‘America’s Got Talent’ 2025 Judges

“America’s Got Talent” is back for its 20th season and is already shaping up to be a memorable show thanks to the new filming format, list of performers and their diverse acts, and a change-up with the judging panel. So, who are the judges, and what can we expect from them?

Who Are the AGT Season 20 Judges?

Returning to the AGT stage are Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara. Of these three judges, Mandel has held his position the longest, having joined the show in 2009. Cowell signed on as a judge in 2016. He also serves as executive producer. And Vergara joined AGT in 2000.

German model and presenter Heidi Klum was previously a judge on the show from 2013, when she joined in Season 8, until 2024 with Season 19. She only took a break for Season 14. Taking her place is a returning favorite: former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B.

The “Wannabe” singer is no rookie and was a judge on AGT from Season 8 until Season 13. Her exit coincided with a difficult time in her life as she navigated the changes that came with her divorce from ex-husband Stephen Belafonte. Brown revealed her thoughts about rejoining “America’s Got Talent” in an interview with Life & Style on May 23. “This feels like a triumph for me. There is hope. You can piece your life back together with the support of good people around you,” she told Life & Style.

Brown also commented on her relationship with her fellow judges. “I love to play pranks with Howie. Sofía has been a revelation. She’s so gorgeous, but she’s also incredibly warm and really, really funny,” she told Life & Style. “Simon and I have known each other since he turned the Spice Girls down when we tried to get him to sign us. I love reminding him of that!”

Why Is AGT Season 20 the ‘Best Show in the World?’

Mel B’s return also creates an interesting dynamic between the judges, and she and Mandel are known to have a playful relationship. He has commented on the singer’s return and how this year will be different.

“Mel B and my myself are like two annoying siblings, who enjoy annoying each other, and we have fun,” Mandel told Variety. “We do that off stage and off show equally. And Sofía (Vergara), what you see is what you get. We aren’t putting on; that’s probably the one area that is not produced. We are who we are. And what you see is what you get, and what we think and what we disagree on is all very real.”

Mandel also discussed “America’s Got Talent” Season 20 and how he felt there was something special about this year. “We have the best team in the world, the best talent in the world, and the best show in the world,” he told Variety.

Cowell has also shared his excitement about the show. “It is absolutely brilliant to be able to announce this year as our 20th season,” Simon said, Parade reports. “Over the years, we have seen some amazing acts and met some truly incredible people. It’s true that two or three minutes can change your life.”

As for what we can expect this year? “We can literally do anything. We can use any part of the theater. We can do acts outside. Anything,” showrunner Sam Donnelly told Variety. “It’s so broad, it just makes it interesting, and you’re not stuck in this kind of narrowness. ‘Surprise’ is such a key element of this show that’s so important. The audience really genuinely doesn’t know what’s coming up next.” We don’t know what’s coming next, but we do know a few spoilers!