Simon Cowell Missing America’s Got Talent: Back Surgery, How Long He’ll Be Away and Who Could Replace Him
Simon Cowell is set to miss upcoming live episodes of America’s Got Talent after undergoing a back procedure, according to reports. The 66-year-old judge is expected to be away for several weeks, although there is currently no confirmed date for his return.
Cowell’s absence comes as America’s Got Talent Season 21 moves through its live competition, making his temporary departure particularly notable for viewers. No replacement judge has been officially confirmed at this time.
Updated August 25, 2026
Simon Cowell’s expected absence from upcoming America’s Got Talent live shows remains linked to his reported back procedure. As of August 25, there is still no confirmed public announcement naming a replacement judge or giving a specific return date.
The timing makes the absence particularly notable. America’s Got Talent Season 21 is already in its live quarterfinal stage, with contestants competing for audience votes as the competition moves toward the semifinals and finale.
Why Is Simon Cowell Missing America’s Got Talent?
Cowell has been a central figure on America’s Got Talent since joining the judging panel in 2016.
His absence means the show will temporarily move forward without the judge best known for his blunt assessments and quick reactions to performers.
For viewers, the biggest unanswered question is who will occupy Cowell’s seat while he recovers.
Neither TMZ’s initial report nor the latest reports from other entertainment outlets have identified a replacement judge or provided a confirmed return date.
Why Cowell is having another back procedure
The upcoming operation comes years after Cowell suffered a serious back injury in an electric-bike accident.
In August 2020, he fell while testing an electric bike at his Malibu home and broke his back in several places. He underwent lengthy surgery, including spinal procedures and the placement of a metal rod.
Cowell later returned to television and resumed his judging duties, but reports have noted that he continued to deal with back-related problems following the accident.
The latest procedure is being described as routine rather than a new emergency. That distinction is important because the announcement could otherwise create the impression that Cowell has suffered another serious medical episode.
What happens to America’s Got Talent without Cowell?
The immediate impact is likely to be felt most during the live episodes, when judges react to performances and contestants compete for a place in the next round.
Cowell’s fellow judges this season are Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B. The show has already reached the stage where viewer voting plays a major role in determining which acts continue.
A temporary replacement would therefore be stepping into one of the most visible seats on the panel at a critical point in the competition.
At this stage, however, there is no confirmed announcement about who will take over the chair or whether another celebrity judge will be brought in for the affected episodes.
Cowell remains active beyond AGT
The temporary break does not signal Cowell’s withdrawal from the entertainment business.
The 66-year-old music executive remains involved in talent development and television projects. He is also closely associated with some of the biggest acts and franchises in modern pop entertainment, including One Direction and The X Factor.
As recently as March, Cowell discussed music projects and his interest in finding another major boy or girl group.
His continued work outside the judging table makes the current AGT absence look more like a short-term interruption than a broader retreat from television.
When will Simon Cowell return to AGT?
There is currently no confirmed return date.
The initial report says Cowell is expected to miss the show for the next couple of weeks, while other reports describe the filming gap as several weeks.
That leaves the exact length of his absence dependent on his recovery and the show’s production schedule.
For now, the focus shifts to the live competition and the question of who will fill one of America’s Got Talent’s most recognizable judging positions while Cowell is away.
Source: TMZ, with additional context from current reports by The Sun and other entertainment outlets.
