One confirmed to stay, and another confirmed to leave.
NBC's summer hit America's Got Talent (AGT) will have shock jock Howard Stern for a second year.
Stern confirmed on his Sirius radio show that he's signed on for another year and gave his reasons why.
"This is the only show that has this kind of clout for what I would say is 'non-singers'," said Stern. He later added, "I just find it so refreshing that...people can get this type of exposure, who have shot stardom...I felt I could not walk away.
Simon Cowell, producer of AGT, stated today, "I'm delighted Howard is returning to the America's Got Talent judging panel. I really believe he and AGT will find the next great talent capable of global success. This show was made to uncover incredible talent of all types and ages, and has launched some massively successful careers all over the world. So America's relying on you Howard - no pressure!"
Stern first signed on for a deal that reported to be $20 million to replace Piers Morgan after he decided to commit to his nightly talk show Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN.
"Howard's infectious enthusiasm for the show was felt by contestants and viewers alike because he's truly a fan of America's Got Talent," said executive producer Trish Kinane. Adding, "We're auditioning now nationwide to bring the best new talent before the judges, and we look forward to more of Howard's passionate views as we welcome him back for another great season."
Not returning to the show is Sharon Osbourne. She was rumored to leave the show halfway through the recent season after NBC took back an offer to allow her son Jack Osbourne to appear on the reality series Stars Earn Stripes. She instead stayed for the remainder of the season but won't return to the judging table next summer.
Osbourne told Morgan on his CNN show, "Two days before he was due to start, they called and said it was too much of a responsibility, Jack was too much, so no. But the thing was, I can understand what they were saying. It was the way that they did it. It was just the way that they did it. And then they offered him, what do you want? His money, we'll pay you. No, he doesn't want money. He wants his dignity, he wants his pride."
Although Obsourne is gone, she is supportive of Stern, telling Morgan she "adores" him.
"I thought he handled himself really well, because we know him as the Howard Stern off radio, and he is a big old softie. He's a big old softie ... He's fabulous. I don't know. I don't know whether we all did have that chemistry that was broken, and so the show went."
As to who'll replace Osbourne, it remains to be seen.
The show will start its eighth season next summer with auditions already underway.
The auditions will continue in Birmingham on Dec. 10, Memphis on Dec. 11, Nashville on Dec. 13, Savannah on Dec. 14, Raleigh on Dec. 15, Norfolk on Dec. 16, San Antonio on Jan. 12 and 13, Columbus on Jan. 19 and 20, Chicago on Jan. 26 and 27, New York on Feb. 1 and 2, and New Orleans on Feb. 15 and 16.
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