Howard Stern called in to “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” Monday morning to talk about tonight’s premiere of “America’s Got Talent” on NBC at 8/7c.

Howard Comments On “American Idol” Judges
Howard challenges, “I feel that you guys brought in on ‘American Idol’ Jimmy Iovine because you needed someone to be more critical. That J Lo, Steven, and Randy aren’t really being too tough.” Later Howard comments, “You’re doing a disservice to the contestants if your not going to be honest with them!”

Howard’s Father Judges On ‘America’s Got Talent’:
“There’s one audition we had when my father was in the audience. My father use to yell at me all the time about my radio career. So I brought my father up on stage to yell at the guy auditioning because he had no business in show business, and my father gave him a lecture.” Does Howard still seek parental approval? “Absolutely. I’m 58 years old and I’m still waiting for my father to approve of me. It’s awful that I live my life like that, but that’s one of the things that drives me.”

How Long Will Howard Agree To Be On “America’s Got Talent?”
“I don’t know. I’m trying it out this year, and I want to see if America likes it then…you know… it would influence me. I have a year deal, and an informal thing if I come back a second year.”

One Thing Howard Hates About Being On Television:
“One of the things that I hate about being on this new television show is that I don’t like the way I look. I’m not a handsome guy like Ryan. So I feel bad for the ladies that have to look at me, but I’m going to make up for it in being a wonderful judge.”

Howard Runs Over Howie’s Mother
Howard jokes, “We were in an elevator in an old theater. Howie Mandell’s mother is in there with us so it’s a packed elevator. I literally ran over her to get out. You know on the Titanic they ask ‘If you were on the Titanic would you let the women and children go first?’ I know I wouldn’t! I ran right over Mrs. Mandell! Howie goes, ‘Oh my god, you ran over my mother!’ I said, ‘Hey she’s slow, and I want to get out of here! My life’s very important, and she’s lived a full life!’”

Howard Answers If Marriage Can Last A Lifetime:
“You want to know something I would have said ‘No’, because I know too many couples who get married and then the magic always fizzles.” How long do you have to live with each other before you get married? “Minimum of 5 years,” insists Howard.

Does Howard Really Get Manicures?
“When I would make love to my wife, and I know that’s a disgusting thought to think about, she would complain about my nails that they were rough and they would cut her, and I can’t cut my nails. I don’t know why, but I’m just so bad at it. I went with her one day and I said, “ I want to get a manicure and I let them cut my toenails too.” I had it done, and now I go every week. But the shiny-buff I feel is too shiny. It looks too feminine.”

Will Ryan Continue ‘Dick Clark’s: New Years Rockin’ Eve?’:
“I hope so… we haven’t even discussed it. I will host it this year on ABC, but we haven’t discussed anything beyond that.”

On Sasha Baron Cohen Flour Bomb of Ryan:
Howard defended Ryan against Sasha saying, “I told him I thought it was mean when he dumped the stuff on you [Ryan].” But was Ryan upset? “I wasn’t really upset. Nothing really upsets me when I’m on the air…” said Ryan.