America’s Got Talent (AGT) has become one of the most popular reality competition shows, bringing diverse talent from across the globe to its stage.
The show, which was created by Simon Cowell in 2006, has gone through several changes over the years, including notable shake-ups and controversies.
While the contestants are always front and center, the judges and hosts play a vital role in the show’s success and entertainment value.
Below is a look at every host and judge from America’s Got Talent’s debut in 2006 to its current season, exploring their contributions and reasons for leaving.
Regis Philbin
Role: Host
Season(s): 1
The legendary Regis Philbin hosted the inaugural season of AGT in 2006. Known for his charm, Regis quickly became a fan favorite. However, his time as host ended due to his “heavy travel schedule” balancing AGT and his duties on Live! with Regis and Kelly.
Piers Morgan
Role: Judge
Season(s): 1–6
Piers Morgan was one of the original judges, alongside David Hasselhoff and Brandy. He spent six seasons on the panel before stepping down in 2011 to focus on hosting Piers Morgan Live on CNN, replacing Larry King after his retirement.
Morgan expressed that managing his busy schedule became challenging.
David Hasselhoff
Role: Judge
Season(s): 1–4
The Baywatch star was part of the original panel for four seasons. Hasselhoff’s departure in 2010 was driven by his desire to pursue his own TV show, The Hasselhoffs. Unfortunately, the reality series didn’t perform well and was canceled after just two episodes.
Brandy
Role: Judge
Season(s): 1
R&B singer and actress Brandy was part of the initial judging panel but only stayed for one season. Rumors suggest that her exit was influenced by her involvement in a car accident in 2006, which resulted in the tragic death of a woman, though the exact reason for her departure was never officially confirmed.
Sharon Osbourne
Role: Judge
Season(s): 2–7
Sharon Osbourne replaced Brandy in season 2 and became one of the most iconic judges on AGT. She stayed on the show for six seasons until she left in 2012, citing her “own problems with the network,” referring to NBC.
Osbourne has since spoken about her amicable departure, noting that she chose to leave on her own terms.
Jerry Springer
Role: Host
Season(s): 2–3
After Regis Philbin’s departure, Jerry Springer took over as host from 2007 to 2009. Springer left in 2009 to focus on his role as Billy Flynn in the London production of Chicago. He stated that he left amicably and that NBC likely wanted a younger host.
Nick Cannon
Role: Host
Season(s): 4–11
Nick Cannon took over hosting duties in 2009, making a significant impact on the show’s energy. However, Cannon left under controversial circumstances in 2017, citing a dispute with NBC over a joke in his comedy special. After this exit, he became the host of The Masked Singer on Fox.
Howard Stern
Role: Judge
Season(s): 7–10
Radio personality Howard Stern joined AGT in 2012, replacing Piers Morgan. Stern, known for his controversial opinions, stayed on the panel for four seasons, leaving in 2015. He expressed that his decision to leave was influenced by the need for more free time and a shift in priorities.
Howie Mandel
Role: Judge
Season(s): 4–present
Howie Mandel has been a permanent judge on AGT since 2010. As the longest-serving judge on the show, Mandel has witnessed countless performances and helped shape the show’s success with his mix of humor and constructive criticism.
Melanie “Mel B” Brown
Role: Judge
Season(s): 8–13; 20
Former Spice Girls member Mel B joined the judging panel in 2013 and left in 2019. She famously had a heated moment with Simon Cowell during season 12 when she threw water at him after a crude comment.
Despite her departure in 2019, Mel B returned for the 20th-anniversary season in 2025, replacing Heidi Klum.
Heidi Klum
Role: Judge
Season(s): 8–13; 15–19
Supermodel Heidi Klum joined AGT in 2013 and was part of the show for six seasons before stepping down in 2019. She made her return in 2020, staying for five more seasons until 2025 when she was replaced by Mel B for the 20th season.
Simon Cowell
Role: Judge
Season(s): 11–present
Simon Cowell, the creator of AGT, joined the judging panel in 2016, following Howard Stern’s departure. Cowell has been a fixture on the panel since then, known for his sharp critiques and tough love for contestants.
Despite controversies surrounding the 2019 firings of Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, Cowell remains at the helm.
Tyra Banks
Role: Host
Season(s): 12–13
Tyra Banks took over hosting duties from Nick Cannon in 2017 but only stayed for two seasons. Banks left to focus on her work as an executive producer and host of Dancing with the Stars.
Terry Crews
Role: Host
Season(s): 14–present
Terry Crews replaced Tyra Banks as host in 2019. Crews, known for his charisma and humor, continues to serve as the host of AGT and has helped steer the show through various changes in the judging panel.
Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough
Role: Judge
Season(s): 14
Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough were brought in as judges for the 14th season in 2019. However, both were let go after just one season, sparking a major controversy involving allegations of a toxic work environment and concerns about racial and gender-insensitive situations.
Both judges later spoke out about their experiences, and NBC conducted an investigation into the claims.
Sofía Vergara
Role: Judge
Season(s): 15–present
Actress Sofía Vergara joined AGT in 2020 and became the first Latin judge on the show. She quickly became a fan favorite and made history in season 19 when she became the first judge to use the Live Show Golden Buzzer, sending an act straight to the finals.
