Howie Mandel has been a judge on America’s Got Talent since 2010, so it’s safe to say that he can recognize talent when he sees it, across a wide variety of art forms. With Season 21 ramping up on the 2026 TV schedule, seemingly dangerous acts go up against singers, magicians, and comedians hoping to get the audience (and judges) laughing. And the occasional contortionist or cute animal also delivers some memorable tricks.
Joined by fellow judges Spice Girl Mel B, American Idol alum Simon Cowell, and actress Sofia Vergara, Mandel has to weigh in and help narrow down the hopefuls to before the reality competition’s live shows. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the comedian admits that he’s the one who goes easiest on his fellow laugh-seekers. He explained:
