Simon Cowell is temporarily stepping away from America’s Got Talent during Season 21, leaving viewers wondering who will replace him at the judges’ table.
Cowell, who created the NBC competition series and has served as one of its most recognizable judges, is taking a short break while undergoing a routine procedure related to his back. He is expected to return to the show after a few weeks.
In the meantime, Kenan Thompson has been confirmed as the guest judge filling Cowell’s seat for an upcoming round of the competition.
Who Is Replacing Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent?
Kenan Thompson is replacing Simon Cowell as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent during the third round of the Season 21 quarterfinals.
Thompson will join the existing panel of:
- Howie Mandel
- Sofía Vergara
- Mel B
The episode featuring Thompson is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with the results following on September 2.
This is not Thompson’s first time sitting in for Cowell. He previously served as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent in 2020 when Cowell was forced to miss live shows after suffering a serious back injury.
Why Is Simon Cowell Leaving America’s Got Talent?
Cowell is temporarily leaving America’s Got Talent because he is undergoing a routine medical procedure related to his back.
A spokesperson for Cowell said the procedure is routine and that he is expected to return in a few weeks.
His current absence is therefore not a permanent departure from the show.
Cowell’s empty chair was already acknowledged during the August 25 live episode, when Mandel, Vergara and Mel B judged the competition as a three-person panel.
What Happened to Simon Cowell’s Back?
Cowell’s latest procedure is related to a history of back problems.
In August 2020, Cowell suffered a serious accident at his Malibu home after falling from an electric bike.
The accident resulted in a broken back and required a lengthy operation.
He underwent approximately five hours of surgery, which included multiple spinal fusions and the insertion of a metal rod.
The injury forced him to miss part of America’s Got Talent Season 15.
Cowell later discussed his recovery publicly, including the physical therapy and lifestyle changes he made following the accident.
Who Is Kenan Thompson?
Kenan Thompson is an American comedian, actor and television performer best known for his long-running career on Saturday Night Live.
He joined SNL in 2003 and became the show’s longest-serving cast member.
His career also includes television and film work, making him a familiar face to NBC viewers.
Thompson has a particularly strong connection to America’s Got Talent because he has appeared on the show before as a guest judge.
When Did Kenan Thompson Previously Replace Simon Cowell?
Thompson previously filled Cowell’s seat during the 2020 live shows.
Cowell was absent at the time because of the serious electric-bike accident that left him with a broken back.
Thompson joined Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Heidi Klum on the judges’ panel during the second week of live quarterfinals.
His return in 2026 therefore gives AGT a familiar temporary replacement rather than introducing an entirely new personality to the judging panel.
Is Simon Cowell Leaving America’s Got Talent Permanently?
No.
There is currently no indication that Cowell is permanently leaving America’s Got Talent.
The current absence is described as a temporary break, and his representatives have said he is expected to return in a few weeks.
Cowell remains the creator and an executive producer of the series in addition to his role as a judge.
Who Are the America’s Got Talent Judges in 2026?
The regular America’s Got Talent Season 21 judging panel consists of:
Simon Cowell
Cowell is the show’s creator and one of its longtime judges.
He is known for his direct and often blunt critiques of contestants.
Howie Mandel
Howie Mandel has been a longtime AGT judge and is one of the show’s most recognizable returning personalities.
Sofía Vergara
The actress and television personality joined the AGT judging panel in 2020 and has remained part of the show’s recent lineup.
Mel B
Mel B returned to the judging panel for Season 21 after previously serving as an America’s Got Talent judge.
Kenan Thompson
Thompson is serving as a temporary guest judge during Cowell’s absence rather than replacing him permanently.
When Will Simon Cowell Return to America’s Got Talent?
An exact return date has not been announced.
However, Cowell is expected to return after missing a couple of weeks of filming while he recovers from his procedure.
The short-term nature of his absence means Thompson’s role is best understood as a temporary guest judging appearance rather than a change to the permanent panel.
Why Does Simon Cowell’s Absence Matter?
Cowell has been one of the defining personalities of America’s Got Talent.
His judging style is very different from the other panelists. He is often associated with direct criticism, strong opinions and memorable reactions to contestants.
Because he also created the show, his presence carries additional significance.
His absence consequently changes the dynamic at the judges’ table, even though the competition continues with three regular judges and a guest replacement.
What Happens to America’s Got Talent While Cowell Is Away?
The competition continues as scheduled.
The third round of the Season 21 quarterfinals features 11 acts, with one contestant receiving a Golden Buzzer that sends the act directly to the finals. (People.com)
Kenan Thompson will participate in the judging process alongside Mandel, Vergara and Mel B.
The results episode is scheduled for the following night.
Is Kenan Thompson a Permanent Replacement for Simon Cowell?
No.
Thompson is a guest judge for the quarterfinals while Cowell is temporarily away.
There has been no announcement that Thompson is taking over Cowell’s position permanently.
Cowell is still expected to return once his short medical break is over.
America’s Got Talent Simon Cowell Replacement: Key Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is replacing Simon Cowell? | Kenan Thompson |
| Is the replacement permanent? | No |
| Why is Cowell away? | Routine procedure related to his back |
| How long is Cowell expected to be away? | A few weeks |
| When will Thompson appear? | September 1, 2026 |
| Other judges | Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B |
| Cowell’s age | 66 |
| Season | America’s Got Talent Season 21 |
| Is Cowell expected to return? | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent?
Kenan Thompson is temporarily replacing Cowell as a guest judge during the third round of Season 21’s quarterfinals.
Why isn’t Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent?
Cowell is temporarily stepping away from the show to undergo a routine procedure related to his back.
Is Simon Cowell leaving America’s Got Talent?
No. His current absence is temporary, and he is expected to return in a few weeks.
When will Kenan Thompson replace Simon Cowell?
Thompson is scheduled to join the judging panel for the September 1, 2026 quarterfinal episode.
Has Kenan Thompson been an AGT judge before?
Yes. Thompson previously served as a guest judge in 2020 when Cowell missed live shows following his serious back injury.
Who are the regular America’s Got Talent judges?
The Season 21 panel includes Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B.
Is Kenan Thompson replacing Simon Cowell permanently?
No. Thompson’s role is temporary, and Cowell is expected to return.
What happened to Simon Cowell’s back?
Cowell previously suffered a major back injury in a 2020 electric-bike accident. His current procedure is related to his back, although officials have not disclosed extensive medical details.
Final Thoughts
The Simon Cowell replacement on America’s Got Talent is Kenan Thompson, but viewers should not interpret his appearance as the end of Cowell’s time on the show.
Cowell is taking a short break for a routine back-related procedure and is expected to return after a few weeks. Thompson, meanwhile, brings previous AGT experience to the judging table, having filled in for Cowell during the 2020 season.
For now, the change is temporary—but with the Season 21 quarterfinals underway, Thompson will have the unusual task of occupying one of television’s most recognizable judging seats while Cowell recovers.
