Simon Cowell America’s Got Talent fans are following a major change to the Season 21 judging panel as Cowell temporarily steps away from the live competition for a back procedure. The longtime judge is expected to return after recovering, but the show has brought in Kenan Thompson as a guest judge while he is away.
Cowell’s temporary absence comes during the live quarterfinals, one of the most important stages of the competition. His empty seat was addressed during the broadcast, giving viewers confirmation that his absence was related to a medical procedure rather than a permanent departure from the NBC series.
Cowell’s representative has described the procedure as routine and said the judge is expected to return in a few weeks. However, an exact date for his return has not been publicly confirmed.
Why Is Simon Cowell Missing From America’s Got Talent?
Cowell is currently away from the show while recovering from a routine back procedure.
His representative confirmed that Cowell needed an operation and would be absent from the competition for several weeks. The statement did not provide extensive medical details or identify a specific return episode.
The timing of his absence has attracted attention because Season 21 has reached its live rounds. Contestants are now performing before a television audience, with their progress determined through the show’s voting process.
Cowell had participated in the season earlier in the year before stepping away for the procedure.
His absence should not be interpreted as a permanent exit. The current information indicates that he remains part of the Season 21 judging lineup and plans to return once his recovery allows.
Is Simon Cowell Leaving America’s Got Talent?
No confirmed information indicates that Cowell is leaving the series permanently.
The current situation involves a temporary absence during the Season 21 live shows. His representative has said that he expects to return in a few weeks.
The distinction matters because Cowell continues to be associated with the show’s current judging panel. His temporary replacement is serving as a guest judge rather than taking over his position permanently.
There has also been no confirmed announcement that Cowell is being removed from the program or replaced for future seasons.
For now, his status remains that of a returning judge who is temporarily unavailable because of his recovery.
Kenan Thompson Joins the Judging Panel
With Cowell unavailable, the show has turned to Kenan Thompson.
Thompson is serving as a guest judge during the third round of Season 21 quarterfinals. He is joining Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara at the judges’ table.
The episode featuring Thompson is scheduled for September 1.
His involvement gives the program a familiar television personality during Cowell’s temporary absence. It also allows the live competition to continue without requiring the production to delay the quarterfinal schedule.
Thompson’s appearance is temporary. There is no confirmed indication that he will become a permanent replacement for Cowell.
The regular Season 21 lineup remains Cowell, Mandel, Mel B and Vergara, with Terry Crews serving as host.
When Will Simon Cowell Return?
The exact timing of Cowell’s return remains unknown.
His representative has said that the judge is expected back in a few weeks. No specific episode or broadcast date has been confirmed for his return.
That leaves some uncertainty as the competition progresses through the live rounds.
The safest conclusion is that Cowell remains expected to return, but viewers should not rely on an exact comeback date unless the show or his representatives officially announce one.
The remaining schedule could also affect when Cowell is able to resume his judging duties.
Cowell’s Previous Back Injury
Cowell’s current procedure comes years after the serious back injury he suffered in 2020.
In August of that year, Cowell was injured in an electric-bike accident at his Malibu home. He suffered a fractured back and underwent major surgery.
The injury resulted in a lengthy recovery period. Cowell later returned to television and continued working as a judge.
His current procedure has been described as routine rather than an emergency. However, because Cowell and his representatives have not released extensive medical information, details beyond the confirmed statements should not be treated as established facts.
His earlier injury provides context for why news of another back procedure has attracted attention, but the current situation remains separate from the original accident.
Cowell Was Present Earlier in Season 21
Cowell did not miss the entire 2026 season.
He appeared during the earlier episodes of Season 21 as part of the regular judging panel. The season began with Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara evaluating performers during the audition stage.
The competition eventually moved into the live rounds.
Cowell’s absence occurred after he had already participated in the season, meaning viewers saw him judge contestants before he stepped away for his procedure.
That also explains why the change became particularly noticeable when the live shows began. His familiar place at the judges’ table was suddenly empty.
