Simon Cowell is replacing Howard Stern on America's Got Talent next season.

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NBC has announced Cowell, a former American Idol and The X Factor judge, will be taking Stern's place on the judging panel when America's Got Talent returns next summer for Season 11.

"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!" Cowell, the creator of AGT's format, said in a statement.

"Simon knows this format better than anyone and he's been producing the show with us since the beginning," explained NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt, "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."

Cowell, 56, is famous for his snarky comments and brutal honesty when critiquing any talent act. He's discovered many superstars in music throughout his time judging reality TV competitions.

"[Simon] genuinely loves the show more than anyone and is uniquely qualified as we take AGT into its next decade," added NBC reality chief Paul Telegdy. "We can't wait to see the incredible acts the show will uncover as we head into Season 11."

After judging nine seasons of Fox's American Idol, Cowell left the show to pursue his own project The X Factor in the US. However, The X Factor flopped after three seasons and got canceled by Fox in 2013. Cowell has also been involved with The X Factor U.K. and Britain's Got Talent for years.

Stern announced his America's Got Talent departure in September after four seasons starring on the series.

The auditions for America's Got Talent's upcoming season kick off November 7 and will take place in 12 US cities.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.