The Variety Pack

Image credit: Regis Philbin: Chris Haston

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America's Got Talent

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REGIS PHILBIN

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How does this compare to your other jobs?
REGIS PHILBIN: Well, I'm live every day in New York, and you can't compare it to live TV. This is a complicated show. But as long as it's No. 1, I don't care; I'll put up with it.

Did you think it would be this successful?
Yes, I did. There were two shows I was pretty sure about. Millionaire was one of them, and this was the other.

Why were you so sure of its success?
Well, because I saw the format. We haven't had a variety show on American television in a long time. I always thought of hosting a variety show, but where would the talent come from? From my days, all those great acts are now gone. Tony Bennett, Don Rickles are still around, but that's it. I thought this was a wonderful idea to open it up to the public. So right away I called them and said I want to do this show.

Isn't this just The Gong Show reinvented?
In the beginning the audition shows had some people who were not going to make it and everyone knew it but them, but the finals is another level — I think these people have something to offer. I'm wondering about this, like everyone else is: What is it going to take? How does someone who can spin the hoops beautifully stack up against someone who can sing great? It's a tough call. It's going to be tough on someone other than a singing talent to be the winner here. We'll see.

Did you agree with the pick tonight?
Yeah, I did. I think those Miller kids have a lot of appeal and a lot of personality, and I think the little one is really a showboat. He has a lot of what Wayne Newton had years ago, when he was starting. I don't know if anyone remembers Wayne when he was 15, but that was that kid.

Do you see this as being a hit beyond summer?
Yeah, I think so. I think it has a lot of potential.

And you'll stay with the show if it continues?
We'll see. Regis is getting a little tired right now.