Nick Cannon's Got Talent

Mariah Carey's better half will replace Jerry Springer as host of the fourth season of NBC's summer reality show

By Gina Serpe Feb 09, 2009 8:25 PMTags
Nick CannonJennifer Buhl, PacificCoastNews.com

Nick Cannon isn't short on talent, and now Talent isn't short on Nick Cannon.

Mariah Carey's mister has signed on to replace Jerry Springer as the new host of America's Got Talent, NBC announced today.

The 28-year-old will join returning judges Sharon Osbourne, David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan in the Simon Cowell-conceived parade of freaks reality show when it returns for its fourth season this summer.

Cannon becomes the third emcee, following in the footsteps of season one's Regis Philbin and Springer, who announced last week that commitments to his talk show and a forthcoming stage role precluded him from returning for another season.

Aside from fronting the Talent contest, Cannon will also shepherd other projects at the Peacock.

"I'm thrilled to be working with NBC," Cannon said, adding that network brass "understand my vision as not only an entertainer but as a creative show producer."

"I look forward to working with the network and their executive team on America's Got Talent and other shows to come."

Mr. Carey does have previous hosting experience under his belt, having manned four seasons of his titular MTV showcase, Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out, since 2005.