moving school and then we were just here within like a couple of weeks and it's been the best move ever." America's Got Talent Season 8 premiered Tuesday, June 4th at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC.

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