Simon Cowell Talks ‘America’s Got Talent’ Judge Contender Howard Stern: ‘I Like Him’

Howard Stern is in talks to replace Piers Morgan at the judges’ table on “America’s Got Talent,” and the show’s creator and executive producer, Simon Cowell, told Access Hollywood he is a fan.

“I like him,” Cowell told Access after Wednesday’s “The X Factor,” where Lakoda Rayne and LeRoy Bell were eliminated. “There’s a lot of people who make decisions on this stuff. Money’s got to work, schedules [have] got to work. There might be a few twists and turns still.”

It’s been reported that SiriusXM Radio host Stern wants a big paycheck – of around $20 million — to do “America’s Got Talent,” but Cowell, no stranger to a big payday himself, said the financial figures aren’t his call.

“I’m sure he does [want $20 million]. Who doesn’t? That’s not up to me. That’s up to [NBC]. I don’t write the checks, baby,” he said.

There is also talk that if Stern were to be brought on board, the show could move to New York City to accommodate the shock jock’s busy schedule.

Speaking to Access, Cowell didn’t rule that out as an option.

“If it’s the right thing to do, yeah,” Cowell told Access of the proposed East Coast move. “I like change. Whatever’s right for the show, we’ll do. The important thing this year is we’ve got to find more stars on the show, like we found with [Season 2 ‘AGT’ winner — ventriloquist, impressionist and comedian] Terry Fator. I want someone who’s going to have a big, big career. They’re all going to be under pressure this year to find us stars. That’s why you get paid to do the job.”

Cowell confirmed to Access he would also consider Stern as a guest or part-time “AGT” judge, but had less to say about whether he is speaking to other potential candidates for Morgan’s chair.

“I can’t tell you. That’s neither a yes or a no,” Cowell replied.