Since America’s Got Talent debuted in June 2006, the show has gone through many changes — including swapping out the panel of judges from time to time.
The series, created by Simon Cowell, kicked off with Piers Morgan, David Hasselhoff and Sharon Osbourne serving as judges. Later, the show expanded to four judges and Cowell ended up taking a seat at the table.
In 2019, AGT made headlines after season 14 judges Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union exited the series. Reports later surfaced that Union was let go from the show for urging those on set to speak up against an offensive joke made during filming.
Union spoke out against the “toxic” culture on AGT the following year. “I felt isolated. I felt singled out as being difficult, when I’m asking for basic laws to be followed,” she told Variety in May 2020, referring to allegations that Cowell smoked in his dressing room, which affected her health. “I want to come to work and be healthy and safe and listened to.”
Deal of the Day
Brighten Your Smile for Less With the Crest 3D Whitestrips That are now 35% off!View Deal
Fremantle, Syco and NBC launched an investigation following her claims but found no evidence that the environment wasn’t inclusive.
Scroll down to see all the stars who served as AGT judges:
Piers Morgan
When the show began, Morgan was part of the original table of judges. He stayed on the show for six seasons, exiting ahead of season 7. He returned as a guest judge in season 10.
David Hasselhoff
The Baywatch alum was an original judge, appearing on the first four seasons of AGT.
Brandy
The singer was an original judge but only lasted one season, choosing to exit because she “couldn’t give the new season the attention and commitment it deserved,” she said at the time.
Sharon Osbourne
Upon Norwood’s decision to exit, Osbourne was brought in as her replacement for season 2. She remained on the show until leaving at the end of season 7.
Howie Mandel
When Hasselhoff left, Mandel joined the show in season 4. He has remained on the judging panel ever since.
Howard Stern
The radio personality joined the show in season 7, replacing Morgan. Since his radio show was based on the east coast, the live shows were moved from Los Angeles to New Jersey. He remained a judge until the end of season 10.
Mel B
The Spice Girls singer joined the show when it expanded in season 8, becoming the fourth judge. She exited the show after season 13 to focus on other projects. She was then a judge on season 1 of America’s Got Talent: The Champions, which aired in 2019. In September 2023, it was announced that Mel would be returning to the AGT family as a judge on the spinoff AGT: Fantasy League.
Heidi Klum
Klum replaced Osbourne in season 8 and the model sat at the judge’s table for six seasons, leaving ahead of season 14. After one year off, she returned in season 15.
Simon Cowell
After Stern’s exit, Cowell came on board as a judge for season 11. The live shows then returned to the west coast.
Gabrielle Union
Following Mel B’s exit, Union was brought on for season 14. However, she was let go at the end of the season and later claimed that she encountered many racially charged incidents on set. At the time, a spokesperson for the network said the series had “a long history of inclusivity and diversity,” adding that producers “take any issues on set seriously.”
Julianne Hough
The dancer took over Klum’s seat for season 14, but her contract was not renewed after one year.
Sofia Vergara
The Modern Family alum joined the show in season 15 following Hough’s exit.
Kelly Clarkson
While never a full-time judge, the American Idol winner temporarily stepped in during season 15 after Cowell broke his back.
