Howard Stern Receives Largely Positive Reviews After Debut On America's Got Talent

There were many concerns regarding Southampton resident Howard Stern‘s debut as a judge on NBC‘s top rated summer series, America’s Got Talent. Stern was even surprised himself that NBC wanted him to be a judge. “These executives at NBC must be out of their mind to take a risk on me,” he said at the beginning of the show. However, after his debut last night, they proved to have made a good decision. Stern received largely positive reviews, and he was described as being thoughtful and bluntly honest with his critiques. The Los Angeles Times said Stern had a “sweet” debut, People Magazine said he “showed heart” and the Washington Post called him a “beloved” uncle. He had touching moments throughout the show, such as when he praised the father-daughter duo, Jorge and Alexa Narvaez. He also gave hugs to the contestants, and even joined a contestant, “Simply Sergio,” on stage to dance with him. Stern had a rather bitter moment after his critique for a male singer.

“Has someone in your life said to you, ‘This isn’t for you?’ ” he asked the singer. “A parent, maybe?”

“My parents are dead,” the man replied.

“Did they die of embarrassment?” Stern asked.

It has been reported that Stern has signed a one-year contract with NBC, and after the premiere last night, it certainly appears that America’s Got Talent has a promising future ahead of it.