American TV network, NBC, have announced that Simon Cowell is to join the panel for America’s Got Talent season 11. The Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor veteran will replace the departing Howard Stern.
Cowell invented the format for the show when it first launched in 2006. His no-nonsense style is sure to spark fireworks on the talent show.
In a statement Cowell said: “I am really thrilled to be joining America’s Got Talent next season. What I love about this show is that it’s open to absolutely anyone. America has some fantastic talent just waiting to be discovered, and I would like that talent to come to our show, including any dogs who can sing!”
Check out Simon’s expectations below.
https://youtu.be/FXQp02Fm68g
NBC Entertainment Chairman, Robert Greenblatt said: “Simon knows this format better than anyone and he’s been producing the show with us since the beginning, so we’re thrilled to have him to step in front of the camera and take his rightful place at the head of the judges’ panel. We welcome him to the on-screen NBC family.”
For those thinking that being a dad will bring out his softer side, think again. “I’m not going to lie to people when I think they’re hopeless, I just couldn’t do that!” he says, laughing. “But no, of course I’m not going to be rude for the sake of being rude. That would be ridiculous. I’ll take it act by act,” said Cowell in an interview with Us Weekly.
“As the creator of the Got Talent format, he genuinely loves the show more than anyone and is uniquely qualified as we take AGT into its next decade,” said Paul Telegdy, President of Alternative and Late Night Programming for NBC Entertainment. “We can’t wait to see the incredible acts the show will uncover as we head into season 11.”
Cowell, 56, confirmed the news on Twitter below.
The good news is America’s Got Talent is back next year and the even better news is so am I!
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) October 22, 2015
Howard Stern joined America’s Got Talent in 2012 for season 7 but announced in June that he would be leaving. He left the show as season 10 concluded in September, stating that he couldn’t do his radio programme, AGT, and a possible upcoming TV opportunity all at the same time.
America’s Got Talent season 10 averaged 12.5 million viewers overall, which is the show’s most-watched season in four years. Auditions for the upcoming season will kick off on November 7th in Detroit and will make stops in 12 U.S. cities including New York, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, San Jose and Phoenix.
Cowell will remain an executive producer on the series.