Emmy Award-winning television legend Regis Philbin (Live with Regis & Kelly, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) has been chosen as host of NBC's America's Got Talent, the new talent competition series from Simon Cowell (American Idol) and FremantleMedia (American Idol) that will premiere with a special two-hour broadcast on Wednesday, June 21 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The regular telecast time of America's Got Talent will be Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET; (30-minute results shows will air on Thursdays beginning July 13, 8:30-9 p.m. ET).

"For years I've thought about hosting a variety show on television but I could never put it together in my mind," said Philbin. "Finally, here it is and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

"I am delighted that Regis has agreed to host 'America's Got Talent,'" said Cowell. "Regis is just the best, and I am really looking forward to working with him."

Cowell and FremantleMedia will bring the hottest performers from across the country to TV audiences in this new series that allows viewers to determine who will walk away with a $1 million cash prize. The series features a colorful array of hopeful future stars. Singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique acts of all ages will have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of judges who will determine which acts advance to the final rounds. (The judges will be announced at a later date.)

Philbin's vast and varied career in television virtually matches the medium's history. After a career in local news, he first gained national attention as sidekick to host Joey Bishop's late-night The Joey Bishop Show before moving on to become a popular fixture in Los Angeles with his own morning talk show, AM Los Angeles. Philbin eventually moved the show to New York and also became executive producer where it became a national daily syndicated hit as Live with Regis & Kathie Lee and currently as Live with Regis & Kelly with host Kelly Ripa.

In 1999, Philbin hosted the hottest show on television with Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, an hour-long primetime game show that was telecast several times a week.

Philbin has guest-starred in such series as Becker, Mad About You, Hope & Faith, Less Than Perfect, Spin City, Caroline in the City and Seinfeld. Among his film credits, Philbin will voice one of the characters in the upcoming Shrek the Third animated feature due in 2007.

Philbin won an Emmy each as host of Live with Regis and for Who Wants to Be A Millionaire.