Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky watch the New York Knicks play the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden in New York City on January 27 2011. UPI/John Angelillo |
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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., April 3 (UPI) -- NBC says "America's Got Talent" is moving from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark to Radio City Music Hall in New York for its upcoming season.
"There are few entertainment shrines in the world that are as venerated as Radio City Music Hall," Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming for NBC Entertainment, said in a statement Wednesday. "Many of America's greatest performers have graced this legendary stage, and now 'AGT' will have the rare opportunity to discover greatness in this renowned venue. This move -- coupled with the addition of Mel B and Heidi Klum joining our judges' panel of Howie Mandel and Howard Stern -- takes the show to a new and even more exciting level."
"We are delighted that Season 8 of 'America's Got Talent' will come from New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall," said executive producer Trish Kinane. "This venue has welcomed some of the best acts in the world, and 'AGT' will continue in that tradition by bringing exciting new performers to this legendary stage."
NBC said the move is being made for creative reasons, but would not have been possible without the assistance provided by the recent extension and enhancement of the New York Production Tax Credit.
"We applaud Governor Cuomo and the New York legislature for developing and advocating programs that attract investment and create jobs for New Yorkers," said Rick Cotton, executive vice president and general counsel for NBCUniversal.
"Today's announcement is further proof that New York is becoming the place to go for the film and television industry, creating new jobs for New Yorkers and spurring economic activity across the state," Cuomo said. "We have the resources, the talented workforce, and the best venues, including the iconic Radio City Music Hall, which will be sure to inspire the contestants of 'America's Got Talent' -- and all the visitors who flock to see it."
Nick Cannon is to return as host of show, which taped in Los Angeles for its first six seasons.
