Judges on America’s Got Talent: What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve seen the bright lights, the dramatic slow-motion X-buzzers, and Simon Cowell’s suspiciously white teeth. But if you think being one of the judges on America’s Got Talent is just about showing up in a fancy suit and saying "yes" or "no," you’re missing the real story. Behind the scenes, the panel is a high-stakes ecosystem of contracts, massive egos, and surprisingly deep industry knowledge.

It’s easy to look at the current 2026 lineup and assume it’s always been this way.

The Evolution of the Panel

Honestly, the early days of AGT felt like a completely different show. Back in 2006, the original trio was Piers Morgan, Brandy Norwood, and David Hasselhoff. Can you even imagine that vibe now? It was rougher, less polished, and definitely more "British" in its critique style thanks to Piers.

Then came the Howard Stern era. That changed everything.

People forget that Howard Stern actually "legitimized" the show for a lot of skeptics. He wasn't just a shock jock; he was a technical judge who cared about the production value. When he left and Simon Cowell finally took a seat at his own table in Season 11, the show shifted into its current "super-production" phase.

👉 See also: Mo Collins Parks and Rec: Why Joan Callamezzo Was the Secret Sauce of Pawnee

Who is at the Table Right Now?

As of early 2026, the chemistry has hit a very specific groove. We’ve seen a bit of a shuffle recently, especially with the return of Mel B for Season 20, taking the seat previously held by Heidi Klum.

• Simon Cowell: The architect. He’s the boss, the executive producer, and the one whose vote carries the most invisible weight. If Simon hates it, the act is basically dead in the water.
• Howie Mandel: The veteran. He’s been here since Season 5. Sixteen seasons! That’s longer than some of the contestants have been alive. He’s the resident "comedy expert," but he’s also the most unpredictable with his buzzer.
• Sofía Vergara: The powerhouse. She joined in Season 15 and brought a massive international audience with her. She’s often the "heart" of the panel, though fans sometimes wish she’d give more technical feedback.
• Mel B: The "Scary" returnee. After a long hiatus, Mel B stepped back in. She brings a specific kind of bluntness that the show lacks when Simon is feeling too nice.

The Paychecks: Is it Worth the Buzz?

Let’s talk money. You don't sit in those chairs for free. While NBC keeps the exact numbers under lock and key, industry leaks and historical data give us a pretty clear picture. Simon Cowell is obviously the top earner, pulling in an estimated $45 million per year across his various roles with the franchise.

Sofía Vergara isn't far behind. During her peak on Modern Family, she was the highest-paid actress on TV, and her AGT contract is rumored to be in the $10 million per season range. Howie and the others likely land somewhere between $1.5 million and $5 million.

It sounds like a lot for a few weeks of work, right?

But you have to realize these judges aren't just there for the live shows. They are brands. Their presence on the panel drives the advertising rates that keep the show profitable. When a judge like Gabrielle Union or Julianne Hough leaves after just one season—as happened in that messy Season 14 exit—it costs the network millions in rebranding and PR damage control.

The "Toxic Workplace" Controversy

You can't talk about the judges on America’s Got Talent without mentioning the 2019 fallout. Gabrielle Union’s exit blew the lid off some pretty serious allegations regarding the "boys' club" atmosphere. There were reports of Simon's smoking on set and issues with how certain acts were treated.

NBC eventually did an internal investigation. They claimed the culture wasn't "toxic," but they did admit to needing better HR processes. Since then, you’ve probably noticed the show feels a bit more "careful." The banter is a little more scripted, and the critiques are rarely as mean-spirited as they were in the Piers Morgan days.

💡 You might also like: Why Everyone Is Obsessed With Zombies Descendants Tour Merch Right Now

What about the Spin-offs?

The franchise has expanded so much that being a judge is now a year-round job. Between AGT: All-Stars, AGT: Extreme, and the recent Fantasy League, the rotation of judges has become a bit of a revolving door.

Heidi Klum might not be on the main summer season right now, but she’s still a massive part of the "Fantasy League" and "All-Stars" world. This "Judge Multiverse" allows NBC to keep talent like Heidi and Mel B in the family without having to commit to a five-person panel on the main show, which would be a nightmare for pacing.

Why the Judges Matter More Than the Acts

It’s a hot take, but it’s true. People tune in for the talent, but they stay for the judges. We want to see Howie’s neuroses, Sofía’s fashion, and Simon’s redemption arc from "Mr. Nasty" to "Proud Dad."

The acts are the fuel, but the judges are the engine.

If you’re watching the show today, pay attention to the "Golden Buzzer" choices. That’s where the real judge personalities come out. Simon almost always goes for the "big voice" or the underdog story. Howie tends to go for the weird, avant-garde stuff that nobody else understands. These choices aren't just random; they are carefully curated moments designed to trend on TikTok and YouTube the next morning.

Insights for Fans and Aspiring Acts

If you're actually planning to audition, or you're just a die-hard fan trying to predict the winner, remember that the judges are looking for marketability.

💡 You might also like: The Outsiders Free Movie: Why You Probably Can’t Find It (Legally) Anywhere

1. Simon wants a star. He’s looking for someone he can sign to a record deal or a Vegas residency.
2. Howie wants a viral moment. He loves things that make him jump out of his seat.
3. Sofía wants a spectacle. If it looks like a million dollars, she’s in.
4. Mel B wants precision. As a former Spice Girl, she has zero patience for people who miss their marks.

The next time you see a judge hit that red X, look past the drama. It’s a business decision. Every "no" and every "yes" is part of a billion-dollar machine that has somehow stayed at the top of the ratings for two decades.

To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official NBC casting calls which usually wrap up in the winter months. If you’re tracking the judges, watch for contract renewal news in the trades like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter around April; that’s usually when the "musical chairs" for the summer season officially stops. Check the local filming schedules in Pasadena if you want to see the panel in action without the TV edits—it’s a much longer, weirring, and more fascinating process than what makes it to air.