Simon Cowell Is Taking a Short Break From AGT, and Kenan Thompson Is Filling In
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Take the quizWhy is Simon Cowell actually stepping away from the show?
For a routine procedure related to ongoing back problems, according to his representative, who told Entertainment Weekly the surgery is genuinely routine and that Cowell, 66, is expected to return within a few weeks. His chair was already empty for the live AGT quarterfinals on August 25, ahead of the official announcement of his temporary replacement.
Is this connected to a past injury, or a new issue entirely?
It's genuinely connected to a real, significant past injury. Cowell broke his back in 2020 after an electric bike accident at his Malibu home, requiring five hours of surgery that included multiple spinal fusions and the insertion of a metal rod. He suffered a second electric bike accident in 2022 that broke his arm. This latest procedure appears to be a continuation of managing the lasting effects of that original 2020 back injury rather than an entirely separate medical issue.
Who exactly is filling in, and when?
Kenan Thompson, the longtime Saturday Night Live cast member, joins as guest judge for the third round of AGT's live quarterfinals on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, sitting alongside the show's other judges, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B, with Terry Crews continuing as host. The episode features 11 acts competing, with one earning the Golden Buzzer and an automatic spot in the semifinals.
Has Kenan Thompson done this before?
Yes, genuinely. He previously served as an AGT guest judge in August 2020, specifically filling in after that same original electric bike accident forced Cowell to miss several live shows, joining Mandel, Vergara, and then-judge Heidi Klum at the time. This marks his second occasion stepping into the role under nearly identical circumstances, six years apart.
How significant is Kenan Thompson's own television career, for context?
Genuinely substantial. He's spent 23 seasons on Saturday Night Live, holding the record for the longest-running cast member in the sketch show's history, giving him real, established television comedy credentials well beyond just his prior AGT guest appearance.
Is there any indication other guest judges might also fill in during Cowell's absence?
Yes, reporting has noted that other guest judges may appear in additional episodes beyond just Thompson's September 1 appearance, though no further specific names or dates have been announced as of this writing.
How does this affect the broader Season 21 schedule?
The quarterfinals continue through September 1 and September 8, with the semifinals then beginning September 15. Season 21 premiered June 2, 2026, and the eventual winner is scheduled to be announced September 23, meaning Cowell's expected return timeline, a few weeks, lines up reasonably well with being back for at least the tail end of the season's biggest remaining moments.
Is this Cowell's first extended absence from the judging panel in recent years?
His 2020 injury forced him to miss part of that season specifically, and this new absence represents a similar, if apparently less severe, disruption tied to the same underlying back condition. Given his role as the franchise's creator and executive producer beyond just judging, his absences tend to draw real attention specifically because of how central he's remained to the show's identity across its many international versions.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Simon Cowell missing episodes of America's Got Talent? He's recovering from a routine procedure related to ongoing back problems following his 2020 electric bike accident.
Who is replacing Simon Cowell on AGT? Kenan Thompson, the longtime Saturday Night Live cast member, joins as guest judge starting September 1, 2026.
Has Kenan Thompson filled in for Cowell before? Yes, he previously did so in August 2020 after Cowell's original back injury.
When is Simon Cowell expected to return to AGT? Within a few weeks, according to his representative, with no exact return date confirmed.
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