NBC's hit summer series "America's Got Talent" has been renewed for a fourth season, it was announced today by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

"The production team has stepped up their game creatively as proven by the strong ratings," said Plestis. " 'America's Got Talent' has produced the most successful winner in reality television history. This is the only show where truly unique and talented performers can achieve their ultimate dream. There's nothing like it on television."

"America's Got Talent" is averaging more than 13 million viewers so far this summer, an increase of 16 percent versus the same period last year (11.5 million). It's a hit with all audience segments, ranking in the top five this summer in virtually all meaningful categories, including kids 2-11, teens 12-17, adults 18-34, adults 18-49, adults 25-54 and adults 50-plus. On Tuesday of this week, "America's Got Talent" returned after a two-week break during the Beijing Olympics and delivered NBC's strongest results (3.1 rating, 9 share in adults 18-49, 11.1 million viewers overall) in the Tuesday 8-10 p.m. time period since the "Biggest Loser" finale April 15. On the following night, with its Wednesday season debut, "America's Got Talent" scored NBC's highest results (2.7/8 in 18-49, 10.1 million viewers overall) in the Wednesday 8-10 p.m. time period since January 23, according to preliminary fast affiliate-based Nielsens.

Each week, the top acts will perform for America's votes with the ultimate winner of the million-dollar prize being crowned during an exhilarating live finale on Wednesday, October 1 (9-10p.m. ET).

Bringing the variety format back to the forefront of American culture, "America's Got Talent," hosted by Jerry Springer, showcases the hottest performers from across the country, with the winner being chosen by the television viewing audience. The show features a colorful array of hopeful future stars -- singers, dancers, comedic performers and unique acts of all ages -- who have a chance to strut and perform in front of a panel of celebrity judges including David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan.

"America's Got Talent" is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television. Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Jason Raff, James Sunderland and Georgie Hurford-Jones are executive producers.