Mel B from Spice Girls is judge on America's Got Talent

Mel B is joining the judging panel of the TV show America's Got Talent.

Broadcaster NBC confirmed she would be replacing Sharon Osbourne, who quit the NBC series over a decision to drop her son Jack from another reality show.

Mel B, known as Scary Spice when she was part of the 1990s five piece British girl band the Spice Girls, will join shock jock Howard Stern and comedian Howie Mandel as a judge.

NBC described Mel B as an "exciting addition".

In a statement the network said: "Our line-up of judges promises that fans will see a strong, talented and opinionated woman match up against our equally outspoken judges."

Sharon Osbourne presented the international female award at the Brits

Mel B, whose real name is Melanie Brown, added in a statement: "It's so exciting to be bringing some Girl Power to the panel."

The singer recently finished a stint as a stand-in judge at some auditions on The X Factor.

Nationwide auditions for the new season of America's Got Talent will start on 4 March in New Orleans.

It's thought the broadcaster wants to turn around audience figures after last year's finale was watched by a record low of under 11 million viewers, according to ratings data.

But the show remained the top rated summer series among adults aged 18-49, the age group which is the most profitable for advertising.

Mel B (right) performed with Spice Girls at Olympic Games 2012 closing ceremony

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