UTAH — Music and television producer Simon Cowell announced Thursday he will be taking to the judges table for the upcoming 11th season of NBC’s summer hit series “America’s Got Talent.” The popular reality show’s audition tour is now taking place across the United States and will visit Salt Lake City on Dec. 5.
“I am really thrilled to be joining ‘America’s Got Talent’ next season,” Cowell said in a statement. “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!”
Cowell created the “Got Talent” format that first launched in 2006.
In addition to “American Idol,” Cowell has judged both the American and British versions of “The X Factor,” as well as “Britain’s Got Talent.” Cowell is known for his candid remarks and brutal honesty when it comes to critiquing performers, crushing dreams with a simple eye roll.
“Quite simply, Simon Cowell is one of the best judges of talent in the world,” Trish Kinane, executive producer of America’s Got Talent, said in a statement. “He has a brilliant ability to identify acts with raw talent and develop them into superstars. We are delighted to have Simon’s honest critique at the judges table for season 11 of ‘AGT,’ entertaining audiences and sparking conversation as we search for America’s next great talent.”
Cowell will be taking over Howard Stern’s now-empty spot at the judges’ podium during the new season. Stern joined the show in 2012 for Season 7, and stepped down after Season 10 concluded in September.
“America’s Got Talent” is hosted by Nick Cannon, and judged by Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B., though none have been officially confirmed for Season 11 yet.
The “Got Talent” format holds the Guinness World Records title for the highest number of adaptations, making it the World’s Most Successful Reality TV format, now airing in 183 countries worldwide with more than 500 million global viewers since 2006.
Auditions for the upcoming Season 11 of America’s Got Talent are currently underway. The hit talent show will kick off auditions in Detroit on Nov. 7 and make stops in 12 U.S. cities, including:
- New York | Nov. 14
- Phoenix | Dec. 3
- Salt Lake City | Dec.5
- Las Vegas | Dec. 6
- San Jose | Dec. 8
- San Diego | Jan. 12, 2016
- Kansas City | Jan. 23, 2016
- Atlanta | Jan. 30, 2016
- Los Angeles | Feb. 6, 2016
- Orlando | Feb. 19, 2016
- Dallas | Feb. 27, 2016
Online auditions are also available through March 2016 for anyone unable to make it to one of the 12 audition tour stops. Full details on the nationwide tour, including additional cities and the ability to audition online, can be found here.
Salt Lake City auditions will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City. To save time on the audition day, it is recommended you pre-register for your audition and make sure you have all the paperwork with you. If you are eligible, e-signing your paperwork before you arrive will save you time at your audition. Everyone who auditions must have a photo identification.
If you are a Southern Utah resident and plan to audition for the upcoming Season 11 of “America’s Got Talent” in Salt Lake City on Dec. 5, please email us your story to: [email protected].
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I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about something in my life. What great news.
Oh yeah I’m totally ecstatic that Simon will be a judge. Oh my.! I’m so overjoyed by this exciting grand news. my whole life just changed by this news. I’m so happy and filled with joy. The entertainment world has just been blessed by Simons appearance. We will be celebrating and dancing in the streets.
Who gives a flying you know what…I hope you are being facetious. The people going up there, to stand in lines, should be using the time and energy looking for a full time job.