Joining Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Terry Crews, iconic singer, songwriter and Spice Girl Mel B reclaims her seat at the America’s Got Talent judges’ table this season. Besides “having a blast on and off set,” the job holds a very special place in “Scary Spice’s” heart, as it is tied to an incredibly personal tale of survival.
What does a typical day look like when you are filming AGT?
Generally speaking, I’m not normally a routine person…and when I’m not working, I love the idea that I’m not ruled by time constraints. But with AGT, there is definitely a routine. We work late, so I get up around 8:30 a.m., have a couple of toasted slices of homemade healthy oat bread with lots of omega-3 seeds and two cups of coffee to wake me up.
My glam team comes to my house and I meditate for an hour while my hair and makeup is done. We hit the road and drive to the studio. My best times are when I have all of my kids with me. I never go in wearing my show outfit, so backstage in the dressing room area I catch up with Sofia, Simon and Howie and the producers and have a run through of the show.
Then, it’s time to get dressed and ready for action. I love the excitement of running and dancing through the audience—it’s a real energy buzz for the show. We do the first half, then break for lunch. For me, it’s always lentil soup and herbal tea. I also like to have a bit of a laugh with my kids and the other judges. I always dare Howie into mad pranks like skating down ramps on a trolly cart—it’s hilarious. But he’s always up for a prank. Then it’s back to the show. We finish later in the evening and I like to unwind for a bit. I have a lot of healthy snacks like medjool dates and Brazil nuts in my dressing room, as well as chewy candy for my kids, which goes in a flash! I love a game of pairs—it’s good for the short-term memory. I love just chilling with my kids and the AGT team.
It always looks like a lot of fun—is it?
It’s so much fun. Honestly, I love being part of AGT, especially now when my life could not be better. I was in a ten-year, emotionally abusive relationship…and for seven of those years I was a judge on AGT. In my book, Brutally Honest, I explain how, during my marriage, working on AGT was a safe space for me. I was free. I didn’t tell anyone what I was going through…like most women in that situation I felt guilty, I felt ashamed and I felt powerless. I was hiding a secret, but I could still put on my happy Mel B persona–like a mask, and it was also a huge relief for me. I never wanted to leave the studio. I would stay in my dressing room literally until they started turning all the lights out and then I’d go home to a world of real personal darkness.
So, to return to AGT seven years later as a survivor and now as a campaigner for other survivors of domestic abuse feels very special. It feels like a triumph for me, personally, and it feels like a triumph for all other survivors. And so it’s not just fun—it’s absolutely precious for me to be here, to be in the place I am in my life right now. I am with my family and I am happy.
Thank you for sharing all of that. You’ll be 50 this month. Is it something you are excited for?
I’m so excited! I’ve never been one to lie about my age or to wish I was younger. With age comes wisdom and experience and for me life has just got better and better. I can’t wait!
You’ve had some iconic looks over the years. What are some of your favorites?
It has to be anything in leopard print, which is my look! I’d love to do a line of merchandise and clothing in leopard print. The older I get, the more I love it. It’s been a staple as a teenager, and as a Spice Girl, and now I wear some form of leopard print every single day.
But I have to say my other favorite outfit was the red dress Victoria [Beckham] designed for me when I was given my M.B.E. at Buckingham Palace as acknowledgment of my work campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse. That dress is very special to me because it represents my past as a Spice Girl—as Victoria made it—and my present as a survivor and activist. My MBE was the last of the honors awarded by the late Queen of England, Elizabeth, and it was presented to me by her grandson, William, who told me he was incredibly proud of me. I’ve known him since he was a young boy, so it was a special moment.
What are some of your holy grail beauty products?
I’m a real beauty freak and I am constantly trying new products. At the moment I love Korean face masks—there’s one with snail sperm—believe it or not—which is fantastic! But I also really recommend cold rollers, they are amazing to wake your face up in the morning and tighten pores. I also love essential oils. I love Project E Beauty’s Face and Derma rollers, Victoria Beckham mascara, Augustinus Bader The Ultimate Soothing Cream (in the blue jar), The Rich Cream and Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer.
You’re also getting married this summer. Are there any beauty moments or prep items you are working on for the big day?
I’m actually sticking to my regular routine. I’m pretty natural and holistic about beauty. I eat really well—lots of vegetables, just chicken or fish and lots of seeds and nuts. I love an ice bath for the body and I love a steam. I’m obsessed with keeping my skin in good shape with regular face masks; I also love LED masks. But the best beauty prep is to be happy and for that I like to be surrounded by people I love who make me laugh who keep me grounded. I also make sure I look after my mental health with yoga, meditation and regular brain breaks from phones, screens and emails. Beauty for me is more than just about products.