How the Show Addressed His Absence
The production did not leave viewers wondering indefinitely about Cowell’s empty chair.
During the August 25 live performance episode, host Terry Crews addressed the situation and explained that Cowell was undergoing an operation that could not be postponed.
The remaining judges continued with the episode.
Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara remained in their regular positions, while contestants continued competing in the live quarterfinal stage.
The show therefore maintained its schedule even though one of its regular judges was unavailable.
The Season 21 Judging Panel
Season 21 began with four established judges.
| Role | Season 21 participant |
|---|---|
| Judge | Simon Cowell |
| Judge | Howie Mandel |
| Judge | Mel B |
| Judge | Sofía Vergara |
| Host | Terry Crews |
| Temporary guest judge | Kenan Thompson |
Cowell’s absence has temporarily changed the lineup, but the underlying Season 21 panel has not been permanently altered.
Thompson’s participation is tied to Cowell’s temporary absence.
What Happens During the Quarterfinals?
The live quarterfinals represent a crucial part of the competition.
Contestants who advanced through the earlier stages now perform in front of viewers. The live format places greater emphasis on audience voting, with performers competing for opportunities to advance toward the later rounds.
Cowell’s absence therefore comes at a high-profile point in the season.
Despite the change, the competition continues as scheduled. Thompson’s guest appearance provides the fourth judging voice while Cowell recovers.
The September 1 quarterfinal episode will feature Thompson alongside Mandel, Mel B and Vergara.
A results episode is scheduled for September 2.
Will Kenan Thompson Replace Simon Cowell Permanently?
There is no confirmed indication that Thompson is becoming Cowell’s permanent replacement.
His role has been announced as a guest judging position connected to Cowell’s temporary absence.
That means viewers should not interpret Thompson’s appearance as evidence of a permanent change to the Season 21 panel.
Cowell remains associated with the season, and his representative has indicated that he plans to return after recovering from his procedure.
Any future permanent judging change would require a separate official announcement.
Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara Remain
While Cowell is away, the other three regular judges continue their roles.
Howie Mandel remains at the panel, continuing his long-running involvement with the competition.
Mel B is also continuing as a judge during Season 21. Sofía Vergara remains part of the regular judging lineup as well.
Their continued presence gives the show considerable consistency while Cowell recovers.
Thompson’s temporary participation means the judging panel can continue operating with four judges during the affected episode.
When Did America’s Got Talent Season 21 Begin?
Season 21 premiered on NBC on June 2, 2026.
Cowell was part of the judging panel when the season began, appearing with Mandel, Mel B and Vergara.
The audition portion of the season aired before the competition moved toward the later stages.
By August, the program had entered its live quarterfinal phase.
That progression places Cowell’s temporary absence within the latter portion of the season rather than at its beginning.
Where Can U.S. Viewers Watch the Show?
U.S. viewers can watch America’s Got Talent on NBC, while episodes are also available through Peacock.
The show continues to air as Season 21 moves through the live competition.
The September 1 quarterfinal episode is particularly notable because Kenan Thompson will temporarily occupy Cowell’s seat.
The September 2 episode will follow with the corresponding results.
Viewers looking for Cowell’s return should watch for official announcements because there is currently no confirmed exact date for his comeback.
The Latest Status of Simon Cowell on AGT
The latest confirmed information presents a relatively clear picture.
Cowell is temporarily away from America’s Got Talent because he is undergoing a routine back procedure. His representative has said he is expected to return in a few weeks.
There is currently no confirmed permanent departure.
There is also no publicly confirmed exact return date.
In the meantime, Kenan Thompson has been selected as a guest judge for the September 1 quarterfinal episode. He will join Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara while Cowell is unavailable.
The change allows the Season 21 competition to continue without interruption.
For viewers, the most important point is that Cowell’s current absence should not be confused with a permanent exit. The latest confirmed information continues to point toward a temporary break followed by his return.
Are you looking forward to seeing Simon Cowell back on the America’s Got Talent judging panel? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for confirmed updates on his return.