‘AGT’: Where Is Simon Cowell at 2026 Finale? His Absence, Explained

Alyssa Norwin September 22, 2026, 2:29 pm

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT -- 'Auditions' — Trae Patton/NBC

It’s been about a month since America’s Got Talent fans found out that Simon Cowell would be missing the Season 21 Live Shows for an unspecified amount of time, and it now looks like he won’t be returning to the judges’ table in 2026 at all.

On the afternoon of September 22, just hours before Night 1 of the finale, NBC announced that KSI would be stepping in as a guest judge for both the September 22 and September 23 episodes. No updates about Cowell’s condition were given and the music mogul has not shared any information on his own social media.

Cowell joined Mel B., Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara for the first Quarterfinals episode of Season 21 on August 18. Ahead of Week 2 on August 25, though, it was revealed that he would be missing some upcoming Live Shows. He has not returned since.

Below, we rounded up everything we know about Cowell’s absence and future return, as well as his upcoming replacement.

Where is Simon Cowell at 2026 AGT Live Shows?

Cowell has been missing 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 replaced Simon Cowell at 2026 AGT Live Shows?

Cowell’s seat was left empty during the August 25 episode.

For the September 1 and 2 episodes, Kenan Thompson stepped in to fill Cowell’s seat. The news was announced via Instagram in a post that read: “A comedy legend is taking over the Judges’ table! Kenan Thompson is joining AGT as a guest Judge! Don’t miss his guest appearance Tuesday, September 1 at 8/7c on @NBC.”

During his guest slot, Thompson was in control of the Live Golden Buzzer, and used it to send Lai Noelle straight to the Finals.

Heidi Klum, who previously served as an AGT judge, filled in on September 8 for a special three-hour episode. There was no results show on September 9 due to NFL football.

Howie Mandel, Mel B., Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell

Chris Haston/NBC

For the Semifinals on September 15 and 16, there was no guest judge, leaving Mel, Mandel, and Vergara to fend for themselves as they commented on the performances. KSI will be the finale fill-in.

During Cowell’s previous Season 15 absence in 2020 (due to the bike accident), Kelly Clarkson filled in for him during the first night of Quarterfinals, while Thompson stepped in for night two. For the remainder of the show, the three other judges at the time (Mandel, Vergara, and Klum) at the table without a fourth addition.

When will Simon Cowell return to AGT?

It does not appear that Cowell will be returning to AGT this season. His representative initially told Entertainment Weekly that he would “be back in a few weeks,” but that never happened.