Simon Cowell: Did He Backstab Howard Stern? Executives Say ‘No’
After a leaked email between Sony and NBC executives revealed that Simon Cowell may be joining the judges on America’s Got Talent‘s (AGT) upcoming season, speculations surfaced that the music mogul wanted to toss Howard Stern out and take his seat on the panel. During his Monday evening talk show on Sirius XM, Stern told listeners that the “feud” is nothing more than a misunderstanding.
People reports that although Cowell was asked to replace Stern, it was only in the event that Stern didn’t want to return to AGT for Season 10, which premieres on May 26. An NBC insider indicates that there were rumors that Stern wouldn’t be returning, and the show wanted to cover its bases, “just in case.”
“There were a lot of conversations going on because Howard didn’t look like he was coming back. It’s a huge show and you have to make alternative plans if one of the key players isn’t sure if he’s returning. Simon was an obvious call to make. But even before Howard made his decision to return, Simon had already said, ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ He’s already committed to both his British shows, which film back to back. It just wouldn’t have worked.”
Cowell and Stern are friends, according to the insider, and Cowell reached out to Stern after learning of the leaked email. He wanted to assure the Sirius XM talk show host that he had no plans of replacing him on AGT.
“There was a misunderstanding. That’s all. Simon called Howard’s manager to make sure he knew the real situation and Howard sent a message back that he now understood and now they’re friends again. They’ve always got on well.”
Meanwhile, Cowell is ready to launch a new talent show, but this time he aims to find the best “DJ.”In an upcoming television series, Ultimate DJ, slated to launch on Yahoo Live, DJs will battle against each other for a record deal with Sony and Ultra. Cowell will serve as executive producer of the new show, and seems happy to embark on a project that offers a new genre of music.
The show is intended to showcase the incredible talent that electronic music has shown the world. It will be made with respect.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) April 28, 2015
Until then, fans and supporters can still watch Simon Cowell and his infamous “Mr. Nasty” attitude on U.K’s Britain’s Got Talent, currently airing on Britain’s ITV. Cowell also returns later this year for Season 12 of The X Factor (U.K). Ollie Murs and Caroline Flack are joining Cowell as the first duo to host the singing competition.
[Photo Courtesy of Ian Gavan/Getty Images]
