gg2
Simon Cowell news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Simon Cowell had routine back surgery and missed AGT tapings. Kenan Thompson and Heidi Klum filled in as guest judges.
Background
Simon Cowell, creator and judge of America's Got Talent, underwent a routine back surgery in late August 2026, forcing him to temporarily step away from the show. The surgery is related to a serious e-bike accident in 2020 that left him with a broken back and required multiple spinal fusions. He previously missed part of season 15 due to that accident, and also broke his arm in another e-bike crash in 2022.
How it unfolded
- Aug 28, 2026AGT announced on Instagram that Kenan Thompson would guest judge for the Sept. 1 quarterfinals while Cowell underwent routine back surgery.
- Sep 1, 2026Kenan Thompson filled in as guest judge, pressing the Golden Buzzer for singer Lai Noelle.
- Sep 2, 2026Host Terry Crews announced Heidi Klum would return as guest judge for the Sept. 8 episode as Cowell continues recovering.
- Sep 3, 2026USA Today reported that Heidi Klum would be the next temporary replacement for the Sept. 8 episode.
- Sep 4, 2026Howie Mandel gave a health update on Cowell's recovery after his surgery.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- A spokesperson for Cowell told Entertainment Weekly that the surgery is 'routine' and he is expected to return in a few weeks.
- Host
- Terry Crews said the operation 'cannot be postponed' but is 'not an emergency,' sending best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Still unverified
Howie Mandel's specific health update details are not provided in the material.