Simon Cowell Temporary Replacement on AGT 2026 — Who Is It?
One of the biggest names in television, Simon Cowell, has stepped away from his judging duties on America’s Got Talent (AGT) in 2026 — and his temporary replacement has finally been revealed!
Kenan Thompson, the beloved comedian and longtime star of Saturday Night Live (SNL), will be stepping in as a guest judge on AGT while Simon Cowell recovers from a routine back surgery.Simon Cowell Temporary Replacement AGT.
The announcement was made on August 28, 2026, via the official America’s Got Talent Instagram account:
“A comedy legend is taking over the Judges’ table! Kenan Thompson is joining AGT as a guest Judge! Don’t miss his guest appearance Tuesday, September 1 at 8/7c on NBC.”
Why Is Simon Cowell Missing AGT 2026?
Simon Cowell, 66 years old, is temporarily absent from America’s Got Talent to undergo a routine back surgery related to ongoing issues he has faced for more than five years.
A spokesperson for Cowell confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that:
- The procedure is “routine”
- Cowell is expected to return in a few weeks
- It is not connected to a new major health scare
TMZ first reported news of Cowell’s hiatus and surgery.
When Did Simon Cowell Leave AGT 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Simon Cowell’s absence announced | August 24, 2026 |
| First live show without Cowell | August 25, 2026 |
| Kenan Thompson replacement announced | August 28, 2026 |
| Kenan Thompson’s first episode | September 1, 2026 |
| Expected return of Simon Cowell | Few weeks (TBC) |
During the August 25 episode, Cowell’s chair was left completely empty as fellow judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B continued to judge performances without a fourth judge.
Who Is Kenan Thompson — Simon Cowell’s Replacement?
Kenan Thompson is one of America’s most beloved comedians and the longest-running cast member in Saturday Night Live history.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenan Thompson |
| Age | 48 Years Old |
| Born | May 10, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Known For | Saturday Night Live, Kenan & Kel |
| AGT Episode | September 1, 2026 (Quarterfinals 3) |
Kenan Thompson is no stranger to the AGT judges’ table — this is not his first time filling in for Simon Cowell!
Kenan Thompson Previously Replaced Simon Cowell in 2020
This marks the second time Kenan Thompson has stepped in for Simon Cowell on AGT. The first time was in August 2020 after Cowell suffered a devastating back injury from an electric bike accident.
In 2020:
- Cowell broke his back in a serious e-bike accident at his Malibu home
- He underwent a 5-hour surgery including multiple spinal fusions and insertion of a metal rod
- Kenan Thompson stepped in alongside Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum
- Kelly Clarkson also filled in during the first night of Quarterfinals that year
Simon Cowell’s Back Injury History
Simon Cowell’s back problems have been well documented over the years:
2020 E-Bike Accident:
- Suffered a serious electric bike accident at his Malibu home
- Underwent a 5-hour back surgery with multiple spinal fusions
- A metal rod was inserted in his back
- Missed part of AGT Season 15
- Also missed Britain’s Got Talent 2020 — replaced by former winner Ashley Banjo
2022:
- Fell from another e-bike in February 2022
- Revealed he had long-term nerve damage from the 2020 accident
2026:
- Undergoing another routine back procedure
- Expected to return to AGT in a few weeks
Cowell has previously said about his 2020 injury: “It was a lot worse than people thought. I had a lot of long-term nerve damage as well.”
AGT 2026 Judges Panel
| Judge | Status |
|---|---|
| Simon Cowell | Temporarily absent (back surgery) |
| Howie Mandel | Present |
| Sofia Vergara | Present |
| Mel B | Present |
| Kenan Thompson | Guest Judge (Sep 1 episode) |
| Terry Crews | Host |
Simon Cowell’s Son’s Reaction to His Back Injury
One of the most touching moments related to Cowell’s health saga was his son Eric’s reaction to his father’s 2020 injury. Cowell shared the heartwarming story:
“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 said, ‘Daddy, you’re like Iron Man’ and I thought that was the sweetest thing and it meant a lot.”
America’s Got Talent 2026 — Season Overview
The 2026 season of America’s Got Talent is currently in its Quarterfinals stage. The live shows have been delivering incredible performances and dramatic results.
Key highlights of AGT 2026:
- August 18-19: First Quarterfinals episodes with Simon Cowell present
- August 25: First live show without Simon Cowell
- September 1: Kenan Thompson joins as guest judge for Quarterfinals 3
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is replacing Simon Cowell on AGT 2026?
A: Kenan Thompson, comedian and Saturday Night Live star, is replacing Simon Cowell as a temporary guest judge on America’s Got Talent 2026. He will appear on the September 1, 2026 episode.
Q: Why is Simon Cowell not on AGT 2026?
A: Simon Cowell is temporarily absent from AGT 2026 to undergo a routine back surgery. He has been dealing with back issues since his serious e-bike accident in 2020.
Q: When will Simon Cowell return to AGT?
A: Simon Cowell is expected to return to America’s Got Talent in a few weeks. His spokesperson confirmed the surgery is routine and he will be back soon.
Q: Has Kenan Thompson been on AGT before?
A: Yes. Kenan Thompson previously filled in for Simon Cowell on AGT in August 2020 after Cowell suffered a broken back from an e-bike accident.
Q: Who are the AGT 2026 judges?
A: The AGT 2026 judges are Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B. Terry Crews hosts the show. Kenan Thompson is serving as a temporary guest judge while Cowell recovers.
Q: What happened to Simon Cowell’s back?
A: Simon Cowell broke his back in a serious electric bike accident at his Malibu home in August 2020. He underwent a 5-hour surgery with multiple spinal fusions and a metal rod insertion. He has had multiple procedures since then, including his current 2026 routine back surgery.
Q: What episode will Kenan Thompson appear on AGT?
A: Kenan Thompson will appear on the September 1, 2026 episode of America’s Got Talent — Quarterfinals 3 — airing at 8/7c on NBC.
Q: Who replaced Simon Cowell on AGT in 2020?
A: In 2020, Kelly Clarkson filled in for Simon Cowell during the first night of Quarterfinals, and Kenan Thompson filled in for the second night after Cowell’s e-bike accident.
