Simon Cowell’s temporary replacement on “America’s Got Talent” is a familiar face who has already stepped in for the music mogul during a previous health crisis. “Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson will serve as a guest judge for the September 1 Quarterfinals 3 episode while Cowell recovers from another back procedure.
The comedian previously occupied Cowell’s seat in 2020 after the longtime judge suffered a devastating electric-bike accident that left him with a broken back. The latest surgery has forced Cowell to step away from the NBC competition series for several weeks, but his representative has emphasized that the procedure is routine and not connected to a new major health scare.
According to TMZ, Thompson will join Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B at the judges’ table for Tuesday night’s live episode. Deadline also confirmed Thompson’s upcoming appearance, which marks his return to the talent competition after six years.
Cowell’s chair remained empty during the August 25 episode, with host Terry Crews explaining that the British television personality needed an operation that could not be postponed.
Thompson’s arrival restores the show’s four-person panel as the Season 21 competition moves deeper into the live quarterfinals. However, it remains unclear whether the “Good Burger” actor will appear for more than one episode or if other celebrity guests will rotate into the seat while Cowell recovers.
The ‘SNL’ Star Previously Replaced Cowell In 2020
This is not the first time Thompson has been called upon to help “America’s Got Talent” navigate Cowell’s absence. In August 2020, Thompson appeared as a guest judge after Cowell fell from an electric bike at his Malibu home and broke his back. Kelly Clarkson also filled in during Cowell’s recovery, while some later episodes continued with only three judges.
Cowell later admitted that he understood the severity of the accident almost as soon as he hit the ground.
“I knew I’d broken my back the minute I landed. It was really, really kind of sudden and it hurt,” the former “American Idol” judge told Extra in February 2021. “It could have been a lot worse. When I saw the X-ray, I really nearly could have smashed my spine to pieces, so I literally wouldn’t have been able to walk.”
He addressed the accident on Instagram the following day. “Some good advice … If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back,” he shared. “Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.”
Simon Cowell Reveals His Son’s ‘Sweetest’ Reaction To His Devastating Injury
Cowell later revealed that one of his biggest concerns was how he would explain his condition to his son, Eric.
“I said, ‘Lauren, I just don’t know how to explain it to Eric.’ She obviously said something to him because he came in … and I was lying in bed,” he explained. “He said, ‘Daddy, you’re like Iron Man,’ and I thought that was the sweetest thing and it meant a lot.”
The ‘AGT’ Judge Experienced Long-Term Nerve Damage
In April 2022, Cowell acknowledged that he had initially downplayed how serious the accident and its aftermath were.
“It was a lot worse than people thought. I had a lot of long-term nerve damage as well,” he told OK! magazine. His recovery proved to be a lengthy process. Cowell experienced considerable pain when he tried playing soccer with Eric, despite believing that his bones had healed.
Another accident followed in February 2022, when Cowell fell from an e-bike in London and broke his arm. Despite being injured in two separate crashes, the television personality has remained committed to riding. “I’m still gonna stay on my bike. I’m obsessed with these things,” he told “Today” in 2023.
Simon Cowell Is Expected To Return In A Few Weeks
Cowell’s representative has not disclosed the specific nature of his latest operation or announced an exact date for his return. “Obviously, medical matters are private, but it’s routine, and he will be back in a few weeks,” the representative told “Entertainment Weekly,” according to NBC.
That timeline means the longtime judge could potentially return before the September 22 and September 23 finale, although the show has not confirmed his schedule.
