While the ratings have been soaring for "America's Got Talent," it looks like the talent competition is about to face one major setback next season as one member of its panel of judges, Howard Stern, recently announced his decision to not reprise his role after four years of staying with the series, according to New York Daily News.
Stern disclosed his decision in his radio show, SiriusXM, and confirmed that the said resolution was already made known to the producers of "America's Got Talent" and the executives at NBC. Citing his current swamped schedule as the reason for his decision to quit the talent show, the widely popular radio host admits that the number of projects he is handling at the moment required him to let go of some commitments to accommodate others that excite him more.
"I'm going through my own career evaluation right now," Stern reveals during his radio show on Wednesday. He adds, "In all seriousness, I've told you, I'm just too [expletive] busy, [so] something's got to give." Stern then discloses that his decision to quit was first learned about by the NBC heads themselves as they earlier asked whether he intends to remain with "America's Got Talent" for the following year and told him they needed an answer on or before July 4.
He shares, "NBC's already asked me what my intentions are for next year, whether or not I'd come back, I kind of have told them I think this is my last season. Not I think, this is my last season." While he admits that the conversation with the NBC execs was difficult, especially with the consideration the network extended by moving "America's Got Talent's" studio to New York's Radio City Music Hall - right across the street from the set of Stern's radio show to accommodate his busy schedule, Stern knew it was the right decision.
"I think it's fair to say. I don't want to hang them up," Stern states, referring to the finality of his move. He adds, "Yeah, it's my last season." With this recent change, the production for the talent competition will be back to Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Stern shares that his departure from "America's Got Talent" is partly due to a new project offered to him. "I have been made an offer in television that excites me," the SiriusXM host says, according to E Online. He goes on to say, "Excites me to no end. I think it would be a great opportunity, but I can't do America's Got Talent, the radio show and this television opportunity."
While Stern is mum about his upcoming TV gig, he did not mince words when it comes to his potential replacement. "I've been on there for four years. It's been fun. This year is the 10th anniversary, I think that's enough," he says. He then adds, "And Simon Cowell wants it anyway. I know what's going on behind the scenes. I have friends at Sony, and he would be good at it."
