# Simon Cowell medical absence from America's Got Talent

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/simon-cowell-medical-absence-from-americas-got-talent
> Updated: 2026-08-28T21:48:11.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

Simon Cowell is expected to miss several weeks of filming for America’s Got Talent to undergo a routine back procedure. The surgery addresses long-standing medical concerns resulting from a 2020 electric bike accident in Malibu that caused multiple spinal fractures.

To fill his seat on the judging panel during his recovery, Kenan Thompson has been announced as a guest judge for the September 1 Quarterfinals 3 episode. Thompson will join existing judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Kenan Thompson to guest judge ‘America’s Got Talent’ for Simon Cowell

Kenan Thompson will guest judge ‘America’s Got Talent’ on September 1, filling in for Simon Cowell while he recovers from a routine back procedure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenan-thompson-to-guest-judge-americas-got-talent-for-simon-cowell

### 2026-08-24: Simon Cowell to miss America's Got Talent for back surgery

Television mogul Simon Cowell will miss several weeks of America's Got Talent to undergo a routine back procedure related to long-standing injuries.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/simon-cowell-to-undergo-back-surgery

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Cite as: Simon Cowell medical absence from America's Got Talent. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/simon-cowell-medical-absence-from-americas-got-talent