TV Insider spoke with host Terry Crews<\/a> and judges Howie Mandel<\/a>, Mel B.<\/a>, and Sofia Vergara<\/a> to get their thoughts on their absent pal, how the show has held up without him, and when he might return.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a big space,\u201d Crews told TV Insider about Cowell not being on the show. \u201cIt\u2019s like a giant hole.\u201d<\/p>\n The host adds, however, that everyone is doing what Cowell would want them to do \u2013 power through and carry on in his absence. \u201cMy thing is to not let him down because this is his baby,\u201d Crews added, noting that AGT was conceived by Cowell as a British series in 2005. A year later, the U.S. version of the show launched.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is his creation and the thing is we want to make sure that he\u2019s happy and smiling because he knows we\u2019ve got this for him until he gets better,\u201d Crews said.<\/p>\n While Cowell\u2019s return for the finale would add a great deal of excitement to an already highly-anticipated two episodes, Crews admitted, \u201cI only want him to come back when it\u2019s right. We\u2019ve got one week left. If, all of a sudden, he does come back, it\u2019s going to be amazing. But, if not, it\u2019s OK. We\u2019ve got this.\u201d<\/p>\n The AGT judges echoed Crews\u2019 sentiments about wanting Cowell to return only when he\u2019s physically well enough to do so.<\/p>\n \u201cI think [Simon\u2019s absence] has affect Sofia the most,\u201d Mel B. mused, \u201cbecause she sits next to him. I\u2019m sandwiched in between Sofia and Howie, so it hasn\u2019t really disturbed my vibe too much. We all wish him well. We signed a card for him.\u201d<\/p>\n While Cowell\u2019s somewhat mellowed over the years since his iconic, biting, no-holds barred critiques that made him a household name when he judged American Idol<\/a>, the former Spice Girl maintained that the critic is still there in Simon.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he doesn\u2019t like something, he doesn\u2019t like it,\u201d Mel B. offered. \u201c[If] he sees potential, he\u2019s really going to encourage it, which is always good.\u201d<\/p>\n Vergara concurred that Cowell\u2019s presence is deeply felt, but noted that the show has powered through difficult times in the past. \u201cWe miss him, but we are, how do you say \u2026 surviving,\u201d the former Modern Family<\/a> star shared. \u201cYou know, my first season, was when COVID started and we kept doing the show. I mean, the show must go on. But we do miss Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n And it seems the judges are just as in the dark as the fans about whether Cowell plans to return for the finale.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no updates to share, but I\u2019m telling you that my heart and my mind is with Simon and am wishing him as quick of a return as there could possibly be,\u201d Mandel sayid. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel the same without him.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Mel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/agt-judges-night-4-quarterfinals-380x570.jpg\")
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