America's Got Talent: Simon Cowell signs three-season deal

Simon Cowell isn’t leaving NBC’s America’s Got Talent any time soon. The Peacock network on Tuesday announced Cowell has inked a new deal to return as a judge on the show for the next three seasons, through 2019.

Cowell, who created the original Britain’s Got Talent in 2006, will be joined by judges Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and host Nick Cannon when season 12 kicks off in summer 2017. Season 11 was Cowell’s first season with the show.

“America’s Got Talent is a fantastic and — most importantly — fun show both to work on and to watch,” said the former American Idol judge in a statement. “NBC have been brilliant partners and the entire team who make this show are one of the best in the world. I’ve loved this past season and look forward to discovering more great talent together in the years to come.”

Singer-songwriter and ukulele player Grace VanderWaal won season 11, which was the show’s most watched installment in five seasons and averaged a 3.0 rating in the 18-49 demo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.