America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell will not appear at the live show judging panel for multiple weeks due to back surgery. It is not yet known who will replace him, as the show must go on.
Simon Cowell Will Miss AGT Due to Back Surgery
America’s Got Talent fans should not expect to see Simon Cowell on the judging panel for the next few weeks of the competition. TMZ broke the news that the main judge of the reality competition show would be sitting out from the competition due to a routine back surgery on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
According to TMZ’s sources, Cowell is scheduled to have back surgery soon. The procedure itself will require him to sit out of several weeks of the competition. The outlet stated that Cowell’s procedure is routine, and non indicative of another health crisis.
In the past, Cowell was absent from the AGT desk due to a serious e-bike injury in 2020. He was not replaced on the panel during his recovery time. The panel instead featured judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum. It’s unknown at this time whether someone will be taking Cowell’s place at the judging panel this season.
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Simon Cowell’s team has yet to confirm or release further information regarding his routine surgery. This article is ongoing, and will be updated as new information is added.
America’s Got Talent Heads into Week 2 of Live Shows
America’s Got Talent returns to NBC on Tuesday, August 25 for the next round of the live quarter finals. Fans will be able to see some of their favorite contestants returning to the stage, and even be able to vote for them to continue in the competition!
This week’s competitors include inger Bety, danger act Brad & Tracy, music duo Butter & Grit, dance group Come Here, magician Geno Ploeger, rapper LaRussell, guitarist Nene Royal, music duo Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, and dancer Patrox. The Golden Buzzer acts are singer Mackenzie Sol and aerial performer Veronika Goroshkova.
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This week, another one of the judges will have the ability to send an act directly into the Finals with the Golden Buzzer. Will you be watching America’s Got Talent this week? Let us know on X!
