Exclusive: Former Contestants Mourn Sharon’s Departure

Posted by Sean Daly on August 6, 2012 at 4:59 PM

Sharon Osbourne will be tough to replace on AGT (Photo: NBC)

Former contestants from AMERICA’S GOT TALENT are shocked and saddened by the pending departure of Sharon Osbourne.

The show’s longest active judge announced today that she is walking away from her seat at the judges’ table after a nasty spat with NBC.

“I just can’t be fake…it’s time to move on,” she told The New York Post.

Sharon, 59, says she is particularly upset with the way the network cut ties with her son Jack after he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Jack — who was set to appear on the upcoming NBC reality show “Stars Earn Stripes” — was fired by email, Sharon says, and then made to look like a liar when producers said he was never hired in the first place.

“Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of support and love,” she tweeted Monday afternoon.

Now as producers are scrambling to replace her for next season, former contestants are reaching out to share their reactions with AGTNews.com.

Here’s a few:

	Dani Shay (Season 6): ”Sharon was a real comfort to me when I was on AGT. She understood my desire to be true to myself, and to do my own songs, which I really appreciated. I think she’s great, and I hope to connect with her again in the future. Peace!!”
	Prince Poppycock (Season 5): ”Sharon was my fairy godmother during my run on AGT. Without her who knows how far I would have gone?! From my first audition, to her naming me “The male Lady Gaga”, to the beautiful Chanel scarf she gave me on the final night, she was incredibly supportive, genuine, and kind. The show won’t be the same without her, and she is leaving big shoes to fill. All my love and prayers for you and your family. Thank you Sharon!”
	Murray SawChuck (Season 5): “Wow, just heard Sharon might be leaving AGT! Would be a shame if she did leave as she brings such class, experience, and taste to the show!” “I love her and she’s a great personality! She’s come along way from being just Ozzy’s wife!”
	Dylan Andre (Season 6): ”Sharon leaving the show is upsetting but then again I believe there’s a time in everyone’s life to change chapters. She was very kind to me in the fact that she opened my mind up to my biggest weakness at the time of being on AGT. She showed me that having a voice and a talent doesn’t mean anything if you don’t believe in yourself, so I am confident in saying that the show will not be the same without her. I wish her a fond farewell and good luck in her future endeavors.”
	Marlee Hightower – Studio One Young Beast Society (Season 5): “Sharon was always my favorite judge. She was so nice. I’ll never forget when it was judge’s pick for that last spot in the top 10, and she said, “Studio One!” I was crying so hard. I think she was the biggest fan of dancers out of all of the judges. That’s what I loved about her. And her hair! I’m going to miss her so much on the show. I can’t really see anyone taking her place, because she is such a great judge.”
	Daniel Joseph Baker (Season 6): ”I think Sharon leaving will be a turning point for the show even more than having Howard come on. She is the heart and soul of AGT and I just don’t know how they are gonna find someone with her character to feel that spot. She’s one of a kind. Now that I think about it though, I know she lives in LA so being away in New York for 3 months may just be to much for her. I understand why she left, but like I said that’s a whole in the show that I don’t think they can fill. I actually have a couple fond memories of Sharon, when she called me a ‘Nice boy,’ when she called me “Daniel Josephine Baker”, and when she said that I am ‘Just so talented & as camp as Christmas.’ She made me feel so good about myself and I’ll never forget the confidence she gave me.”