Let' s not call this anything close to locked until it's official, but it's newsworthy to report that radio legend (I refuse to use the ubiquitous but silly label "shock jock") Howard Stern is in discussions to become a judge on America's Got Talent.
Stern would be slotted to replace Piers Morgan, who is leaving the show to concentrate more fully (and seriously, perhaps) on his nightly news program on CNN.
Howard has been linked to a potential reality show judging gig before, as it was only recently rumored that American Idol producers were looking to Stern to replace the departing Simon Cowell on American Idol (who has since moved on to The X Factor).
Anyone who listens to The Howard Stern Show knows that Stern is a seasoned and often brilliant game show host (he often plays emcee to any number of raunchy and wacky games within his own radio show), pundit, and interviewer. He's at a stage in his career in which he has no reason to be anything other than honest and forthright in judging talent and would clearly bring a refreshing angle to the now somewhat crowded talent-based competition reality show space.
Further, Howard already has natural chemistry and history with both of his potential co-judges, as Sharon Osbourne is a longtime Stern show guest (Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's frequent appearances on The Howard Stern Show predated the family's rise to television stardom and was fundamental to launching MTV's The Osbournes) as is Howie Mandel, who took on David Hasselhoff's slot last year.
One probable sticking point in negotiations, beyond salary, is the fact that America's Got Talent is filmed in Los Angeles whereas The Howard Stern Show has long been based out of New York City. Howard is famous for complaining about travel so it will be interesting to see how this point is resolved in the case of a successful conclusion of a deal.
On a side note that I'm happy to slip in now that I'm talking about Howard Stern-related news: I am delighted to be able to listen to longtime Stern show sidekick and comedian Artie Lange on the airwaves once again. Lange departed the Stern show in 2009 amidst serious drug problems and a thankfully unsuccessful suicide attempt.
Lange and comedian Nick Di Paulo have teamed up on The Nick and Artie Show, which is ostensibly about sports but is really more a forum for the blue collar and hilarious comedians to goof around and pontificate for three hours. The show can be heard both on terrestrial radio and via podcast. If you're a fan of Howard, Artie, Nick, or simply find this as ticklish as we do, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
I was really hoping that Howard would be the one to replace Simon on AI a couple years ago. I love Simon, so to me he's nearly irreplaceable, but if anyone could fill his shoes it's Howard.
Regarding travel, I see no reason why the show can't be filmed in NY. Howard probably has the clout get this done. They could bill at is a complete reboot for the show: America's Got Talent: NYC, or something.
Lastly, when I heard this Artie news a month or so ago I couldn't have been more thrilled. Artie is by far my favorite Stern co-host/cast member/whatever you want call him. The show is still great, but it certainly isn't as good as it was when he was a part of it.