'America's Got Talent,' Simon Cowell Production, Brings Competition to Afghanistan for New Series
Simon Cowell's companies Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia are taking their Got Talent show to Afghanistan, looking to air the 55th local version of the competition series later in 2013.
The 53-year-old mogul hopes "Afghanistan's Got Talent" will start broadcasting on channel 1TV in the fall and he is said to be scouting for Afghan stars to be on the judging panel, The Sun reported Wednesday.
Auditions will take place in the coming months and may be open to armed forces in the area. Troops fighting in the warzone are said to be welcome to try out for the reality competition. An insider said "rules are being drawn up" and there is a possibility of troops being allowed to enter the competition if they get permission from their commanding officers.
"Simon has always believed Got Talent can work anywhere, because - no matter where you are - people have amazing talents," the source also told the publication. "There may be a war raging in Afghanistan - but people are still living their lives and they enjoy watching TV just like anyone else."
Afghan channel 1TV airs entertainment shows that feature women - a controversial step in strict sections of Afghan society. It is a a privately-owned commercial station based in Kabul, according to Deadline. Others countries already signed up to have their own version of the show include Brazil, Ukraine, South Korea and Kazakhstan.
Cowell recently returned to judge Britain's Got Talent. Season 8 of America's Got Talent, the longest-running Got Talent, premiered on June 4 with new judges Mel B. of Spice Girls fame and supermodel Heidi Klum. The women joined radio host Howard Stern and TV host Howie Mandel on the judging panel for the NBC series. Nick Cannon returned as host.
America's Got Talent has been sold to 180 countries.
