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Is Sharon Osbourne leaving 'America's Got Talent'?

Updated at 5:34 p.m. PT: An NBC source told TODAY.com that the network was surprised by Sharon Osbourne's Tuesday morning tweet that she was leaving "America's Got Talent." The revelation came out of the blue on a day when the show was taping with the longtime judge, and no one at the network seemed to know she was considering leaving the position. Paul Telegdy, president of alternative program
Chris Haston / NBC / Today

Updated at 5:34 p.m. PT: An NBC source told TODAY.com that the network was surprised by Sharon Osbourne's Tuesday morning tweet that she was leaving "America's Got Talent." The revelation came out of the blue on a day when the show was taping with the longtime judge, and no one at the network seemed to know she was considering leaving the position. 

Paul Telegdy, president of alternative programming, told us that she's on board for at least the rest of the season.

"We're in the middle of the season and nothing has changed. It was just two friends chatting on Twitter, it didn't mean anything," Telegdy told TODAY.com at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour in Beverly Hills. 

Original story: Let the judging search begin. Sharon Osbourne — the longest tenured judge on "America's Got Talent" — has said she won’t return for next season.

Sharon shocked fans this morning by breaking the news via Twitter: “My darling @HowardStern, money is not the reason I’m not returning to @nbcagt, it’s because…”

The rest, for now, is a mystery.

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On his radio show Monday, Stern suggested the Osbourne may not return because she was seeking too much money.

NBC is mum.  Paul Telegdy, the network’s head of alternative programming, tells us only that “We love Sharon” and would not confirm or deny the reports.

The news couldn’t come at a worse time for the variety show. "AGT" must contend with contract renegotiations with Howard Stern.

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Earlier in the day, Telegdy said he was “thrilled” with Stern.  ”He’s proven himself to be a wonderful addition to the panel of judges on the show.”

“We’re thrilled with the performance of the shows and delighted if Howard wants to come back.”

If Sharon does leave, who would you like to see replace her? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Additional reporting by Susan C. Young, TODAY.com contributor.

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