Sofia Vergara Could Replace Gabrielle Union on ‘America’s Got Talent’

When Gabrielle Union met with NBC executives to discuss the toxic work environment at America’s Got Talent, we really thought it would lead to her, perhaps, coming back to the show. And that still could be a possibility. However, it looks like NBC has already been looking into her replacement: Sofia Vergara. 

Several news outlets are reporting that Vergara met with producers of the reality TV talent competition to be a judge. But the Hollywood talks involve working at NBC in general. Since this is the last season of Vergara’s ABC show Modern Family, Vergara is up for grabs, and it looks like NBC wants her. 

NBC is reportedly interested in hiring Vergara as NBC talent, which means they could have her on America’s Got Talent, and other NBC projects including the NBC-owned Spanish network Telemundo. Neither NBC or Vergara have confirmed their talks. 

While having Vergara as a judge on America’s Got Talent would be a positive thing on one hand — given she is Latina and happens to be the same age as Union (47) — some people on social media are saying it is wrong that NBC would hire a white Latina and not a black woman. 

People are saying Vergara should stand in solidary with Union and not give in to NBC simply for the money. It is too soon to say that next season’s America’s Got Talent won’t have any black judges, because they still haven’t disclosed who will replace Julianna Hough, who was also let go at the same time as Union. 

After Union received overwhelming support surrounding her words against NBC, she began to speak publically about it. Last week at an event, Union discussed her issues at NBC, saying, “Don’t be the happy negro that does the bidding of the status quo because you’re afraid. Don’t allow them to call you angry when someone else is called passionate. It’s terrifying. There’s a solid chance you’ll lose your job … I speak from experience.” She added, “Do your best because corporations want global dollars. Do your best to try to hold the door open and hold people responsible. Yeah, I’m asking you to do the impossible … I’m fully aware that job loss is on the table … but if you’re not doing it, nobody is.”

We’d wish we could see our Latina entertainers speak out and do the right thing. Vergara replacing Union like it’s no big thing, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performing at the Half Time Super Bowl Show as if Black Lives Don’t Matter is wrong. They look like they’re all about money and not about supporting each other. Take a page from Rihanna. She knows how to stand up for what’s right.