Howard Stern takes his gig as a judge on 'America's Got Talent' seriously -- and during last night's debut (May 14), the radio host earned rave reviews. We're not shocked. Stern is the best thing that could have happened to the show, as his frank and candid commentary is just what a show like 'AGT' needs!

According to MTV, Stern's reviews garnered near-universal praise, collecting comments from top critics across the country, who obviously connected with the fact that he wants to be on that show and likes his job.

The Los Angeles Times claimed that "like fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel, he [Stern] meant to play the game the way the game is meant to be played, because, to a deep degree, he believes in it." True dat!

The Washington Post said that Stern dished out "a tiny bit of brutal honesty" -- we think "tiny bit" is an understatement, just sayin' -- while basking "in the show's trademark combination of awkwardness, ingenuity and love." Anyone who listens to the Stern show on a daily basis knows that the "shock jock" is the king of the nerds, albeit one who isn't afraid to talk to porn stars and their backdoor bedroom habits. For the most part, he kept the R-rated material off the show and focused on the contestants in fair fashion.

The New York Daily News said it best by proclaiming, "Inviting Stern on 'AGT' is not like inviting the Sex Pistols to crash 'La Traviata' at the Met. 'America's Got Talent' didn't hire Stern to inject outrageous and wacky. It didn't need to. It has 'em already." Stern, instead, was "caught up in the show's figurative group hugs and four-handkerchief moments." His commentary proved that he is a softy at heart, but can be critical when necessary. Sort of like...a parent!

PEOPLE even gave him props, saying,"Stern showed a lot of heart and proved he's got talent -- for judging!" His fans already knew that!

Check out the clips for yourself.

For the father-daugher combo of Maurice and Shanice Hayes, he said,“You move me. You guys are spectacular together.I think every father in America watching is saying, ‘This is the kind of relationship I want with my daughter.'"

Watch him banter with a precocious 7-year-old, too.

Nice job, Howard!

Watch Howard Stern After Shanice and Maurice Hayes' Performance on 'America's Got Talent'

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