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<\/p>\nSimon Cowell is undergoing back surgery and will be replaced on the talent show by guest judges. Here’s who will fill his role. <\/p>\n
WASHINGTON \u2014 Simon Cowell will be temporarily replaced by actor and comedian Kenan Thompson as “America’s Got Talent” heads into the competition finals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cowell, 66, is out for a few weeks as he recovers from a routine back surgery. Thompson will fill his seat for the round 3 quarterfinals episode on Sept. 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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“A comedy legend is taking over the Judges\u2019 table,” the show’s social media posted in an announcement\u00a0<\/a>Friday. \u00a0<\/p>\n Thompson will join longtime judges Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara and host Terry Crews. Other guest judges may appear in additional episodes. No other announcements have been made at this time.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Obviously medical matters are private, but it\u2019s routine, and he will be back in a few weeks,” Cowell’s representative told Entertainment Weekly<\/a> on Monday.\u00a0<\/p>\n This is not the first time Cowell underwent back surgery, having broken his back while riding an e-bike in Malibu, California, in 2020.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt could have been a lot worse. When I saw the X-ray, I really nearly smashed my spine to pieces, so I literally wouldn\u2019t (have) been able to walk,\u201d he said to \u201cExtra\u201d in February 2021 interview.<\/a><\/p>\n Already this season, the judges have had help from guests including comedian Nikki Glaser, Mel B\u2019s fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton, and singer\/actress Lele Pons.<\/p>\n This is Cowell’s 11th season judging “America’s Got Talent,” having previously judged nine seasons on “American Idol,” along with judging overseas on “The X Factor” and “Britain’s Got Talent.”<\/p>\n Season 21 of “AGT” premiered June 2 and the winner is scheduled to be announced Sept. 23.<\/p>\n Trevor Cox and Melissa Hernandez de la Cruz contributed to this report.\u00a0<\/p>\n