America's Got Talent could be losing one of its marquee attractions.
Howard Stern, a judge on the NBC talent competition series (Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET/PT), said Wednesday that he wouldn't be returning for Season 11.
Responding to colleague Robin Quivers on his Sirius XM radio show, Stern said: "I kind of have told them I think this is my last season. Not I think, this is my last season."
NBC declined to comment on the statements made by Stern on The Howard Stern Show.
Stern, who has been a judge for four seasons on the 10th-season show, has wavered on returning in the past. In 2013, he said the decision to return for Season 9 had been a struggle.
In the on-air discussion, Stern said he has had discussions about his plans with NBC, which he said needs to know about his status in order to plan for next season. The show moved to New York to accommodate Stern.
"They said, 'Well, in all fairness, if you don't come back, we don't do the show out of New York. Then we've got to secure the venues in Los Angeles. So we'd love to have you back. We love you,' " he said.
Stern said he had to consider other professional matters, including his radio show and an unnamed TV opportunity, in deciding this would be his last season on the NBC reality series.
"I've got my radio contract coming up here in January. The good people here at Sirius XM like me very much and they would like me to do the show some more. I've got to think that through and figure out what's best for me there," he said. "And I have been made an offer in television that excites me. Excites me to no end. I think it would be a great opportunity. But I can't do America's Got Talent, my radio show and this television opportunity."
Stern said he was asked to take until July 4 to decide his future on Talent, but he said he doesn't need additional time. "They can move on with their plans, and I will continue to be a fan of the show and have a great last season and enjoy the live shows and all of that. And I feel funny leaving it because I think I'm leaving it in good hands in the sense that if I had any effect on the show, it was to elevate the show and have it taken more seriously. Like it now is kind of cool. If I may say so myself."
