America's Got Talent has seen quite a few changes over the years since the competition series first started in 2006. There's been many different faces on the judging panel, and even the host of the show. Most of the judges who have come through mostly feel like they do have something to offer in terms of critiques to make for a fitting choice. Though you'd be surprised who the very first three were.
The first and original America's Got Talent judges were David Hasselhoff, Brandy Norwood, and Piers Morgan. The trio are who started out on the series to give feedback to the contestants. Hasselhoff is an actor, singer, and TV personality. He's known for his roles as Dr. Snapper Foster on soap opera The Young and the Restless and Mitch Buchannon in Baywatch. He only remained for the first four seasons.
Norwood only lasted through season 1, and did not return in the second season due to some legal troubles. That's when Sharon Osbourne came along and stayed a while. Norwood is a singer, dancer, model, and actress. Finally is the infamous Morgan who is a British journalist and media personality. He remained on as judge until season 6, and then was replaced by Howard Stern.
The three original America's Got Talent judges were alright choices
I think out of the three OG judges, Morgan was an interesting and odd choice. But I guess the AGT team were going for a Simon Cowell type of judge like American Idol had at the time. And Idol had been on the air for a few years at that point, starting out in 2002. First for both shows, having two English judges is a little strange. But fine, ok.
Though Morgan didn't really have any experience in the entertainment industry in terms of the contestants coming on to showcase their respective talents. So I don't know. He was a weird choice. And he came off as giving harsh and strong comments, just like Cowell. Again, it felt like he was chosen as a way to try and copy Idol.
As for the very first host, Regis Philibin, he actually made pretty good sense. He was doing Live! with Regis and Kelly at the time, and was a familiar face on TV for audiences so it made sense. Though he only lasted one season, later replaced by Jerry Springer.
Like I said, there's certainly been a lot of turnover on the judging panel at America's Got Talent on NBC. Were the OG judges the best choice? Eh. They were alright. I do think right now with season 20, funny enough Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B make a pretty good foursome with host Terry Crews. It took a while for the show to find its groove with the judges, and I think there's been good combinations over the years. And so far right now with the ones we have, it works.
America's Got Talent season 20 airs new episodes Tuesday nights on NBC.