Howard Stern Pranks Radio Listeners, Denies Leaving SiriusXM

Former America’s Got Talent judge and longtime radio host Howard Stern played a prank on his listeners Monday morning, inspired by rumors that he’s leaving SiriusXM after 20 years. With the help of Andy Cohen, Stern made fans think he was going off the air, before revealing it was all a hoax.

Howard Stern Pranks Radio Listeners with Andy Cohen

On Monday morning, fellow SiriusXM host Andy Cohen took over Stern’s usual 7 a.m. time slot, explaining that he was taking over and rebranding the channel as “Andy 100.” According to CNN, various outlets reported the news as if it were true.

However, about 10 minutes into the broadcast, Stern finally stepped in to let fans know that it was a prank, and he’s not leaving. He addressed recent reports that The Howard Stern Show could be coming to an end on SiriusXM after 20 years, calling them “bad rumors.”

Stern had previously intended to make an announcement about his future last week, but it was pushed back to Monday as he dealt with illness. He gave fans a heads up that he might not be on air for the rest of the week due to a cold.

SEE ALSO: HOWARD STERN REVEALS HE ALMOST LANDED A MAJOR ROLE IN ‘A STAR IS BORN’

What Does Stern’s Future Look Like?

Stern reportedly signed a five-year deal with SiriusXM in 2020, and according to rumors, his future with the company was uncertain. However, CNN reports that Stern called his talks with SiriusXM executives “fantastic” and added that he’s “very happy at Sirius.”

“What pisses me off is now I can’t leave,” Stern said during Monday’s show after revealing the prank. “I’ve been thinking about retiring. Now I can’t.”

Stern also addressed rumors that he’s feuding with Call Her Daddy podcaster Alex Cooper, who signed a $125 million deal with SiriusXM last year. As he said, “I don’t know Alex Cooper. If she is young and bubbly, then God bless her because I’m the opposite.”