‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 11: Simon Cowell Channels Hannibal Lecter In New Promo Clip

The reality talent competition show “America’s Got Talent” is set to return to the small screens with its season 11 run. A latest promo video for the upcoming show also featured Simon Cowell who has been tied up in a straitjacket.

Over the years, Cowell has developed a reputation as a tough judge given his harsh and sometimes unflattering comments. In the new promo clip for the upcoming “America’s Got Talent” Season 11, his arrival at the show’s stage was marked with much fanfare. The British television producer and well-known reality show judge was bundled up in a straitjacket with a silver mask covering his nose and mouth.

The said promo clip was reminiscent of the iconic character Hannibal Lecter, People magazine reported. A team of security personnel also brought Cowell onstage to meet his fellow judges Howie Mandel, supermodel Heidi Klum and former Spice Girls Mel B., as well as host Nick Cannon.

“Well, we finally meet,” Mandel said in the promo clip. Mel B. then wonders aloud if Cowell will behave himself, while Klum stated, “He better.” However, when the mask was removed from Cowell’s face, he complained if the extra security and straitjacket were all necessary. “I don’t actually bite,” he explained. “That’s not what we heard,” Mandel replied.

The clip then proceeded to show a four-member group on the “America’s Got Talent” stage, getting ready to show their skills. However, Cowell’s next comment in the promo clip appeared to worry his fellow judges. He stated “dinner is served” while looking at the contestants.

Meanwhile, Mandel shared in an interview during NBC’s Summer Press Day held in early April that he and his fellow judges were having “more fun than [they] have ever had” with Cowell’s addition to panel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Cowell also complimented the “America’s Got Talent” team over the “amazing job” that they did with the show.

"They have been so much fun to work with and actually so good at what they do, along with the production team who have kept this show running for so many years,” he added.

“America’s Got Talent” Season 11 will premiere May 31 on NBC.