The Live Shows continue on the August 25 episode of America’s Got Talent. But one familiar face will be missing from the episode. Simon Cowell will not be joining fellow judges Mel B., Terry Crews, and Sofia Vergara for an unspecified amount of time as the season moves forward.
The news broke on August 24, less than one week after the first Quarterfinals episode and results show, which Cowell was part of. Below, we rounded up everything we know about his absence and future return.
Where is Simon Cowell at 2026 AGT Live Shows?
Cowell will have to miss AGT for a routine surgery relating to back issues that he’s been facing for more than five years. TMZ first reported news of Cowell’s hiatus and surgery, and a rep confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the procedure is “routine.”
In August 2020, Cowell was involved in a serious e-bike incident that left him with a debilitating back injury. He had to undergo surgery at the time and had a metal rod and screws inserted into his back. Because of the incident, Cowell had to miss several episodes of the 15th season of AGT.
Who is replacing Simon Cowell at 2026 AGT Live Shows?
It’s been reported that there will be guest judges to fill in for Cowell amid his absence, but NBC has not announced who will be filling his seat at this time. It’s also unclear whether there will be multiple guest judges or one person filling in for the duration of his time away. Cowell’s seat was empty during the August 25 episode.
Chris Haston/NBC
During Cowell’s Season 15 absence in 2020, Kelly Clarkson filled in for him during the first night of Quarterfinals, while Kenan Thompson stepped in for night two. For the remainder of the show, the three other judges at the time (Mandel, Vergara, and Heidi Klum) sat at the table without a fourth addition.
When will Simon Cowell return to AGT?
An exact return date has not been confirmed, but a representative told Entertainment Weekly that Cowell will “be back in a few weeks.”
After the August 25 episode and August 26 results show, there are more Quarterfinals on September 1 (results on September 2) and September 8 (results on September 9.) Then, the Semifinals begin on September 15, with the results shown on September 16.
The AGT two-part finale is on September 22 and September 23. It’s unclear which episodes Cowell will be back for.
America’s Got Talent, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8/7c, NBC