Hasselhoff judge on new reality show

David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff has pointed to pal Simon Cowell's persuasiveness as the reason he decided to sign on as a judge on new reality show, Got Talent.

"He called me up and said, 'Would you do this?' And I said, 'I don't want to be a judge!' And he said, 'Come on, it's fun! You're funny!'."

And, shrugged Hasselhoff, "because it's Simon, I did it".

The actor/singer is one of three judges, along with singer Brandy and British journalist Piers Morgan. The series features a wide variety of acts, from singers to magicians. The winner, chosen by viewers, will receive a prize of US$1 million ($1.6 million).