NBC renews 'America's Got Talent'

Burbank, Calif -- NBC says it has renewed the television competition show "America's Got Talent" for a fourth season.

The announcement was made Thursday by Craig Plestis, executive vice president of alternative programming, development and specials for NBC Entertainment.

"The production team has stepped up their game creatively as proven by the strong ratings," Plestis said in a statement. "This is the only show where truly unique and talented performers can achieve their ultimate dream. There's nothing like it on television."

NBC said "America's Got Talent" is averaging more than 13 million viewers so far this summer.

Each week, the top acts perform for viewers' votes with the ultimate winner of the $1 million prize to be crowned during a live finale Oct. 1.

Jerry Springer serves as the show's host, while David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan make up the panel of celebrity judges.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.