Howard Stern Leaving ‘America’s Got Talent’ For ‘Great’ New Show, Wants Simon Cowell As AGT Judge [Video]

Howard Stern is leaving America’s Got Talent. After Howard announced the news on his radio show, he attempted to alleviate the pain felt by loyal Stern fans by proposing that Simon Cowell take Stern’s place, reported MSN.

Some initially ignored Howard’s comment because Stern has previously threatened to leave. But the radio shock jock insisted that it’s for real this time. Howard made the revelation in talking about the future of his career.

“I told them, this is my last season,” Stern said about NBC’s pressuring him to make a commitment to the next season of AGT.

“I am going though my own career evaluation right now. I’m just too f**ing busy,” revealed Howard.

As to why Howard is exiting? Stern linked his reason to leaving with a new TV gig.

“[I have a new] great opportunity,” said Howard.

Moreover, claimed the radio show king, Simon Cowell wants the judging job. Although currently busy with other commitments, Simon’s experiencing judging the UK AGT as well as American Idol could make him perfect for the gig, said Howard.

“Simon Cowell wants it anyway. He would be good at it,” Stern proclaimed.

However, on NBC’s side, it’s a bummer in the summer season. Howard reportedly took home $15 million per season, with NBC doing all it could to lure him, including changing the filming to New York rather than in its previous production site of Los Angeles.

Hosted by Nick Cannon, America’s Got Talent is planning its 11th season, reported Us Weekly.

Howard’s date to commit to Season 11 was July 4. Stern has previously said he is leaving because even though he’s had good chemistry with fellow judges Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, Howard felt that it cut down drastically on his free time.

“I really, really did struggle… because I’ve been working a long time. I really wanted to decide if this was going to take away too much free time. Did I really still enjoy doing it? Did I have something to say? Is it something I should be involved with still?”

Thus far, Howard regarded himself as essential to AGT.

“I decided that a life without AGT is not a life worth living. America needs a caring, compassionate and wise judge and who am I to deny the people what they want? It would be selfish of me to walk away,” said Stern before announcing he is leaving.

But is Simon Cowell free to replace Howard now that Stern has confirmed he is leaving AGT?

As the Inquisitr reported, Cowell has become increasingly busy since the birth of his two “babies,” a real baby in the form of his son, Eric, and his girl band, Fifth Harmony.

But Simon has no plans to be a stay-at-home parent. He would much rather help promote Fifth Harmony than change diapers.

“I’m going to be honest – I’m not exactly a hands on dad,” said Cowell. “I want to fast forward a few years so I can take him go-karting and then introduce him to women. There are a few years to go yet.”

[Photo by Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images]