Nick Cannon's 'Got Talent'

By Rick Porter, Zap2It.com | February 9, 2009

Nick Cannon

Discuss this story now

He replaces Jerry Springer as host of NBC's summer show

"America's Got Talent" will have a new host this summer, someone a whole lot younger than the two men who've previously filled the job.

Nick Cannon will take over as emcee of NBC's top-performing summer series later this year. The 28-year-old "entertainer/producer and comedian," as NBC describes him, will take over for the soon-to-be 65-year-old Jerry Springer, who in turn assumed the role from Regis Philbin.

Judges Sharon Osbourne, David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan will remain with the show.

"Nick exemplifies the spirit of 'America's Got Talent' with his talent, originality and an infectious love of performing and creating," says Paul Telegdy, who oversees unscripted programming for NBC. "His popularity and appeal are sure to take the series to a new level of success."

NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman adds that the hosting job is one of "multiple projects" the network hopes to do with Cannon, either in front of or behind the camera.

Cannon has starred in "Drumline," "Roll Bounce" and "The Killing Room," which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last month. He also made headlines last year for his whirlwind romance and marriage to Mariah Carey. He hosted last year's Teen Choice Awards and hosted an executive produced the improv show "Wild 'N Out" for MTV.