‘America’s Got Talent’ officially hires Simon Cowell for season 11

One of the worst-kept secrets is no longer a secret at all: Simon Cowell is going to become a judge on the next season of “America’s Got Talent.” This is news that first came up earlier this year as a part of the Sony hack controversy of all things, and eventually, Simon’s name also rose to the top of the candidate list after Howard Stern stepped down. Given that Cowell is one of the architects of this franchise around the world and he has been wanting to get back on American TV, it was the move that made the most sense for all parties involved.

In a statement, the “X Factor” mogul had the following to say:

“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!”

There’s no word on the remainder of the judging panel, but we’re sure the same snarky people will come out about “America’s Got Talent” not having any American judges if Simon, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Heidi Klum are the panel for next season. (Personally, we could really care less. So long as the panel is entertaining, and this one would be, we’re good.)

The only other candidate we could have seen “AGT” considering was former judge Piers Morgan, who no longer has an American TV presence. He previously left the show in order to do “Piers Morgan Tonight,” which was eventually canceled by CNN. Piers was a very good judge, but Simon is slightly less controversial at this point in America and more well-known as a whole.

Do you think that getting Cowell will be a boost at all to “America’s Got Talent”? Share in the comments, and head over here to get some other TV news sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)