The AGT Judges: Who’s Staying, Who’s Out? A Deep Dive Into The Current & Season 20 Panel Shake-Up

The judging panel of America's Got Talent (AGT) is arguably as important as the talent itself, with the chemistry, critiques, and coveted Golden Buzzer moments driving the show's massive appeal. As of December 12, 2025, the most recent completed season, Season 19 (2024), featured a stable and beloved quartet of celebrity judges, but the landscape is already shifting dramatically for the highly anticipated Season 20.

The long-running competition series, which began in 2006, continues to be a summer television staple, and the names sitting at the judges' table—from the show's creator, Simon Cowell, to the longest-serving judge, Howie Mandel—are central to its success. We're breaking down the full, current lineup, detailing the major shake-up confirmed for the landmark 20th season, and exploring the history of the show’s most influential judges.

The Current AGT Judging Panel: Season 19 (2024)

The judging panel for *America's Got Talent* Season 19, which premiered on May 28, 2024, maintained the popular lineup from the previous four seasons, providing a consistent and entertaining dynamic.

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• Simon Cowell: The Creator & Executive Producer.
• Howie Mandel: The Longest-Serving Judge.
• Heidi Klum: The Supermodel & Veteran Judge.
• Sofía Vergara: The Modern Family Star.
• Host: Terry Crews: The Brooklyn Nine-Nine Actor & Former NFL Player.

This quartet of judges, alongside host Terry Crews, successfully guided the show through a season filled with spectacular performances, emotional backstories, and the inevitable clashes between Cowell's blunt honesty and Mandel's comedic antics.

Simon Cowell: The Architect of AGT

Simon Cowell, the music mogul famous for his cutting critiques on *American Idol*, is the creator and executive producer of the *Got Talent* franchise. He joined the American version of the judging panel in Season 11 (2016), replacing Howard Stern. Cowell’s presence is the backbone of the show, as he often acts as the final decision-maker, and his signature "It's a yes from me" is a seal of approval every contestant craves.

Howie Mandel: The Voice of the People

Howie Mandel holds the record as the longest-serving judge in *America's Got Talent* history, having joined the show in Season 5 (2010). The comedian and actor is known for his germophobia, his sometimes outlandish reactions to danger acts, and his genuine, often tearful, support for the contestants. His longevity on the judging panel speaks to his ability to connect with both the audience and the hopeful performers.

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Heidi Klum: The Fashion Icon

Heidi Klum, the German-American supermodel, first joined the AGT panel in Season 8 (2013). While she briefly stepped away for Season 14, she returned in Season 15 and remained a fixture through Season 19. Klum is known for her infectious laugh, her vibrant fashion sense, and her tendency to give a "yes" to unique and visually stunning acts, often using her Golden Buzzer on performers who bring a sense of joy and spectacle to the stage.

Sofía Vergara: The Breakout Star

Sofía Vergara, best known for her role as Gloria Pritchett on *Modern Family*, joined the show in Season 15 (2020). Her infectious energy, witty commentary, and relatable emotional reactions quickly made her a fan favorite. Vergara often brings a fresh, comedic perspective to the panel, frequently clashing playfully with Cowell and showing a clear preference for acts that are either deeply emotional or wildly entertaining.

Confirmed Shake-Up: America’s Got Talent Season 20 Judges (2025)

For the landmark 20th season of *America's Got Talent*, set to premiere in 2025, NBC has confirmed a significant change to the judging panel that will excite long-time fans and introduce a fresh dynamic to the celebrity judges’ table.

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The biggest news is the return of a fan-favorite judge, which necessitated a departure from the Season 19 lineup.

The Season 20 Panel: Mel B Replaces Heidi Klum

The confirmed judges for *America's Got Talent* Season 20 (2025) are:

• Simon Cowell (Returning)
• Howie Mandel (Returning)
• Sofía Vergara (Returning)
• Mel B (Melanie Brown) (Returning)
• Host: Terry Crews (Returning)

The change sees former Spice Girl and celebrated singer Mel B return to the judging panel, replacing Heidi Klum. Mel B was previously a judge from Season 8 to Season 13 (2013-2018), and her return after a six-year hiatus is being touted as a major shake-up for the long-running competition series. Her fiery personality and "Scary Spice" energy are expected to bring a new level of excitement and candid critiques to the show.

The reunion of Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara ensures a degree of continuity, while the addition of Mel B promises a nostalgic yet fresh dynamic for the 20th anniversary season.

A Journey Through AGT's Iconic Judging History

The evolution of the *America's Got Talent* judging panel is a fascinating study in celebrity dynamics and television casting. Since its debut, the show has featured a diverse group of judges and hosts, each leaving their own unique mark on the franchise.

The Original and Early Panelists

The inaugural season in 2006 featured a panel of three judges:

• Piers Morgan: The British journalist and TV personality, known for his sharp tongue, served from Season 1 to Season 6.
• David Hasselhoff: The *Baywatch* and *Knight Rider* star, who brought a theatrical and often emotional flair, served from Season 1 to Season 4.
• Brandy Norwood: The Grammy-winning singer and actress, who was the first celebrity singer on the panel, served only for Season 1.

Following the first season, Sharon Osbourne (rock manager and TV personality) joined the panel in Season 2 and became a fixture for six seasons, known for her passionate support of the acts. Howie Mandel replaced Hasselhoff in Season 5, beginning his long tenure.

Notable Judges and Hosts Over the Years

The show's history is filled with short-term but memorable stints from various celebrities, adding topical authority to the show's legacy:

• Howard Stern: The legendary radio personality served as a judge from Season 7 to Season 10. His tenure brought a massive amount of media attention and a new, more serious tone to the critiques.
• Gabrielle Union & Julianne Hough: Both joined the panel for Season 14, bringing fresh perspectives before the panel settled into the current Cowell-Mandel-Klum-Vergara lineup.
• Hosts: The show has also seen a rotation of iconic hosts, including Regis Philbin (Season 1), Jerry Springer (Seasons 2-3), Nick Cannon (Seasons 4-11), and Tyra Banks (Seasons 12-13), before Terry Crews took over in Season 14 and for the spin-off, *AGT: The Champions*.

The constant, yet strategic, rotation of celebrity judges and hosts ensures that *America's Got Talent* remains a dynamic and relevant force in reality television, always keeping the audience curious about who will be sitting at the famous red X table next. The confirmed return of Mel B for Season 20, replacing Heidi Klum, is a clear indication that the show is committed to refreshing its core cast while honoring its rich history. Fans are now eagerly anticipating the new chemistry and the first Golden Buzzer of the Mel B era.