NO one is more shocked than Simon Cowell that the NBC summer variety show “America’s Got Talent” turned out to be a hit.
And he’s the show’s creator.
“To be honest, we were not expecting it to do as well as it did,” he told The Post.
The two-part finale of “Talent” starts tonight with a two-hour performance show and ends tomorrow with viewers electing a $1-million winner.
“I think it’s incredible,” says Simon, who’s not shy about giving himself and his production partner, Ken Warwick, a pat on the back. “We were probably looking for an average of 8 or 9 million [viewers], and we’ve averaged 10 or 11 million viewers.”
“Think about it,” says Cowell. “How many new shows have been launched over the last two years that haven’t made it into their third week, let alone a second season.”
The show’s format is loosely based on “American Idol,” but was open to all kinds of performers – from yodeling grade-schoolers to magic acts.
“Talent” was one of two variety shows to come out of the “Idol” production offices this summer. Its archrival, the second season of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” was produced by “Idol” boss Nigel Lythgoe, whose office is directly across the hall from Warwick’s.
The end result was a friendly competition between the two “Idol” producers and a cutthroat ratings race between NBC and Fox. “Talent” had, on average, more viewers overall, but “Dancing” scored higher among viewers under 49 years old-the sweet spot for advertisers.
Simon says he expects the three judges from “Talent,” British tabloid editor Piers Morgan, singer Brandy Norwood and David Hasselhoff to return next January – despite what the ex-“Baywatch” star has said about this being his one and only season on “Talent.”
“I like this panel, I think they’re going to get more interesting,” he says.
“It’s all about personality on these panels,” he says. “You don’t want to put serious people on them.”
Simon says there have been times this summer that he wished he was a judge on “Talent,” blasting away at some of the more ridiculous acts.
“It’s been very tempting,” he says. “There have been times when I’ve watched the show and thought to myself, ‘God I wish I was judging this.’
“But I’ve got to keep my mouth shut,” he sighed.
Cowell’s “Idol” contract prohibits him from doing his “Mr. Nasty” act anywhere else on American TV. Pity.