ROCKEFELLER CENTER — Contestants of "America's Got Talent" will have their shot to make it in the big city when the hit NBC reality show comes to Radio City Music Hall for its eighth season.
The smash-hit talent competition that boasts Howard Stern as a judge will move from its home in New Jersey and begin filming live from the Midtown venue twice a week beginning July 28, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.
Cuomo lauded the move, which he said was a boon for local business, is set to bring in an estimated $100 million and 500 jobs.
The "announcement is further proof that New York is becoming the place to go for the film and television industry, creating new jobs for New York and spurring economic activity across the state," Cuomo said in the Wednesday announcement.
"We have the resources, the talented workforce, and the best venues, including the iconic Radio City Music Hall, which will be sure to inspire the contestants of 'America's Got Talent' and all the visitors who flock to see it," he added.
Talent's move is the latest in a concerted effort by elected officials around the state to draw the entertainment industry to New York.
NBC executives said though "Talent"'s move was partly spurred by creative concerns, a new tax credit sweetened the pot.
"We applaud Governor Cuomo and the New York legislature for developing and advocating programs that attract investment and create jobs for New Yorkers," said Rick Cotton, a vice president and general counsel for NBC.
The Times initially reported the tax credit was an attempt to lure NBC's flagship "Tonight Show" back to New York City from Los Angeles and place Jimmy Fallon at its helm.
