NBC ANNOUNCES HOWIE MANDEL ('DEAL OR NO DEAL') AS NEW JUDGE ON TOP-RATED SUMMER SERIES 'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT'

Mandel Will Join Returning Judges Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan Along with Nick Cannon as Host

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 10, 2010 -- Howie Mandel ("Deal or No Deal") will join NBC's hit summer series "America's Got Talent" as a new judge when the competition reality program returns for its fifth season this summer. Mandel will join returning judges Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan along with host Nick Cannon.

In addition to serving as a judge on "America's Got Talent," Mandel has a larger overall first-look deal with NBC and he will continue to produce projects via his production company, Alevy Productions.

The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios.

"Howie is one of America's favorite entertainers and his sense of humor and energy are irrepressible," said Telegdy. "He's passionate about new talent and his years of experience across a variety of disciplines in entertainment, not to mention the fact that he headlines and performs in Vegas all the time, will bring new depth to our panel. He will be a real asset to our contestants and help them take their talents to the next level. We are thrilled to have him join Sharon and Piers and are sure that sparks will fly!"

"We're thrilled to have Howie join the show," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "He's an extraordinary, multi-faceted talent whose success story spans the gauntlet of all things entertainment. He will no doubt bring a dynamic, poignant and entertaining perspective to the judging panel that is all his own."

Mandel's versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, ranging from television to film and stage. Mandel's experience includes hosting the primetime network and syndicated versions of the hit game show "Deal or No Deal," working on the Emmy Award-winning "St. Elsewhere" and extends to international markets with his Emmy-nominated "Bobby's World."

In addition, Mandel has done numerous comedy specials over the years both on cable and network television. He also hosted his own syndicated talk show "The Howie Mandel Show," executive-produced the series "Howie Do It" and continues to be a mainstay on the talk-show circuit. He frequently appeared on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and also continues to perform as many as 200 concerts a year throughout the United States and Canada. Most recently his book, "Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me," has been on the New York Times bestseller list for four weeks in a row.

"America's Got Talent," from "American Idol" producers FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television, has been the #1 summer series on broadcast television in total viewers for each of the last four years. By showcasing performers from across the country, "America's Got Talent" has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture. The show is a true celebration of the American spirit featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts -- and the $1 million prize along with a chance to headline in Las Vegas.

Producers are currently searching the nation for the hottest and most unique performers to compete in season five. Open calls for season five will be held in Los Angeles (January 23-24), Dallas (January 30-31), Orlando (February 13-14), Atlanta (February 20-21) and Portland (February 28-March 1). If applicants cannot attend an open call in person, the producers would encourage them to submit a tape showcasing their talent.

For additional information, including open call locations, and to pre-register please log onto http://www.AGTauditions.com

"America's Got Talent" is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television. Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol"), Jason Raff ("Clash of the Choirs") Ken Warwick ("American Idol") and Georgie Hurford-Jones ("Britain's Got Talent") serve as executive producers.

Alevy Productions is the production company founded by Mandel in 1990. The company recently wrapped production on the second season of "Howie Do It," for NBC and Global Television. Alevy is also currently producing the "He Said, She Said" pilot for Game Show Network and is in negotiations with WE TV to produce a reality series. On the scripted front, the company has multiple projects set up at NBC and USA Network in America and CBC and Canwest in Canada. Additionally, Alevy is developing shows with Vladae The Dog Wizard and Todd Ray's Venice Beach Freakshow. Previously, it has produced several series including "Bobby's World," an animated series that ran for eight seasons and was nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards, and "Hidden Howie." Mike Marks, formerly of Brillstein-Grey TV and The WB Network, runs day-to-day operations of the company.