LOS ANGELES -- Howard Stern is about to return to TV -- he's just signed on to become the latest judge on America's Got Talent.

Stern will replace CNN host Piers Morgan at the judges' table, alongside Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne.

Speculation about Stern joining the show has been rampant for more than a month, ever since Morgan announced he was leaving to concentrate on his CNN gig. But Thursday morning, Stern made it official.

On his SiriusXM show's Twitter feed, the announcement went out: "It's official -- Howard just signed on the dotted line -- he is now the newest judge on America's Got Talent!"

Stern said shooting begins in February and he would travel the country for the audition portion of the talent competition.

First Published December 16, 2011, 5:00 a.m.