Simon Cowell undergoes successful back surgery

Simon Cowell has undergone successful back surgery, according to fellow ‘America’s Got Talent’ judge Howie Mandel. The procedure was reportedly related to lingering issues stemming from a 2020 electric bike accident that caused multiple back fractures.

Mandel informed E! News that Cowell was “just hours out of surgery” and confirmed that “everything’s okay.” Due to Cowell’s absence during the current season of the talent competition, guest judges have stepped in to fill his seat. Kenan Thompson recently served as a substitute, and Heidi Klum is scheduled to appear next.

Cowell, 66, has faced ongoing health challenges following his 2020 accident, which he previously described as being “a lot worse than people thought,” involving long-term nerve damage. Mandel expressed his intention to visit Cowell once he has had sufficient time to recover.