Should ‘America’s Got Talent’ truly consider Simon Cowell as Howard Stern replacement?

Come early next year, “America’s Got Talent” will have to formally announce their panel of judges for season 11. If Simon Cowell is one of them, it may be safe to go ahead and label that the worst-kept secret of the upcoming year. The talk circling the former “American Idol” judge and this show started with leaked emails some time ago, suggesting that Cowell (who is an executive producer on the show) allegedly wanted on in Howard Stern’s place. Then, the news came down last week that the King of All Media has decided that he would rather be king somewhere else. Howard has gone through the journey on this show as Piers Morgan’s replacement; there is no talent left to judge. Okay in theory there is, but come a certain point in doing this show you may just tire of dolling out compliments to a dance crew similar to the one the year before.

Now is Cowell really the right many for the job as replacement? He certainly makes sense superficially. He has the inside track courtesy of his job title, and he holds the same job over on “Britain’s Got Talent.” Given that it has been a year and a half since he held a full-time position on an American show, he may be hungry to return.

Yet, there are inherent issues with Cowell, starting with the unusual balance of power. As an EP we find it somewhat awkward when he establishes himself as an unspoken authority, almost as though his opinion matters more than other judges. Sometimes it does, but only when other judges are fearful of honest feedback. That is somewhat rare as far as “AGT” goes, since Heidi Klum especially speaks her mind and Mel B has her own preferences. Our biggest concern with Cowell is just that after nine years of “American Idol” plus multiple versions of “The X Factor,” is there anything new that he has to say? He lacks a new point of view, and at least Howie Mandel can disguise how long he has been on the show with humor.

One aspect of hiring Cowell that appeals to us potentially is the idea of a pairing of him and Howie, mostly because he showed with Piers how skilled he is at getting under the skin of a certain mold of judge. Also, the relationship between Simon and British comedian David Walliams on “Britain’s Got Talent” is absolutely priceless, and they are a part of our favorite judging panel on all of TV.

While we have our hesitations about Simon on yet another American show, at the moment we feel like he has the track record worthy of giving him a chance. Also, it is not like you are going to find someone equally as famous willing to join this show at this stage.

Vote in our poll below as to whether or not you want to see Simon aboard. Also, click here to preview Tuesday night’s new episode further, or sign up if you are curious as to get some other talent-oriented TV updates courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)