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America’s Got Talent has been airing for over 19 seasons and 18 years. Throughout this time, the show has seen numerous contestants perform each season and leave their mark. But like the contestants, judges have also been an integral part of why fans love the talent show.
These judges gave their honest opinions, dissecting contestants' performances and helping them shape their careers. While some judges have been on the show for just a single season, others have stayed for longer periods.
The first season of America’s Got Talent premiered on June 21, 2006, and had over 15 episodes. The original judging panel included Piers Morgan, Brandy Norwood, and David Hasselhoff, with Regis Philbin as the host.
First-ever America’s Got Talent judges
David Hasselhoff was a judge on AGT from seasons 1 to 3. The Baywatch star left the show in 2010, telling PEOPLE that, while he was proud to be on the show and help it grow to the top, he wanted to focus on his upcoming reality show, The Hasselhoffs. The show, centered around David Hasselhoff and his daughter, was canceled after two episodes due to low ratings.
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Piers Morgan was a judge on AGT from seasons 1 to 6. The British journalist left the show in 2011, expressing that while he enjoyed his time on the show, he felt that judging was a bit more difficult than he thought. The same year, Piers began hosting his own morning show, Piers Morgan Live, which lasted for three years.
Brandy Norwood was one of the first judges on America’s Got Talent but stepped down from her role after just one season. The reason for Brandy's departure was never confirmed. She was later replaced by Sharon Osbourne for the second season.
America’s Got Talent judges history
Sharon Osbourne stepped in for Norwood in 2007 and was a judge on AGT from seasons 2 to 7. In an interview with The Talk, she shared that she had a good time on the show with her panel members and left the show because of the differences with the NBC network.
Howard Stern stepped in for Piers Morgan in 2011 and was a judge on America’s Got Talent from seasons 7 to 10. He announced his departure from the show on his radio show, The Howard Stern Show.
Melanie 'Mel B' Brown took over from Sharon Osbourne and was a judge on AGT from seasons 8 to 13. She left the show in 2019 to focus on her Spice Girls reunion tour.
Howie Mandel stepped in for David Hasselhoff in 2010 and has been a judge on America’s Got Talent since season 4. While talking to PEOPLE in a May 2019 interview, Howie explained that NBC keeps calling him for the position because he is affordable.
"I think if I had to put one word on why NBC keeps me on the show, I would say affordable. I would like other people to know I'm affordable. It doesn't cost you that much, I'll show up," he said.
Heidi Klum joined the judging panel for season 8 and remained on the show until season 13. She made her return to the judging seat in season 15 and is still a part of the panel.
Simon Cowell is one of the creators of the show. He stepped in for Howard Stern in season 11 and has been a part of all the seasons since then. Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, on the other hand, were only part of one America’s Got Talent season.
Sofía Vergara, who gained popularity through her role as Gloria on Modern Family, joined the NBC talent show in 2020 for season 15 and is still part of the AGT family. In a 2020 interview with the PEOPLE, Sofía expressed her excitement about joining the talent show.
"I'm so happy to join my new family on AGT. This is a new and exciting next chapter for me and I'm extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can't wait to watch all the talent and have fun with all you guys," she said.
Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell are the current judges on America’s Got Talent season 19, with Terry Crews as the host.
