Simon Cowell is expanding his empire even further with plans to launch Afghanistan’s Got Talent this autumn.

The Got Talent series has proved such a success around the world – with shows in America, Australia, Brazil, Denmark and the hugely popular Britain’s Got Talent, to name a few – Cowell wants to see it launch in the Middle East war zone too.

Bigwigs are said to be on the hunt for Afghan judges, as well as a celebrity host, before auditions kick off in the next couple of months.


‘Simon has always believed Got Talent can work anywhere, because — no matter where you are — people have amazing talents,’ a source said.



‘There may be a war raging in Afghanistan — but people are still living their lives and they enjoy watching TV just like anyone else.’

America’s Got Talent was the first entire series to air, with the current series being judged by Heidi Klum, Mel B, Howard Stern and Howie Mandel (Picture: NBC/Xposurephotos.com)

Cowell is even hoping British soldiers will be able to audition for the show, which is set to air on local channel 1TV, providing they can get time off from their duties.

‘Rules are being drawn up but there is a possibility troops will be allowed to enter — assuming they can get permission,’ the source added to The Sun.

Afghanistan will be the 58th country to sign up to the Got Talent series.

The Got Talent group is owned by Cowell’s company SYCOtv and while a pilot was first made in Britain with Paul O’Grady as host, when he parted ways with ITV the pilot had to be postponed.

America’s Got Talent then became the first entire series of the popular format.