Summer's most popular series, "America's Got Talent" is returning for the 11^th season and NBC has confirmed the new judging panel. Judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Heidi Klum will return to the panel as well as the previously announced judge, Simon Cowell!

Cowell is the creator of "America's Got Talent" and will be sitting among the judges for the first time this season. In addition to the judges, Nick Cannon, will assume his hosting duties once again this season.

Paul Telegdy, President of Alternative and Late-Night Programming, NBC Entertainment said, ""We are very excited to bring them back along with Nick Cannon as host, and with the addition of creator Simon Cowell as a judge, the panel just got a little more interesting. We can't wait for the new season to begin," according to NBC's press release.

"America's Got Talent" auditions are underway with upcoming stops in the cities of Kansas City (Jan. 23), Atlanta (Jan. 30), Los Angeles (Feb. 6), Orlando (Feb. 19) and Dallas (Feb. 27).

Photo credit: NBC