“America’s Got Talent”… and a very familiar new British judge.
After making his mark on U.S. audiences on “American Idol” and “The X Factor,” Simon Cowell made his highly anticipated debut on the NBC talent show Tuesday night.
The sharp-tongued Brit joined the judging panel for Season 11 to fill in the empty seat vacated by Howard Stern, who left after last season.
Cowell, 56, is no stranger to the “Got Talent” format, having created it with his company Syco, and then sold it around the world. He is also the executive producer of “America’s Got Talent,” which launched in 2006, but originally didn’t appear on the show because of his contract with Fox.
Cowell joins the judging table alongside Howie Mandel, Mel B and Heidi Klum, with Nick Cannon returning as host.
The reality TV veteran wasn’t the only one getting rave reviews from viewers following Tuesday’s season premiere. Tape Face Boy and 13-year-old opera singer Laura Bretan were early fan favorites to kick off Season 11.
See the top tweets about Cowell’s debut and the latest crop of multi-talented contestants below.
The judge fights were so HILARIOUS on @nbcagt #AGTPremiere #agt!
— Miles Wildmore (@Mileswildmore) June 1, 2016
@nbcagt looks like we're in for another great season. #AGTPremiere
— Michelle (@msrival12) June 1, 2016
I'm not sure if I love it all or already know I'll be turning my head a lot this season! #AGTPremiere #AmericasGotTalent
— Jenipher – Travel Advisor (@sensei1113) June 1, 2016
@SimonCowell the meat hook? The tape guy? So differwnt, memorible. Rose on the other hand. #AGTPremiere
— Zach 🇺🇸 (@zspargo) June 1, 2016
WHAT DID I JUST WATCH?? Sick and awesome! #AGTPremiere
— Jared (@JaredontheRight) June 1, 2016
I have never been more attracted to @SimonCowell than when he's judging kids. #AGTPremiere #GoldenBuzzer 🎵 https://t.co/cf431B4LUz
— Mary Hope 🌻💕 agent elvis lockdown (@tacozebra051) June 1, 2016
#AGTPremiere where is the real @SimonCowell ? Who is this laughing, happy man, whoever this Simon is can we keep him? Am I right?
— TLD59 (@TLD591) June 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/AllBrent/status/737834728766726144
https://twitter.com/abbykadabby17/status/737834244223995905
Did you ever think you'd live to see the day where @SimonCowell judges oven mits? #AGTPremiere
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) June 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/FrabrookeWolf/status/737833360471527424
The #AGTPremiere was amazing. I'm so glad my favorite show is back.
— DamnSmith (@DanstilleTrash) June 1, 2016
@nbcagt @SimonCowell cracks me up. "He shouldn't be singing loudly". LMAO! #celebritycrush 😍 #AGTPremiere
— Michelle (@msrival12) June 1, 2016
RT if this is your current mood. #OMGAGT #AGTPremiere pic.twitter.com/nfybeoEDVP
— America’s Got Talent (@AGT) June 1, 2016