Filming for Season 12 of America's Got Talent was scheduled to begin next week but it has been temporarily halted following the news of judge Mel B's father's death according to TMZ.
The former spice girl's father, Martin Brown, lost his five-year battle with multiple Myeloma, a form of cancer that starts in the bone marrow's plasma cells, on Saturday at the age of 63.
Mel B shared the sad news via Instagram alongside a photo of both her and her sister, Danielle Brown, holding their dad's hands in his final moments.
"It is with great sadness after a 5yr battle to multiple myeloma cancer our loving father Martin Brown passed away age 63 peacefully yesterday." wrote the 41-year-old singer.
"Both of us his children were by his side and would like to say thank you to St Gemma's and all the doctors and nurses for there amazing care and support over the years. Please respect our privacy and let us as a united family grieve With love and respect. Melanie and Danielle Brown x Be Free Dad"
The show was already facing adversity after Nick Cannon revealed he will not be returning to the show this season. The host took to Facebook, saying he no longer felt connected to a show that tried to censor him.
"So I wish AGT and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I can not see myself returning. As of lately I have even questioned if I want to even be apart of an industry who ultimately treats artists in this manner...My soul won't allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices...Dr. King said it best, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.""
Cannon found out he was almost fired by NBC because of a joke he made during a stand-up routine that aired on HBO. The star felt as though the network was trying to "limit his blackness" and made the choice to leave.
The hiatus of the show due to Mel B's family tragedy, along with the show's lack of host is setting America's Got Talent up for a myriad of chaos throughout the upcoming season.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her Mel B and her family during this difficult time.
