SIMON Cowell’s gamble to produce a Las Vegas stage entertainment show has paid off with him landing a money spinning extension deal worth up to $13 million.
Cowell’s America’s Got Talent Live has been renewed for a third year on the Las Vegas strip.
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Vegas casino group MGM Resorts has extended their deal to run his America’s Got Talent Live at The Luxor Resort through to autumn 2024.
The variety stage show, packed with artists from his prime time hit NBC entertainment series AGT over the years, has continued to be a huge hit in its second year in Sin City.
This deal extension means Cowell is likely to bank a nice earner of at least $13 million as show creator of the Got Talent franchise Stateside.
The 63-year-old is also banking a similar amount from a new TV spin off NBC AGT Fantasy League, which starts in the US in January.
Cash has been rolling in thanks to packed houses at AGT Live’s two shows nightly.
Show star Kodi Lee, a contestant on AGT Fantasy League, confirmed he has signed on for another year with Cowell’s Luxor spectacular.
A Vegas source revealed: “The AGT Live show has been renewed for another year. It has been a major success for the Luxor in the last couple of years.
“For Simon it is a great deal. His acts earn him money playing live to satisfied audiences, while he sits back and takes the profits.
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“He’ll probably take in $13m/ £10m for this extension for the year it is another piece of brilliant business for him.
“Fans often revisit because the show changes the talent who have appeared on past shows.”
BIG HITS
The insider added: “Simon is enjoying a really great run at the moment.
“His AGT special series at the start of the year are real big hits for NBC, because they bring in their highest entertainment related numbers.
“The audience remains very strong for that show even though it’s been on for almost 20 years.”
Insiders say that they expect AGT 2023 winner and showman Adrian Stoica and his performing dog Hurricane to join the bill within the next few weeks.
VEGAS SENSATION
Cowell has enjoyed huge success in Vegas in a short time.
Last year, he was handed the prestigious Key To The Strip honor.
The powerful moment saw the tough talking judge, who was nicknamed Mr. Nasty, shed tears of joy.
He admitted the experience of achieving success in the USA, following his childhood dreams was emotional.
“It’s very difficult to put it into words because I was so awful in school,” he said.
‘TERRIBLE AT SCHOOL’
“All my teachers said to me I’ll be terrible when I go to work.
“So, to see a show (poster) of mine on this massive building in Vegas it’s honestly incredible.
“I just wish my mom and dad were still here to see that. They would’ve been so proud because I was talking to them when I was a kid about things I’d do in Vegas.
“They knew how much it meant to me so yeah, it’s everything.”
Cowell’s Syco Entertainment first struck the deal with MGM Resorts International and TV giant Fremantle to plough several million dollars to rebuild the Luxor Theater to allow for performers of all types for the family show.
They have never looked back with most shows running twice nightly thanks to reasonable ticket prices starting at $49.
REVAMPED SHOW
Cowell is back on the box with more of acts for AGT Fantasy League America’s Got Talent Live starts Monday, January 1, 2024 on NBC at 8/7c.
In AGT: Fantasy League similar to a fantasy sports draft, the judges will each choose a roster of their favorite acts picking from winners, finalists, viral sensations and fan favorites from “America’s Got Talent” and “Got Talent” franchises around the world.
For the first time in show history, the judges will be competing alongside the contestants and will guide the acts throughout the competition with the hopes seeing an act from their team crowned the champion of “AGT: Fantasy League.”
The judges will fill their fantasy teams with 10 acts compiled from singers, dancers, ventriloquists, comedians, aerialists, magicians and more.
The Golden Buzzer will be back sending acts straight to the finals, but with a twist, as each judge can use their coveted Golden Buzzer for their own act or to take an act from another judges’ team.
The audience will vote each week to determine which acts will advance to the finals and which judge will earn bragging rights as their act is crowned the “AGT: Fantasy League” champion.
FOUR DAY WEEK
Recently head judge Cowell made global headlines when he revealed the key to his life is to take Fridays off work.
“The first thing (I do) is take off Fridays. Don’t work on Fridays, because you don’t have to,” he said.
“Eat dinner at five o ‘clock. Don’t take calls after 5:30 pm.
“Don’t read emails after 5:30pm. Watch a happy movie. And stay outside.
He continued: “I’m not kidding about the Fridays. I don’t think anyone should be working five days a week.
“It’s just pointless.”
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