Kenan Thompson will step onto the America's Got Talent judges' table on Tuesday, Sept. 1, while Simon Cowell recovers from routine back surgery. The switch keeps the show moving through its live stretch, and Thompson is not new to the role.
On Aug. 28, the show announced Thompson as the only celebrity guest judge named so far. He already filled in during the show's 15th season in 2020, which gives this replacement less of a scramble and more of a practiced handoff.
Terry Crews on Aug. 25
On Aug. 25, Terry Crews told viewers, "It's not an emergency, but it can't be put off," when explaining Cowell's absence. He added, "Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for a speedy recovery, and we're looking forward to seeing you back at the judges desk very soon."
The timing matters because America's Got Talent is already deep into its 21st season, which returned on June 2 and is headed toward a Sept. 23 finale on NBC. A temporary judge keeps the panel intact without pretending the change is permanent.
Simon Cowell in 2020
Cowell also missed live shows in 2020 after breaking his back while riding an e-bike, then underwent a six-hour surgery that included the placement of a metal rod in his back. He later said on X, "Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time," and told OK! Magazine, "I didn't talk about it too much at the time. I kept a lot back. It was a lot worse than people thought. I had a lot of long-term nerve damage as well," followed by, "It's been a long haul but I'm almost healed and I'm being very careful about what I do."
That history makes this absence easy to read: routine, not dramatic, but still serious enough to sideline a 66-year-old judge for several weeks. For viewers, the practical takeaway is simple — Thompson is in for Sept. 1, and the other guest judge slots have not been filled in public yet.
Thompson Back on AGT
Thompson's return should keep the live shows stable while Cowell recovers, and it fits a pattern the production has already used once before. The open question is whether America's Got Talent will use one more guest judge or rotate several names through the rest of Cowell's absence.
