Simon Cowell and Sofía Vergara are back for the landmark 20th season of America’s Got Talent on NBC, bringing fresh energy and insight to the beloved talent competition.
In a recent interview with Deadline, the judges shared their thoughts on the show and what it feels like stepping back into the spotlight. Cowell admitted he gets “very nervous before we start filming the first day.” He explained that after day one, he often thinks “it’s over,” only to be surprised by fresh and unexpected moments on day two — moments where he wonders, “Oh my God, where did you come from?”
Vergara added that despite having been on the show for six seasons, the surprises never stop. “We’re always surprised, which is super weird because you think after 20 years…” Cowell humorously interrupted, “I thought it was six minutes.” The two laughed as Vergara continued, “Magic is magic. You think dancing is dancing, but they figure out how to make it feel fresh and new and still wow us.”
Social Media’s Growing Influence on AGT
Over the years, social media has become a major platform for discovering talent, with many performers first showcasing their skills on TikTok or YouTube. Cowell noted that “one leads to the other.” He explained, “We might see an act on TikTok and then they come on our show and it’s a different experience… Followers or views can go from thousands to hundreds of millions, so it’s almost like one helps the other.”
Vergara pointed out that the audiences for social media and traditional TV are often different. “I don’t see a grandmother sitting watching TikTok, but AGT is watched by families — grandmothers, kids… They get exposed to an audience they’re not exposed to on TikTok.”
Cowell recalled the massive impact social media had on Susan Boyle, a contestant from Britain’s Got Talent: “No one knew who this lady was. Within 48 hours, the clip had 500 million views. It’s hard to describe, but it’s the most unbelievable feeling. We sold the show to 30 more countries after that.”
Mel B Returns and Sofía Vergara’s Initial Nervousness
Season 20 marks the return of Mel B to the judges’ panel after Heidi Klum’s exit. For Vergara, this change brought some initial nerves. “At the beginning, I was a little worried because I had never met her in person,” Vergara shared. “Of course, I knew who the Spice Girls were. I loved her but I was working with Heidi for the first five seasons. So I was a little bit scared.”
However, Vergara quickly realized Mel B’s experience made the transition smooth. “The moment we started filming the first day, I realized she’s approachable. She already has a relationship with Simon, Howie, and everyone. It was very easy for her to melt in everything we were doing before with Heidi. It’s been a great experience.”
Cowell, who has worked with Mel B longer, described her energy vividly: “It’s like sitting next to a firework… She’s so unpredictable. I genuinely have no idea what she’s thinking.” He recalled moments when Mel B would disagree with the other judges, adding, “That’s why it was good for her to come back.” He also mentioned the good chemistry between Vergara and Mel B from day one. America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
