Howie Mandel: Howard Stern Joining ‘AGT’ Is ‘Exactly What We Need’

Some raised an eyebrow — or two — when Howard Stern was announced as the new judge on “America’s Got Talent,” but not fellow judge Howie Mandel.

“Brilliance,” Howie said when asked about the shock jock joining the “AGT” team on Wednesday’s Access Hollywood Live.

“I think brilliance because I believe that what has gotten him to the level that he has gotten to is honesty. If you can bring honesty to especially that kind of format, then that’s exactly what we need,” Howie told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover.

Howie said Howard, who replaced Piers Morgan, won’t be getting into the racy antics on “AGT” that he’s known for on his radio show.

“People believe that maybe what he does on Sirius radio is what he’s going to [do on our show.] He’s a very responsible, smart broadcaster,” he continued. “If you’ve seen him on Letterman or any of his other appearances, he has not crossed the line.”

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Howie first spoke about Howard joining the show on Twitter, saying he “couldn’t be happier” about the addition, adding, “I cannot wait. Let the judging begin.”

“AGT” returns this summer and will move from Los Angeles to accommodate the New York-based Sirius XM host.