Howard Stern returning to 'America's Got Talent'

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Radio star Howard Stern is to return as a judge for a second season of the television competition series "America's Got Talent," NBC said.

The announcement was made Monday by Stern and Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late-night programming for NBC Entertainment, on Stern's SiriusXM radio show.

"I'm delighted Howard is returning to the 'America's Got Talent' judging panel," producer Simon Cowell said in a statement. "I really believe he and 'AGT' will find the next great talent capable of global success."

"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 Telegdy.

Auditions for Season 8 of "America's Got Talent" are going on now. The show is to return to NBC this summer.