Mime, dancers and even a snarky Brit

Think of it as “American Idol” on steroids, if that’s possible. Or maybe “The Gong Show Version 2.0”? Wednesday will bring the two-hour premiere on NBC of Simon Cowell’s newest venture, “America’s Got Talent,” and in this one, people from across the country can try for a shot at fame regardless of what they consider their “talent.” The advance publicity promises not just singers and dancers but ventriloquists, mimes, contortionists and the like.

Sitting in judgment will be David Hasselhoff of “Baywatch” and, more recently, NBA Finals fame (one of his songs is now forever linked with Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki, who uses it as a calming device), Brandy, and, in what it is beyond safe to assume will be the Simon Cowell role, Piers Morgan, a British media personality and former newspaper editor.

In fact, Morgan may end up making Cowell look like a pussycat -- he made his name editing such tabloids as the Daily Mirror, where he gained a reputation for feistiness and ruthlessness, going up against the royal family regularly, as well as supermodel Naomi Campbell, who successfully sued the tab for invading her privacy.

In the host’s seat will be the always game Regis Philbin.