America's Got Talent Judges: Who’s Behind the Buzzers in 2026?

You've probably sat on your couch, watching a sword swallower or a choir of kids, and thought, "How do they decide?" It’s a weird job. One minute you're watching a dog do backflips, and the next, you're crying over a singer’s life story. It takes a specific kind of person to sit behind that desk.

Right now, the panel is a mix of long-time veterans and returning favorites. If you're wondering who is America's Got Talent judges this year, the lineup for 2026 (Season 21) looks remarkably familiar but has seen some recent shake-ups that kept fans talking all through the last season.

The Current Power Players on the Panel

Basically, the "Big Three" are still there. Simon Cowell, the man who quite literally owns the place, is the anchor. He’s softened over the years—less "nasty Simon" from the Idol days and more "proud dad" Simon—but he still has that uncanny ability to spot a star from a mile away. Beside him, you've got Howie Mandel. Honestly, Howie is the heartbeat of the show. He’s been there since Season 5. That’s over 15 years of germaphobia and "deal or no deal" jokes.

Then there’s Sofía Vergara. She joined back in 2020 and has become a massive fan favorite. She brings this energy that’s just... infectious. Last year, there were some rumors about her taking time off for knee surgery, but she’s been a staple. She isn't just there for the laughs; she’s actually picked winners. Two of her Golden Buzzers—the Mayyas and Jessica Sanchez—ended up winning the whole thing.

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The Mel B and Heidi Klum "Switch"

This is where it gets a little confusing for casual viewers. For a long time, Heidi Klum was the fourth chair. But recently, Mel B (Scary Spice herself) made a big return. She stepped back into the main series for Season 20, replacing Heidi.

• Simon Cowell: The boss. Ten seasons in and still the one everyone wants to impress.
• Howie Mandel: The longest-running judge in the show's history.
• Sofía Vergara: The comedy queen who found a second home in reality TV.
• Mel B: Back in the seat after a long hiatus from the main summer show.

It’s a different vibe when Mel is there. She’s loud, she’s blunt, and she doesn't mind disagreeing with Simon. Some fans miss Heidi's "sunny" disposition, while others love the "spiciness" Mel brings back to the table.

Why the AGT Judging Panel Actually Works

Most reality shows fail because the judges don't actually like each other. You can smell the fake chemistry through the TV screen. But with this group? It feels real. Simon and Howie are like old brothers who bicker over everything. Terry Crews, who has been the host since Season 14, acts like the glue holding it all together.

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Terry is probably the most empathetic person on television. When a contestant gets four "nos" and walks off stage crushed, Terry is there with a hug. He’s more than just a host; he’s the emotional support system.

The Golden Buzzer Evolution

You might remember when the Golden Buzzer was a once-a-season thing. Not anymore. In the most recent seasons, the rules have expanded. Judges now get multiple Golden Buzzers. Simon decided that if he sees something "special," he shouldn't be limited by a number. This change was controversial at first—purists thought it cheapened the honor—but honestly, it makes for better TV. It gives acts like Richard Goodall (the singing janitor who won Season 19) a direct path to the hearts of America.

A Look Back: Everyone Who Sat in the Chairs

If you’ve been watching since 2006, you remember the show looked very different. The first-ever panel was Piers Morgan, David Hasselhoff, and Brandy Norwood. Regis Philbin was the host!

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1. The Piers Morgan Era: Heavy on the British sarcasm.
2. The Howard Stern Era: He brought a level of "seriousness" to the judging that hasn't really been seen since. He actually critiqued the acts like a job.
3. The Variety Era: We saw people like Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union come and go quickly.

Sharon Osbourne was also a huge part of the show's middle years. She had a motherly vibe that balanced out Piers. But since Simon finally took a seat himself in Season 11, the show has found a steady rhythm.

Who is America's Got Talent judges' biggest success?

People often ask if the judges actually help these people. The answer is... sorta. They provide the platform, but the "judging" is really about the Golden Buzzer. If you get that, your life changes overnight. Look at Grace VanderWaal or Kodi Lee. The judges didn't just give them a "yes"; they gave them a career.

What to Expect for Season 21

While NBC hasn't officially changed the roster for the upcoming season, the success of the Simon-Howie-Sofía-Mel combo means we’re likely seeing them again. There’s always a chance Heidi Klum pops back in—she often does the "spin-off" versions like All-Stars or Fantasy League—but the main summer show has a solid core right now.

If you're looking to keep up with the show, here is how you can stay in the loop:

• Check the NBC schedule: The show typically kicks off in late May.
• Follow the socials: Sofía Vergara is notoriously active on Instagram, often posting behind-the-scenes clips of the judges' lounge.
• Watch the "Auditions" phase: This is where the judging panel is most active and where the viral moments happen.

The magic of the show isn't just the talent; it’s the four people sitting there trying to make sense of it all. Whether it’s a comedian who isn't funny or a singer who sounds like an angel, the judges' reactions are half the fun.