"AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" -- FROM SIMON COWELL AND THE PRODUCERS OF "AMERICAN IDOL" -- IS LOOKING FOR THE MOST TALENTED PERFORMER IN AMERICA IN UPCOMING AUDITIONS FOR NEW TALENT COMPETITION SERIES ON NBC THIS SUMMER

Cowell to Make Special Appearance at Casting Search Kickoff April 6 in Los Angeles: Search Continues in New York, Chicago and Atlanta

BURBANK, Calif. -- March 27, 2006 -- America has talent -- and NBC's new series "America's Got Talent" is in hot pursuit of it as executive producers Simon Cowell ("American Idol") and Ken Warwick ("American Idol" and FremantleMedia) announced today the multiple-city casting search for the most talented person in America.

The legendary Cowell is looking for the next big discovery at the open calls for the series that will premiere this summer, and will make a special appearance at the casting search kickoff in Los Angeles on April 6. In addition to Los Angeles, the casting team will visit New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

" 'America's Got Talent' will possibly be the largest and most comprehensive talent search the country has ever seen. We are looking for performers of all ages in every talent category in hopes of finding that next big name in lights," said Warwick. "I am thrilled to be working with NBC on this project, as they have a long history of discovering major stars in America, and I am looking forward to a successful and fun show."

"This is the show I've always wanted to make," added Cowell. "We are looking for the best entertainer or entertainers in America."

"America's Got Talent" will feature a colorful array of hopeful future stars from across the country as they compete for a one million dollar cash prize. America's votes will decide the ultimate winner.

Singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique novelty acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of the casting directors, who will determine which acts will have a chance to appear on the show.

The audition dates, times and locations follow:

* Los Angeles -- April 6, 7 and 8 -- Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel, 711 South Hope Street (south side of Wilshire), Los Angeles, 90017. APRIL 6 -- official kickoff with Simon Cowell

* Chicago -- April 12 and 13 -- The W Hotel (Chicago City Center), 172 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60603

* New York City -- April 17 -- The Westin Hotel Times Square, 270 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

* East Elmhurst, New York -- April 19 -- The Crowne Plaza Hotel (LaGuardia Airport area), 104-04 Ditmars Blvd., East Elmhurst, NY 11369

* Atlanta -- April 22 and 23 -- America's Mart, Building #2 (Atlanta Gift Mart), 230 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30303

Prospects under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian and must have parental permission. In addition, all possible contestants must have: a photo identification; be a legal United States citizen, legal permanent resident or possess a current employment visa; and arrive at the audition in costume.

Potential contestants who are unable to make the open calls can apply online at www.nbc.com and click on "casting."

"America's Got Talent" is produced by Cowell's SYCO TV production company and FremantleMedia. Simon Cowell, Ken Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz ("American Idol") are the executive producers. Jason Raff ("Three Wishes) is the co-executive producer.