Simon Cowell is to return as a judge on 'America's Got Talent'.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

The 56-year-old music mogul - who created 'Got Talent' in the UK - will be joined by original judges Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel with Nick Cannon returning as a host for the 12th season of the show.

The President of Alternative and Reality Group at NBC Entertainment, Paul Telegdy commented: "With the addition of Simon [Cowell] the chemistry between our judges has grown even stronger and it's easy to see how much enthusiasm they bring to the show night after night."

And on having Nick back, he added: "Nick adds a boundless energy as host that ties everything together.

"We're thrilled to have such a strong team returning for season 12."

While the hit show is co-owned and produced by Cowell and his record label Syco he only became a judge on season 11.

Talking about taking his spot on the panel in 2015, when it was announced, he said: "I kind of always wanted to be on it ... I also enjoyed producing it.

"When this opened up and they asked me, I went, 'A hundred percent, yeah.' Why wouldn't you?"

Meanwhile, Cowell - who has two-year-old son Eric with his girlfriend Laura Silverman - claims being a parent has made him more compassionate and admits he goes easier on hopefuls because he feels "different" now.

He said: "Lauren is great. And there's no question when you actually have a kid, it does make you feel different because you understand how you would feel if it was your son up there.

"I'm very conscious that the kids who audition for AGT want to be there, they're not being pushed into it, and that they're having a great day out, otherwise we wouldn't see them."

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