Nah, just kidding. We don’t, actually. But in an effort to perpetuate the myth that we do, NBC is producing what’s basically a good old-fashioned variety show in the form of “America’s Got Talent,” executive-produced by the “American Idol” legend himself, Simon Cowell. Cowell and the show’s host, the even-more-legendary Regis Philbin, did a press conference to discuss the show, and Bullz-Eye.com was able to participate and ask Simon about his personal choice for the panel of judges, to ask Reeg about one of his reported upcoming projects, and to reference a staple of ABC’s “TGIF” line-up.

The full transcript appears after the jump.

Bullz-Eye: Hi, guys!

Simon Cowell: Hi, William.

Regis Philbin: Hi, Will!

BE: Simon, was there ever any hesitation on the network’s part to have (British journalist) Piers Morgan as a judge? Were they at all concerned about wanting to have all established names on the panel, or did they go, “Ooooooo, the new Simon”?

SC: They hated him when I first introduced him, absolutely…the idea of him. And then I said, “Well, meet him!” And he completely won them over. And I told him the truth. I said, “They don’t want to like you, because they don’t like the idea of another Brit on the panel, so it’s entirely up to you.” And he turned them ‘round within 30 minutes.

RP: Yes, he’s a charming guy and very knowledgeable, and the more everybody sees him, the more they realize that he is going to be the glue up there on that panel.

SC: Yeah, I agree. I agree, Regis.

BE: Do you think the press is going to try and paint him as “the next Simon,” like, to the point where he’s going to get defensive about it?

SC: Yeah. Oh, yeah, it’ll happen. And I warned him about that. I said, “Look, the problem is that I’m British, you’re British, everyone’s gonna hate you, everybody hated me in the beginning, get used to it. But you’ve got to just do what you do best. You have very good opinions, you’ve got great instincts, and you’ve just got to deal with it…but don’t change. You are who you are.” And I do trust his judgments, I have to say.

BE: Regis, what is the status of “This Is Your Life”? (Writer’s note: Philbin had been attached as the host of a planned revival of the classic show.)

RP: Well, you know, they called me, they asked if I was interested…and I sure was, because I think it’s one of the great early gems of television…and, then, I think they had difficulty coming up with stars. First of all, you know, there aren’t as many stars as there were in the heyday of that show. Cary Grant is gone, and there’s not many more like him. And, so, it’s difficult, I guess, to come up with people who would be worthy of an interview on that show. So all I can tell you is that I never did hear again…maybe outside of a few phone calls…but they kept looking and looking and never really found anyone. And, so, my six-month option was up, and I opted, really, to get out, because I didn’t think anything was going to happen…and, so far, nothing has. And, luckily for me, I did, because all of a sudden, this thing came on, “America’s Got Talent,” and, boy, I loved it from the first time I heard it, so I went for that.

BE: And just in closing, do you think 2006 will be the year that the television academy finally rewards you for your work as “Handsome” Hal Halverson on (“Regis and Kelly” co-host Kelly Ripa’s sitcom) “Hope and Faith”?

SC: (Laughs)

RP: (Chuckles) You know, I’m so sorry that I missed…oh, you mean in September? For the new season? Yes, I think I should be honored! I gave them three of the best shows they ever had, I liked to have saved that show for Kelly, and, so, now, forget about that, it’s time to honor Regis for what he contributed!

SC: I agree!

RP: I look forward to receiving the Emmy!

BE: Hear, hear.

SC: You’ve got my vote.

BE: Thanks a lot, guys.

SC: Bye-bye.

RP: Thanks.