America's Got Talent

If NBC was aiming to create headlines with its hiring of Howard Stern as a judge on America's Got Talent, the network can consider its mission accomplished.

Of course, not all headlines are positive, especially not that highlighted by the always-grumpy Parents Television Council.

Referring to Stern as Stern in a statement as "a performer who is synonymous with shock, profanity and obscenity," the PTC added:

"The once-proud broadcast network has lost its way and has made it clear it holds no concern whatsoever for children and families... Not coincidentally, in just over three weeks the network will be standing before the United States Supreme Court arguing for the right to use the F-word at any time of the day, even in front of children."

What do you think of Stern's hiring? Will he make for an acceptable judge?

America has talent, and a new reality show judge.

Following weeks of chatter, controversial radio host Howard Stern has officially been hired by NBC and will join the panel on America's Got Talent this summer.

“Howard Stern’s larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to America’s Got Talent starting this summer,” said NBC alternative programming head Paul Telegdy. “He’s a proven innovator and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”

A spot opened up for Stern - who had also been considered for American Idol after Simon Cowell exited - after Piers Morgan dropped out, meaning he'll sit alongside Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandell on the upcoming season. Should be interesting, that's for sure.

Are you excited for Howard Stern to judge America's Got Talent?

Goodbye, Piers. Hello, Howard?

A day after Piers Morgan resigned his post as a judge on America's Got Talent, The Wall Street Journal reports that radio icon Howard Stern is under consideration for the gig.

Stern - who expressed interest awhile back in replacing Simon Cowell on American Idol - would reportedly sign a deal for $15 million per year, while continuing to host his Sirius XM show in New York, a fact that might necessitate NBC moving the AGT studio across the country.

The pros of Stern coming on board America's Got Talent? He's very popular and outspoken. He would certainly bring a fresh voice to to the show. Among the cons? Let's just say we may see an increase in lesbian acts on stage.

Do you think Howard Stern would be a good fit on America's Got Talent?

America might have talent. But it no longer has Piers Morgan as a reality show judge.

“I’m leaving America’s Got Talent after 6 wonderful years,” Morgan Tweeted last night, following an announcement on his CNN talk show.“Turned out that juggling’s harder than it looks, so I’m going to focus on CNN.”

Morgan went on to thank “NBC, Fremantle, and of course, my friend Simon Cowell, for giving me such a great opportunity. It’s been a blast.”

No word yet on who might replace this panelist, but first chime in: Will you miss Piers Morgan on America's Got Talent?

With one of the best personal stories in show history, along with one of the smoothest voices, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. is your 2011 America's Got Talent champion!

The jazz singer surprised many by overcoming the favorites, Team iLuminate, who only finished in third place. Did you see Sharon Osbourne's face when that result was announced?

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. and Patti Labelle

Said the shocked crooner, who says he'll use the $1 million to "invest" in his "kids' future," immediately after the results were announced:

"Thank you so much for supporting me and believing in me, and helping me believe in myself on national television, in front of the whole world... This has been a long, hard journey. I been busting my butt out here doing this for so long, ever since I was a kid, and it's finally paying off."

So, you tell us: Did the right act win?

After weeks of competition, it's officially on, folks! The America's Got Talent finals kicked off last night, with four acts competing for the grand prize. Let's take a look at how each  performed...

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. - The car washer has been humble throughout the competition and his big dreams were backed by velvety vocals. Here he ended with "My Way," which made a lot of sense. Not only was the song vocally challenging, but you knew he meant every word he said. I liked how he tried to move around the small circle the producers forced him on. Some of his singing was drowned out by clapping in the middle, but his ending had power and was clean. My Grade: A

There was no March Madness-type upset on America's Got Talent last night, as the four acts favored throughout the season advanced to the final four. Did you agree with the results? We run them down below...

Eliminations Part 1 - Smage Bros. Riding Shows, Team iLuminate - Smage continued to go up the ramp of difficulty, but they were a bit sloppy last night. As long as they had a partner who continued to risk his life for the team. Team iLuminate, on the other hand, has been consistently growing and evolving their shapes of dance from their first performance. It was pretty bad when the Smage brothers pointed to iLumuinate as the group that would make it through; they knew that iLuminate was the team to beat.

We're down to 10 acts on America's Got Talent, 10 performers who are mere days away from fulfilling their dream. Who bombed? Who rose to the occasion? Who ought to advance? The answers await...

Miami All-Stars - Had the disadvantage of going first in a very important week. I didn’t understand the football/cheerleader theme and the dancing was too frantic. The group gets extra points for the big dancing chicken. The whole performance lacked direction and the music transition was executed really sloppy. My Grade: C+

Lys Agnes Performance

Lys Agnes - Was aiming for a rock/opera hybrid that the vocal coach didn't like. I wouldn't listen to her because she sabotaged several of the kid acts this year. Lys reminded me a bit of Des'ree in the beginning, her lower range sounds like Cher, which Sharon noted as bad. I appreciated the increased production value and the epic ending, but did it take too long to get to the end? My Grade: B+

What five acts advanced to the America's Got Talent finals to take on Poplyfe, West Springfield Dance Team, Team iLuminate, Miami All-Stars and Lys Agnes? Let's find out...

Eliminations Part 1: Gymkana, Steven Retchless, The Silhouettes - After Gymkana caught on fire, you knew their chances were over. Steven may have been overshadowed by all the extra dancers and the tension that Piers generated. The Silhouettes may not have been praised by the judges, but they had a creative opening and strong use of colors. It seemed obvious that the Silhouettes would make it through.

A night that started with Nick Cannon dangling from a rope concluded with one two semifinal acts earning an A. Read on for a rundown of last night's America's Got Talent performance show...

Landon Swank on America's Got Talent

The Kinetic King - The second time was the charm for The Kinetic King. The best part about watching him was the hope that he'd mess up again. He claimed that he had a new "gadget." He ditched the backup dancers permanently and forced everyone to wear goggles. There was ping pong balls and candy flying everywhere. The whole routine was shorter than before, but visually epic. My Grade: B+

Fatally Unique - The small town dance crew is now against the West Springfield Dance Team that has professional choreographers. The opening was similar to WSDT with the insane dancers. Unfortunately, the gate didn't correctly close for them and it was distracting. I liked the improvement in the theme. The lifts were a bit sloppy, but the transition into faster music was interesting. After not being a fan of West Springfield, I prefer WSDT more. My Grade: B