‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 11 Judge Mel B Reveals What It’s Like Working With Simon Cowell Again

Former Spice Girl Mel B might be from the U.K., but she certainly knows how to spot talent in the U.S. The “America’s Got Talent” judge has been on the NBC panel for four years now, and last week reunited on screen with her former “X Factor” co-star Simon Cowell!

Mel B and Cowell were co-judges on the U.K. singing competition show during Season 11 in 2014. However, a casting shake-up resulted in the singer getting the boot from the table. But now that the “America’s Got Talent” show creator is on the judges panel this season, the two are back together again.

“I’ve known him for years and years and years,” Mel B told International Business Times during a press call Monday. “It’s like working with my best friend. He’s great.”

Although Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum help make up the “AGT” Season 11 panel, it’s Cowell’s “honest opinions” and knack for “spotting talent” that Mel B appreciates.

“He created this show 11 years ago and it spread all over the world, this format,” she added. “He knows how to make good TV. It’s nice to be sitting on the desk with somebody with all his experience.”

There is no denying that Cowell has the years of experience behind him. But now he’s also got a bit of charm. Gone are the brutal critiques from his days on “American Idol.”

Last week he revealed that his 2-year-old son, Eric, has made him softer when addressing contestants. And “AGT” viewers got to witness that softer side when he shared a sweet interaction with Nathan Bockstahler, a 6-year-old comedian. The young contestant received the OK from all four judges, pushing him to the next round of the competition.

“It definitely helps because you know how to handle a kid,” Mel B explained to IBT of how motherhood affects her judging. “I have three daughters, from 4 to 17 years old, so I know how frightening it is for kids to get up there. But at the end of the day you just want to be constructive in your opinions. And hopefully with the kids, whether they get through or not, it’s part of their life lesson, part of their learning experience. So, hopefully they can leave with something positive.”

“America’s Got Talent” Season 11 airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EDT.