Howard Stern Returning to 'America's Got Talent'

Judge will come back for second season on summer reality series

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/3/2012 9:26:53 AM

Howard Stern will return as a judge for a second season on America's Got Talent, NBC announced Monday.

Auditions are currently ongoing for the eighth season of the summer reality series from FremantleMedia North America and Syco Television.

"Howard Stern's towering presence and opinions on last season's show as a new judge made a dramatic impact and added a sharper edge to the fascinating developments on stage," said Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming at NBC.

Though Stern's addition as judge last season was expected to boost ratings for the veteran reality show, AGT averaged a 3.2 rating with adults 18-49 and 10.9 million viewers in its three weekly telecasts this summer, down 11% and 16%, respectively from last year.

AGT moved production to New York in season seven to accommodate the addition of Stern. Fellow judge Sharon Osbourne previously announced she would not return for seaosn eight after a dispute with NBC involving her son, Jack. The status of third judge Howie Mandel is not yet known.