Photo Flash: 8th Season of AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Kicks Off in New Orleans

The eighth season of AMERICA'S GOT TALENT kicked off today with auditions in New Orleans. Check out a first look at the new judges - Mel B, Heidi Klum, and returning judges Howie Mandel and Howard Stern - below!

"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 Cannonreturns 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.