The Power Panel: Unmasking The US Got Talent Judges And Their Shocking Season 19 Golden Buzzer Secrets

The panel of judges for America's Got Talent (AGT) remains the heart of the show, a blend of sharp-tongued critique, heartfelt emotion, and wild unpredictability. As of the current season, the iconic lineup of Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara has returned to the judges' table, ready to discover the next global superstar. This dynamic foursome, alongside host Terry Crews, brought a fresh energy and a major new twist to the competition in the latest season, making their decisions—especially the coveted Golden Buzzer choices—more impactful than ever before.

The latest season of AGT, which premiered on May 28, 2024, saw all four judges return, continuing one of the show's most stable and successful judge pairings. Fans are tuning in not just for the incredible acts, but for the chemistry, the occasional clashes, and the powerful endorsements from these four entertainment titans. Below is a deep dive into the US Got Talent judges, their impressive careers, and their most recent, game-changing decisions on the world's biggest talent stage.

The Iconic US Got Talent Judges: Full Biography and Career Milestones

The current judging panel represents a powerhouse of expertise across music, comedy, fashion, and acting. Their combined experience and distinct personalities shape the narrative of every season.

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Simon Cowell (Record Executive, TV Producer)

• Full Name: Simon Phillip Cowell
• Born: October 7, 1959, in Brighton, East Sussex, England
• Role on AGT: Judge, Creator, and Executive Producer
• Career Highlights: Cowell began his career in the mailroom at EMI Music Publishing. He is the creator of the Got Talent franchise and is known globally for his work as a judge on Pop Idol, The X Factor, and American Idol. He is a record executive and entrepreneur who founded the entertainment company Syco.
• AGT Tenure: Joined the panel in Season 11 (2016).

Howie Mandel (Comedian, Actor, Television Personality)

• Full Name: Howard Michael Mandel
• Born: November 29, 1955, in Toronto, Canada
• Role on AGT: Judge
• Career Highlights: Mandel is a veteran comedian known for his energetic and unpredictable style. He is the creator of the animated children's series Bobby's World and was the host of the popular game show Deal or No Deal. He started his career in stand-up comedy, performing on a dare in a Los Angeles comedy club.
• AGT Tenure: Joined the panel in Season 5 (2010), making him the longest-serving judge on the current panel.

Heidi Klum (Supermodel, Television Personality, Businesswoman)

• Full Name: Heidi Klum Kaulitz
• Born: June 1, 1973, in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany
• Role on AGT: Judge
• Career Highlights: Klum is a German-born supermodel and businesswoman who began her modeling career at 18 after winning a contest. She is famous for her work as a Victoria's Secret Angel and for hosting and producing Project Runway and Germany's Next Topmodel. She is also known for her striking and memorable fashion moments on the AGT stage.
• AGT Tenure: Joined the panel in Season 8 (2013).

Sofía Vergara (Actress, Television Personality)

• Full Name: Sofía Margarita Vergara
• Born: July 10, 1972, in Barranquilla, Colombia
• Role on AGT: Judge
• Career Highlights: Vergara is a Colombian-American actress best known for her role as Gloria Pritchett on the hit television series Modern Family, a role that earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She is one of the most recognized and highest-paid actresses in television. Her career began in modeling and hosting Spanish-language television shows.
• AGT Tenure: Joined the panel in Season 15 (2020).

The Season 19 Twist: Why the Golden Buzzer is More Powerful Than Ever

For the first time in the show's history, the judges' power to select acts for the live shows was dramatically increased in the current season. This major change has led to a fresh wave of excitement and competition among the acts and the judges themselves.

• The Double Golden Buzzer Rule: In Season 19, each of the four judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara—was given the power to hit the Golden Buzzer not once, but twice.
• Total Golden Acts: This unprecedented move means a total of eight acts are now guaranteed a spot in the live shows, bypassing the deliberation stage. The Golden Buzzer acts often become frontrunners for the championship.

This new rule emphasizes the judges' individual tastes and convictions, forcing them to be even more selective and passionate about the two acts they choose to champion. It has made the opening audition rounds a thrilling, high-stakes viewing experience.

Key Golden Buzzer Picks and Judge Highlights from the Latest Season

The judges' choices in the latest season have already generated significant buzz, with several acts immediately becoming fan favorites and top contenders. These decisions showcase the unique judging philosophy of each panel member.

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Howie Mandel's Emotional & Diverse Picks

Known for his long tenure and sometimes quirky preferences, Howie Mandel utilized his two Golden Buzzers on two very different, yet equally compelling, acts. He championed the dance group Brent Street, known for their powerful choreography and stage presence. His second pick, singer Reid Wilson, highlighted his appreciation for raw vocal talent and emotional depth, sending both acts straight to the live shows.

Sofía Vergara's History-Making Choice

Sofía Vergara, who often brings a mix of humor and sincerity to the panel, made a massive statement with one of her Golden Buzzer selections. She hit the button for Hakuna Matata Acrobatics, an act that made series history. This choice demonstrated her penchant for high-energy, visually spectacular performances that transcend language barriers and truly "wow" the audience. Her enthusiasm for incredible talent is a consistent highlight of the show.

The Simon and Heidi Factor

Simon Cowell, the show's creator, is notorious for his controversial yet often accurate critiques. While he continues to rub some people the wrong way, his ability to spot a global star is undeniable. His Golden Buzzer picks are always highly anticipated, typically going to singers or groups he believes can achieve international success. Meanwhile, Heidi Klum, the resident supermodel, consistently champions acts that are unique, artistic, and visually stunning. She is known for her enthusiastic support of fashion-forward and unconventional performers, adding a unique perspective to the judging process.

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The Impact of the Judges on the AGT Legacy

The US Got Talent judges are more than just critics; they are mentors, gatekeepers, and, occasionally, the subject of viral moments. Their combined star power and diverse backgrounds—from Simon Cowell's record executive background to Sofía Vergara's acting prowess—ensure that the winner of the competition is someone with true all-around star quality.

The consistency of the current panel, with Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum having over a decade of experience each, provides a stable foundation, while Sofía Vergara and Simon Cowell's strong personalities keep the atmosphere electric. Their decisions and interactions are what drive the show's narrative, making the journey of every contestant an unforgettable spectacle for millions of viewers worldwide. As the competition moves toward the live shows, all eyes will be on these four judges to see which acts they continue to champion all the way to the finale.