America's Got Talent judge Howie Mandel said he's more impressed with talent this season than any other.

Mandel has started writing a weekly column for Parade, blogging his thoughts about the contestants and his fellow judges.

He revealed in Saturday morning's column that the hardest thing to do on America's Got Talent is judge honestly. He noted that it's easy to tell someone they're incredibly talented, but when they're not it becomes difficult.

Despite this difficulty, Mandel praised the talent this season as unlike anything he had seen before:

"I have to say that this season, more than any other season, my jaw has dropped more-I've seen things that can't be put into categories."

Mandel also delved into what new judges Heidi Klum and Mel B were bringing to the table.

"I was concerned about having four judges this season rather than three," he said, "but I think it works out well. Each of them adds something totally different and totally new. It's very different than it was last season."

Last year's judging panel consisted of Mandel, shock jock Howard Stern, who returns this season, and television personality Sharon Osbourne, who quit after a nasty dispute with NBC.

Inferring that last year's panel wasn't as helpful, Mandel noted that Klum and Mel B have "constructive input you wouldn't hear from anybody else but themselves."

He added: "Heidi Klum and Mel B know how to market to international audiences, whether in fashion, TV, or music. That's what we're looking for: Something that can be launched and become a household name and an international act."

Mandel also made an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Friday night and brought a clip from one of this year's more eccentric acts. Watch the clip here:

America's Got Talent will be back for its eighth season with a two-hour premiere on Tuesday, June 4 at 9pm on NBC.

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Americas Got Talent, Howie mandel