‘America’s Got Talent’ Future ‘in Turmoil,’ They Don’t Have ‘Budget’ to Afford Celeb Judges

America’s Got Talent bosses are frantically trying to find money to renew the contracts of their big-name stars for next season — and sources reveal everyone on the show is in a panic about how the crippling budget cuts will play out!

“The future of the show is in turmoil and the brutal bottom line is that they don’t have the budget they used to have to afford these people,” an industry insider exclusively tells Life & Style .

Executive producer and head judge Simon Cowell , 65, revealed in a recent interview he hasn’t renewed his celebrity costars’ multimillion-dollar contracts.

“Simon is very clear the audiences tune in to see the acts, not the judges,” says the source. “It’s very possible he could shake things up and hire all new players to sit at the table with him!”

Heidi Klum , 51, Sofía Vergara , 52, and Howie Mandel , 68, have helped the competition show slay in the summer ratings war for several years — but insiders say that doesn’t mean their jobs are safe.

“The show needs to cut back, so no one is getting the royal treatment anymore,” the insider adds. “What’s really concerning is Heidi, Sofía and Howie won’t come cheap, and the powers that be may have to bring on C-list talent if they can’t make a deal!”

Simon is “a businessman first,” insists an insider: “He’ll keep the show on the air, but he’s also a pragmatist. He knows he needs to make a profit for the network and for himself, so he’ll make cuts if needed.”

Network honchos have teased bringing back former judges, including Baywatch star David Hasselhoff and controversial newsman Piers Morgan — but those aren’t the only changes under discussion, according to the source.

“Everything is up in the air right now,” the insider continues. “Everyone from producers to the lowliest production assistants are worried and hoping Simon can work his magic and find the money they deserve.”

A different source close to the show said the opposite is true, insisting the bosses don't prioritize the acts, instead only spending their time and money on keeping the judges happy!