Kenan Thompson To Fill In for Simon Cowell on ‘America’s Got Talent’

While Simon Cowell is recuperating from his recent surgery, America’s Got Talent is bringing in a familiar face to fill his seat at the judges’ table.

Kenan Thompson will step in as a guest judge for Tuesday night’s Quarterfinals 3 episode as Cowell temporarily steps away from the AGT Season 21 live shows to recover from a non-emergency back procedure.

The show announced on Friday, August 28, via Instagram that the long-standing Saturday Night Live star will substitute for Simon on Tuesday while he recovers.

The post was captioned: “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.”

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This isn’t the first time Cowell has needed someone to temporarily take his seat — nor is it the first time Thompson has stepped in for him. In 2020, Thompson filled in for Cowell after the judge severely injured his back while testing a new electric bicycle at his home in Malibu, California. At the time, he had a metal rod and screws inserted into his back. Kelly Clarkson also helped with the judges’ duties in the short term that season, stepping in on the first night of the Season 15 live quarterfinals while Cowell recovered.

Currently, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B are judging the live shows during Cowell’s absence.

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Representatives confirm the procedure is standard and he is expected back at the desk shortly. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, his rep said, “Obviously, medical matters are private, but it’s routine, and he will be back in a few weeks.”

The AGT two-part finale is on September 22 and September 23. It’s unclear which episodes Cowell will be back for.

America’s Got Talent, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8/7c, NBC