The rumors are true: Howard Stern really is just a big softie. The shock jock-turned-judge showed his true colors on the May 21 episode of America’s Got Talent, when a 7-year-old boy nearly caused him to quit the hit NBC show. As Howard began to explain why he was reluctantly giving Mir Money an “X,” the tiny rapper started crying — and Howard began questioning his life choices.

“You’re a terrific young man,” Howard told the boy as he joined him on stage and gave him a hug. (Meanwhile, Howard’s fellow judges, Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne, had no problem giving Mir the “X.”)

Though Mir was eventually carried off by host Nick Cannon, Howard remained shaken after the experience.

“This job is too rough for me,” he said. “I don’t really want to do it anymore. I’m not cut out for this.”

Whether the whole thing was just a ratings stunt or not, it was nice to see Howard presented in a positive light. Fans of the radio host have always known he’s not the ‘monster’ so many people assume him to be, and hopefully the remainder of his stint on America’s Got Talent will continue to clear his good name.

Watch the heartbreaking ordeal below, then vote: Do you think Mir should have voted off?

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

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