Simon Cowell is responding to fans who think he has grown soft as a judge. "I probably have. I would say also that the acts got better, to be fair," Cowell, 65, exclusively shared with Us Weekly while celebrating the America's Got Talent season 20 semi-finals with Lavazza on Tuesday, September 16. "I mean, when we were first doing this, some of the acts that we saw were just terrible, and I don't know if I'd say it quite the same way, but I would certainly say to them if they were as bad again, 'You're terrible.' I can't lie to people." Cowell joined America's Got Talent as a judge in 2016's season 11, following Howard Stern's exit from the NBC summer series. In season 20, Cowell remains impressed by the level of talent and inspiration the remaining acts share with both the judges and viewers at home. Watch the Best 'America's Got Talent' Season 20 Golden Buzzer Auditions "We are very fortunate that we make a show that makes people feel good," he said from the Hotel Dena Pasadena. "That's probably why it's been on for as long as it has. It's about everyone getting along great." In just one week, America's Got Talent will crown the winner for season 20. During the semi-finals, viewers were able to vote for a variety of acts, including magician Zak Mirz, dance group Unreal, variety act Sirca Marea, singer Jessica Sanchez and more. While viewers have to tune in on Wednesday, September 17, to see who makes it to the finals, Cowell is proud to say "nobody had a bad night." Howie Mandel, Mel B, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell Trae Patton/NBC "I think everyone did good and everyone can walk away going, 'I couldn't give it anymore.' I could see that everyone," Cowell shared. "Everyone of them had rehearsed and are better than weeks before. ... It's up to America and I'm glad I'm not doing it." The entire judges panel agreed with Cowell that this year's talent is worthy of recognition. "This feels like a celebration, because everybody stepped it up," Sofía Vergara shared with Us. "Everybody put their best effort to make it a special season." Mel B added, "If I wasn't watching the show while sitting on the panel, I'd be watching it in my front room right now, screaming and clapping and hollering." Sharon! Howie! Every 'AGT' Judge Through the Years With one more week to go of performances, fellow judge Howie Mandel invited viewers to step away from the noise of the world and watch a variety of acts give it their all in hopes of winning the grand prize of $1 million. "This season is our 20th anniversary, which is a very celebratory time, but it's also a time in this world where we need more than ever escapism," he said. "There's no better escapism than seeing people do magical, wonderful things and watching their dreams come true." America's Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Stream next day on Peacock.