America’s Got Talent: Why Nick Cannon Left as Host

In light of the recent controversy surrounding America’s Got Talent, there are a couple reasons why Nick Cannon may have left as the host. Since his departure, the master of ceremonies duties have been taken over by Tyra Banks, as well as the show’s current host Terry Crews.

Back in February 2017, Cannon announced that he would be stepping down from America’s Got Talent amid threats of termination for jokes told during his comedy special for Showtime, Nick Cannon: Stand Up, Don’t Shoot. During his act, Cannon addressed several Caucasian audience members, informing them that the jokes he would be telling during the special would be far edgier than what they were accustomed to on AGT. Cannon referenced his tough upbringing in the projects, and while using the N word, created an unsavory acronym for the NBC network. During the special, he even went on to explain that America’s Got Talent cost him a considerable amount of his credibility with the black community. NBC executives were not amused. They threatened Cannon with termination for his antics.

In 2017, Cannon took to Facebook to speak out against NBC and the show. He said, “I find myself in a dark place having to make a decision that I wish I didn’t have to, but as a man, an artist, and a voice for my community I will not be silenced, controlled or treated like a piece of property,” He continued, “There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity.” Cannon then quit America’s Got Talent.

Cannon joined AGT in its fourth season. At the time, he was a married father of two, making frequent red carpet appearances with his then-wife, Mariah Carey. He also hosted and starred in the hit improv show, Wild ‘N Out on MTV. Cannon was even heralded for his philanthropic efforts and for his work as the chairman of the Teen Nick network, as well as holding court as its development and creative consultant. When Cannon left AGT, he was quickly replaced with Banks, who experienced her own challenges within the role, only to leave after two seasons. In the years since his departure, Cannon has become the host of The Masked Singer on Fox. He and Carey split in 2016, and he became a father for the third time with Brittany Bell. Cannon’s tough-guy origins have factored into his choices as well. He reportedly has business ties to convicted felon Suge Knight. Knight even appeared on Cannon’s Eminem dis track “The Invitation.” If Cannon had kowtowed to NBC, he wouldn’t be able to maintain that association. He’s also not the first celebrity to delve into mature material while appealing to the masses. Snoop Dogg is a beloved star of film and television. Yet the rapper has a criminal past, smokes marijuana, was a drug dealer at one time, and raps about sex and violence. Eddie Murphy has legions of child fans who know him as Donkey from the Shrek franchise, and his entire career was built on a strong foundation of sexually and racially explicit material.

If NBC was so concerned with Nick Cannon’s extracurricular activities, why didn’t the network make him sign a morality clause during negotiations for his hosting gig? That would have kept them safe from any content that may have been considered inappropriate down the line. It’s likely that they saw his close affiliation with Nickelodeon and assumed that he was Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes. However, if his other associations don’t care what he says or does in a stand-up comedy special then why should NBC? Cannon is aware of his brand, and his philanthropy shows that he’s a conscientious person who cares for others. Meanwhile, according to multiple reports, NBC is allegedly bullying celebrities away from making a living in the very same way that landed them on the network’s radar in the first place. Good on Cannon for sticking up for himself and his right to express his opinions and craft any way he sees fit.

Source: USA Today, CNN

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