Simon Cowell Inks Three-Season Deal for America’s Got Talent

UNIVERSAL CITY: Simon Cowell has signed on to serve as a judge for NBC’s America’s Got Talent for three additional years through 2019.

Cowell served as a judge on the series for the first time this past season. He will be joined by judges Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel when season 12 launches in summer 2017. Nick Cannon will return as host. Cowell will continue to serve as executive producer on the series.

“It was terrific to see Simon in his judge’s chair this past season, bringing his unique expertise and enthusiasm to the show, night after night,” said Paul Telegdy, the president of alternative and reality group at NBC Entertainment. “His brilliance has made AGT the industry leader that it is today and his ability to evaluate and spot talent is unmatched, so we couldn’t be happier to have him seated at the judge’s table for the next three years.”

“America’s Got Talent is a fantastic and most importantly, fun, show both to work on and to watch,” said Cowell. “NBC have been brilliant partners and the entire team who make this show are one of the best in the world. I’ve loved this past season and look forward to discovering more great talent together in the years to come.”

“Simon really understands how to spot talent, but he also knows how to have fun,” said Trish Kinane, FremantleMedia North America’s president of entertainment programming and an executive producer on AGT. “We are delighted that he will be with us for the next three seasons, helping find the very best talent America has to offer.”

America’s Got Talent is co-produced and co-owned by Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America. Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace are the executive producers.