The Shocking New Lineup: Everything To Know About The America's Got Talent Judges For Season 20 (2025)

The judging panel for the historic 20th season of *America's Got Talent* (AGT) has delivered one of the biggest shake-ups in recent history, proving that even a long-running global phenomenon can still surprise its fans. As of late 2025, the panel has welcomed back a familiar, fiery face, setting the stage for a season filled with unpredictable Golden Buzzers and the most competitive auditions to date. The combination of a music mogul, a comedy icon, a global screen star, and a pop legend promises a dynamic that viewers haven't seen in years.

This NBC powerhouse, which premiered its milestone season on May 27, 2025, has returned with four distinct personalities ready to critique, celebrate, and occasionally clash over the nation's most extraordinary talents. The lineup features the formidable creator, the longest-serving judge, the glamorous actress, and a returning 'Scary Spice.' Read on for the full profile of the current judges and the latest on their careers outside the judging table.

The Current America's Got Talent Judges Panel: Season 20 (2025) Biography & Profile

The latest panel for *America's Got Talent* Season 20 consists of four major entertainment figures, with Terry Crews returning as the show's charismatic host. The panel saw the departure of Heidi Klum and the highly anticipated return of a former judge, Melanie "Mel B" Brown.

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• Simon Cowell (Judge, Executive Producer)
  • Born: October 7, 1959 (London, England)
  • Role: Creator of the *Got Talent* franchise, music executive, entrepreneur.
  • Signature Shows: *The X Factor*, *Britain's Got Talent*, *American Idol*.
  • Latest News (2025): Cowell continues to expand his media empire, Syco Entertainment. Rumors swirled in October 2025 that he and his long-time partner, Lauren Silverman, may have quietly married after Silverman updated her social media profile with Cowell's last name. He also recently announced a new TV project called *The Next Act*.
• Howie Mandel (Judge)
  • Born: November 29, 1955 (Toronto, Canada)
  • Role: Comedian, actor, television personality, and the longest-serving judge on *AGT*.
  • Signature Shows: *Deal or No Deal*, *St. Elsewhere*, *Bobby's World*.
  • Latest News (2025): Mandel remains incredibly active in comedy and television. His recent projects include his self-titled documentary, *Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me*, which is currently streaming on Peacock, and his role as a judge on *Canada's Got Talent*. He also hosted the popular Netflix series *Bullshit the Game Show*.
• Sofía Vergara (Judge)
  • Born: July 10, 1972 (Barranquilla, Colombia)
  • Role: Actress, model, entrepreneur.
  • Signature Shows: *Modern Family* (as Gloria Pritchett), *Griselda*.
  • Latest News (2025): Vergara received a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series for her transformative performance in the Netflix drama *Griselda*. She also made a stunning appearance at the 2025 Golden Globes, continuing her successful transition into more dramatic roles.
• Mel B (Judge)
  • Born: May 29, 1975 (Leeds, England)
  • Role: Singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality, known as "Scary Spice" of the iconic Spice Girls.
  • Signature Shows: *Spice Girls*, *Dancing with the Stars*, *The X Factor*.
  • Latest News (2025): Mel B's return to the *AGT* panel for Season 20 was a major news story. She continues to be a prominent figure in pop culture, with ongoing discussions about the legacy of the Spice Girls and potential future projects with the group.

The Season 20 Shake-Up: Why Mel B Replaced Heidi Klum

The biggest story surrounding the *AGT* Season 20 judging panel was the decision to replace long-time judge Heidi Klum with Mel B. This marks Mel B's third stint on the show, having previously served on the panel from Season 8 to 13 and briefly on *AGT: The Champions*.

The move was met with mixed reactions from the fanbase. While many viewers expressed sadness at Klum's departure, a significant number of fans were excited to see the return of Mel B's signature candid and often unpredictable judging style. Her history as "Scary Spice" and her experience across multiple talent shows, including *The X Factor* and *The Voice Kids Australia*, brings a sharp, performance-focused critique that balances the panel's dynamic. The show's producers often look for ways to refresh the chemistry at the judging table, and the reintroduction of Mel B's energy alongside the established trio of Cowell, Mandel, and Vergara was a calculated move to inject new life into the milestone season.

The panel's dynamic now pivots on the contrasting styles: Simon Cowell's harsh, industry-standard critiques, Howie Mandel's comedic and often quirky perspective, Sofía Vergara's heart-led, enthusiastic responses, and Mel B's direct, no-nonsense assessment of stage presence and vocal talent. This blend ensures that every type of act, from singers and dancers to magicians and comedians, receives a multi-faceted evaluation.

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Behind the Buzzers: Controversies and Defining Moments of AGT Season 20

The judges are not just critics; they are central to the show's most dramatic moments, particularly with the coveted Golden Buzzer. The Golden Buzzer, which sends an act straight through to the Live Shows, is a powerful tool that often sparks debate among the judges and the audience. Season 20 has already generated significant buzz and a few controversies that highlight the judges' influence.

The Tom Sandoval Audition

One of the most talked-about moments of Season 20 was the controversial appearance of reality star Tom Sandoval. Sandoval, known for his involvement in a highly publicized scandal, attempted a redemption tour through an *AGT* audition. His appearance on the June 24 episode was met with immediate backlash from a segment of the audience who felt his inclusion was inappropriate and distracted from genuine talent. The judges' reactions to his act—and whether he advanced—became a flashpoint for social media debate, demonstrating the fine line the show walks between pure talent and entertainment spectacle.

The Golden Buzzer Debates

Another recurring source of controversy is the use of the Golden Buzzer. In a July 8 episode, Simon Cowell used his second Golden Buzzer of the season for a choir, a decision that drew criticism from some fans who argued that the buzzer should be reserved for more unique or unexpected acts. These moments are crucial for driving viewer engagement, as they allow the audience to feel like a fifth judge, passionately agreeing or disagreeing with the choices made by Cowell, Mandel, Vergara, and Mel B. The pressure to identify a potential million-dollar winner is immense, and every Golden Buzzer choice is scrutinized.

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The Topical Authority of the AGT Judges

The enduring success of *America's Got Talent* is directly tied to the star power and topical authority of its judges. Their careers outside the show constantly feed back into their on-screen personas, providing rich context for their critiques. The entities below are key to understanding the full scope of the AGT universe:

• Simon Cowell's Empire: *American Idol*, Syco Entertainment, *The X Factor*, *Britain's Got Talent*.
• Howie Mandel's Versatility: Stand-up comedy, *Deal or No Deal*, *Bobby's World*, *Canada's Got Talent*.
• Sofía Vergara's Evolution: *Modern Family*, *Griselda*, Golden Globes, fragrance line.
• Mel B's Pop Culture Status: Spice Girls, "Scary Spice," *The X Factor*, Broadway (*Chicago*).
• Show Elements: Golden Buzzer, Live Shows, Auditions, Terry Crews, Heidi Klum.

The current panel for *America's Got Talent* Season 20, featuring Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and the returning Mel B, is one of the most star-studded and opinionated in the show's history. Their combined experience in music, comedy, film, and global pop culture ensures that the judging is as compelling as the acts themselves, cementing *AGT*'s status as a must-watch television event.