He’s been hinting about it, but now it’s official: NBC announced Thursday that Howard Stern is joining “America’s Got Talent” as a judge.
The radio personality, 57, will give feedback on the hopeful future stars auditioning for the competition show. Former judge Piers Morgan bid farewell in November, and he’s happy with his replacement.
“Congrats to @HowardStern on landing my #AmericasGotTalent judging gig – he’ll be outrageous, hilarious, dangerous & brilliant,” the “Piers Morgan Tonight” host tweeted Thursday. “Can’t wait.”
NBC’s head of alternative and late night programming, Paul Telegdy, was similarly enthused, saying in a statement that Stern’s “a proven innovator and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”
Stern’s future co-judge, Howie Mandel, added via Twitter, “This will be our best year yet…I cannot wait. Let the judging begin.”
Conveniently for Stern, the live show tapings are being moved to New York, where he’ll continue to host his SiriusXM radio program.
“AGT” is currently holding auditions around the country for the upcoming seventh season. Auditions started in October, and there are upcoming open calls set for Austin, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina and San Francisco, California. For more information, go to AGTauditions.com.
Update, 12:10 p.m.: There’s at least one group displeased with the move: The Parents Television Council. (Don’t tell us you guessed it?)
The PTC says in a statement that hiring Stern as a judge was “an act of desperation for a flailing network.”
“The once-proud broadcast network has lost its way and has made it clear it holds no concern whatsoever for children and families,” the PTC says. “It also risks losing millions in advertising dollars. Whatever principles NBC had in the past, when the network was successful, have clearly gone out the window.”
How do you feel about Howard jumping on board “America’s Got Talent”?
