The king of reality show judging has arrived to "America's Got Talent." NBC announced on Thursday that its talent competition series has landed Simon Cowell as its fourth judge to replace the recently departed Howard Stern in season 11.

Cowell has served as an executive producer on "America's Got Talent" since it premiered in 2006 and created the "Got Talent" format with his company Syco in Britain in 2005. The 56-year-old producer is best known in the United States for his judging on "American Idol" over its first 10 seasons on Fox.

"I am really thrilled to be joining 'America's Got Talent' next season," said Cowell. "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!"

Stern announced his exit early this past season. He suggested that Cowell take his place alongside Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel.

"Simon knows this format better than anyone and he's been producing the show with us since the beginning, so we're thrilled to have him to step in front of the camera and take his rightful place at the head of the judges' panel," said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. "We welcome him to the on-screen NBC family."

Cowell will continue his role as an executive producer on the show. In addition to "Idol," he has also served as a judge on "Pop Idol," "Britain's Got Talent" and "The X Factor" in the U.K. as well as the U.S. version of "The X Factor."

"America's Got Talent" will return for season 11 in summer 2016.

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