Simon Cowell is bringing his successful Got Talent reality show empire to Afghanistan, even though the country is still in the midst of war.
The show, titled Afghanistan’s Got Talent, will be SyCo Entertainment and Fremantle Media’s 55th local edition of the talent show, which began with Britain’s Got Talent. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show will air on Afghanistan’s 1TV Media channel later in 2013.
Recent Got Talent launches include Brazil and Kazakhstan, but this latest move is a surprise, since Afghanistan is still struggling after over a decade of war. “Simon has always believed Got Talent can work anywhere, because — no matter where you are — people have amazing talents,” a source told The U.K. tabloid The Sun. “There may be a war raging in Afghanistan — but people are still living their lives and they enjoy watching TV just like anyone else.”
The source added that troops deployed there might even get to compete. “Rules are being drawn up but there is a possibility troops will be allowed to enter — assuming they can get permission,” the source told the Sun.
Britain’s Got Talent’s latest season ended earlier this month, with Cowell being egged by a former contestant. America’s Got Talent’s 2013 season is underway on NBC with new judges Mel B and Heidi Klum.
Cowell will next be seen on TV for the US version of The X Factor in September on Fox.
image: Fox