Simon Cowell misses America's Got Talent finale due to health recovery

Simon Cowell missed the season 21 finale of ‘America’s Got Talent’ while recovering from back surgery. The executive producer and judge sent a video message to the finalists, which was read by host Terry Crews during the September 22 broadcast. Cowell expressed his well wishes from home, noting his sadness at not being there in person.

Cowell’s absence follows a routine operation related to a 2020 biking accident. During the finale, influencer and musician KSI stepped in to join the judging panel, which included Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B.

Since its debut on NBC in 2006, ‘America’s Got Talent’ has seen various changes in its hosting and judging lineups, including figures such as Heidi Klum, Gabrielle Union, and Sharon Osbourne.