NBC has announced Deal or No Deal host Howie Mandel will replace David Hasselhoff as a judge on the next season of America’s Got Talent. Judges Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan will return for the new season, as will host Nick Cannon.
“Howie is one of America’s favorite entertainers and his sense of humor and energy are irrepressible,” NBC Executive Vice President Paul Telegdy said in a press statement issued Sunday. “He’s passionate about new talent and his years of experience across a variety of disciplines in entertainment, not to mention the fact that he headlines and performs in Vegas all the time, will bring new depth to our panel. He will be a real asset to our contestants and help them take their talents to the next level. We are thrilled to have him join Sharon and Piers and are sure that sparks will fly!”
“We’re thrilled to have Howie join the show,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “He’s an extraordinary, multi-faceted talent whose success story spans the gauntlet of all things entertainment. He will no doubt bring a dynamic, poignant and entertaining perspective to the judging panel that is all his own.”
The press release from NBC did not address the resignation of David Hasselhoff from the judging panel for the next season of America’s Got Talent. Piers Morgan said he was “really shocked” by the announcement David Hasselhoff would not be returning. “I didn’t know anything about this until last night,” Morgan said on the Today Show Thursday.
Hasselhoff announced Wednesday night he would be leaving the show after serving as a judge since 2006. Hasselhoff said he is planning on his own television project, which he said would be “announced very shortly.” Personally, we’re hoping Hasselhoff takes a break for some serious rehab before his new project…
America’s Got Talent returns in the summer for the show’s fifth season.
>> Previously:Â David Hasselhoff Released from Hospital, Denies Psychiatric Hold