HEIDI KLUM Named Fourth & Newest Judge of NBC's AMERICAS GOT TALENT

NBC announced that supermodel/designer/executive producer/TV host Heidi Klum ("Project Runway") has been added as a new judge on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT - marking the first time that the top-rated summer series has added a fourth judge. Klum will join fellow incoming judge Mel B as well as returning judges Howie Mandel and Howard Stern beginning this summer.

The announcement was made by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC.

"Heidi has an amazing career across multiple media platforms, and has Built a brand that is a force in the entertainment business," said Telegdy. "She has achieved superstardom while balancing being a businesswoman and hard-working mom, bringing a huge amount of experience, discernment and taste to the panel. As we look to develop an act that will get the world's attention, we and the contestants will benefit from Heidi's international sensibility and understanding of what works in today's global entertainment industry."

"Heidi Klum brings huge experience to 'America's Got Talent' from her background as a model, designer, actress, TV host, producer, and successful businesswoman. She knows what it takes to be a successful entertainer," said executive producer Trish Kinane. "We warmly welcome her to Season 8 alongside Howie, Howard and Mel B."

Rob Wade, Head of U.S. Television, Syco Entertainment, said: "We are delighted to welcome Heidi Klum onto the team and look forward to her providing an exciting new dynamic to the panel this season. We hope she has as much fun making this show as we do and look forward to a great season."

"America's Got some serious Talent! I'm really excited to join the panel of AGT to see it all - from the ridiculous to the fantastic!" said Klum. "I love the surprise element of the show and not knowing what we'll see next and who will wow us. I'm also looking forward to spending time with my fellow judges - Howard Stern, Howie Mandel and Mel B!"

Klum is a major star in the fashion and entertainment world. Klum established herself as a top model, making great impact for such clients as Victoria's Secret and appearing on the covers of pop-culture mainstays, including the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

Klum is the host and executive producer of the eight-time Emmy Award-nominated "Project Runway." Klum also hosts Germany's "Next Top Model," which has been a runaway hit in that country. Her other ventures include maternity lines for A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity, a jewelry collection for QVC called Wildlife by Heidi Klum, an active wear collection for New Balance, a collection for Babies "R" Us called Truly Scrumptious by Heidi Klum, and campaigns for Ann Taylor, Dannon and Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy. She has also launched Heidi Klum on AOL, a channel for women to find information on every topic.

Klum's modeling career began in her hometown of Bergisch Gladbach in Germany, when she won a national model search. She has since worked with many of the world's top-fashion photographers, including Sante D'Orazio, Patrick Demarchelier, Gilles Bensimon, Rankin, Matthew Ralston, Arthur Elgort, Walter Chin, Robert Erdmann, Marco Glaviano, Michael Thompson, Raymond Meier, Richard Burbridge, Mark Seliger, Wayne Mazur, Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel.

She has been featured in all of the top magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Good Housekeeping, ID, W, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Allure, Lucky, Self, Town & Country, Redbook, Better Homes & Gardens, Esquire, Forbes, Arena, GQ, British GQ (for which she was named "Woman of the Year" twice in a row), French, British and German Vogue, German Elle, Self, Fitness, Dutch, New Woman and Grazia magazines.

Klum's acting appearances include Miramax's feature films "Blow Dry" and "Ella Enchanted," as well as ABC's "Spin City" and guest roles in "How I Met Your Mother," "The Devil Wears Prada," and "Sex and the City," PBS' "Sesame Street," and a voiceover for The Weinstein Company's "Hoodwinked Too." She hosted the "60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards" and has hosted various specials for MTV, TNT and CBS. She also swam with sharks for an episode for Discovery Channel's popular "Shark Week."

Klum has appeared on over 100 talk shows, including NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Ellen Degeneres Show," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The View," "Live with Kelly," NBC's "Today" show, "Good Morning America," "Piers Morgan," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."

As a testament to Klum's place in pop culture, Mattel created a Barbie in her likeness. She is also featured in the iconic Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Berlin.

Klum's charity involvements include work on behalf of such organizations as The Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the American Red Cross (as part of its Celebrity Cabinet), Worldwide Orphans Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and she was the spokeswoman for the Red Dress/Heart Health initiative for four years. Klum also appears in a PSA for the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Stand Up to Cancer program and served as the 2011 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF ambassador.

"America's Got Talent," NBC's top rated summer series from producers Simon Cowell's SYCO Television and FremantleMedia North America, returns this summer with the hottest performers from across the country ready to compete in the blockbuster reality show's eighth season. The live shows again will originate from the New York Tri-State area. This year, Klum joins the recently announced, high-octane entertainer and former Spice Girl Mel B as the newest judges who take their seats on the experienced and talented judge panel along with the outspoken, unedited radio personality, television host and author Howard Stern and comedian, TV host and producer Howie Mandel. Actor, producer and comedian Nick Cannon returns as host.

With the talent search open to acts of all ages, "America's Got Talent" has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing performers from across the country. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts - and the $1 million prize.

"America's Got Talent" is produced by Simon Cowell's SYCO Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Jason Raff, Sam Donnelly, Trish Kinane and Rob Wade are the executive producers.Please like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nbcagt and follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/nbcagt