Simon Cowell Joins America’s Got Talent Judging Panel

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UNIVERSAL CITY: Simon Cowell will be among the judges for the upcoming 11th season of NBC’s summer series America’s Got Talent.

Cowell created the Got Talent format, which first launched with America’s Got Talent in 2006. The Got Talent format, co-owned by FremantleMedia and Syco Entertainment globally, holds the Guinness World Records title for the highest number of adaptations. It is now airing in 183 countries worldwide with more than 500 million global viewers since its launch.

This past season of America’s Got Talent on NBC averaged a 2.9 rating, 10 share in adults 18 to 49 and 12.5 million viewers overall with its Tuesday edition, ranking it the number one among summer alternative series in total viewers for a tenth consecutive year and it delivered its most-watched season in four years.

“I am really thrilled to be joining America’s Got Talent next season,” said Cowell. “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!” 

“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,” said Robert Greenblatt, the chairman of NBC Entertainment. “We welcome him to the on-screen NBC family.”

“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,” added Paul Telegdy, the president of alternative and late-night programming at NBC Entertainment. “We can’t wait to see the incredible acts the show will uncover as we head into season 11.”

Trish Kinane, the president of entertainment at FremantleMedia North America and executive producer of America’s Got Talent, commented: “Quite simply, Simon Cowell is one of the best judges of talent in the world. He has a brilliant ability to identify acts with raw talent and develop them into superstars. We are delighted to have Simon’s honest critique at the judges' table for season 11 of AGT, entertaining audiences and sparking conversation as we search for America’s next great talent.”