Kenan Thompson to Fill In for Simon Cowell on 'America's Got Talent'

Simon Cowell will be taking a brief leave from "America's Got Talent" due to routine back surgery. To fill the void, Kenan Thompson has been brought in as a guest judge. According to USA TODAY, the announcement was made via the NBC show's official Instagram account.

As reported earlier by USA TODAY, host Terry Crews explained during a recent episode that Cowell would be absent from the live shows because the operation could not be delayed: "He's having an operation that cannot be postponed. It's not an emergency, but it can't be put off." Crews wished Cowell a speedy recovery and expressed the hope that he would soon return to the judging panel.

This temporary arrangement is not unprecedented; Thompson filled in for Cowell during the show's 15th season in 2020, when Cowell broke his back while riding an e-bike. At the time, Cowell underwent a six-hour surgery that included the placement of a metal rod in his back. He later posted on X, sharing words of caution for those planning to use similar vehicles: "Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time."

USA TODAY had previously confirmed that multiple guest judges will join the cast during Cowell's absence. Thompson's addition brings the number of announced guest judges up to one so far.

Cowell's planned absence should come to an end shortly after his surgery, allowing him to rejoin his colleagues at the judges' table. The season's finale is currently slated for September 23.