Howard Stern's America's Got Talent addition is now official.
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NBC has announced the controversial radio personality will replace Piers Morgan on America's Got Talent's judging panel for next summer's seventh season of the reality talent competition.
"Howard Stern's larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to America's Got Talent starting this summer," NBC reality chief Paul Telegdy said.
"He'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."
Since his Sirius XM satellite radio show is based in New York City, Stern's addition will also result in America's Got Talent's live shows moving from Los Angeles to New York.
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Morgan had announced he would not reprise his judging role on next summer's seventh edition last month during a broadcast of his Piers Morgan Tonight talk show on CNN. Scheduling conflicts and logistical issues were the reasons cited by Morgan, whose CNN show launched in January as a replacement for Larry King Live, which ended due to Larry King's retirement late last year.
Reports that NBC was eyeing Stern for America's Got Talent had surfaced shortly after Morgan's announcement, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that the parties were discussing a deal that would pay him about $15 million a year to join remaining judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel on the show's judging panel.
Simon Cowell, who created and produces America's Got Talent for NBC, had subsequently confirmed the show was in negotiations with Stern.
"I'd say it's a pretty good shot," Cowell told TV Guide Magazine last month.
"As a producer, if it happens, it's good news," he added. "I'm going to have a long year [laughs], but I can deal with that."
About The Author: Steven Rogers