‘AGT’: Simon Cowell Confirms He’s Watching Finale in Message to Top 10

Simon Cowell had to miss the finale of America’s Got Talent Season 21 while continuing to recover from back surgery he had last month. However, he wrote a message to the Top 10 finalists, which Terry Crews read on-air during the live September 22 episode.

“I want to wish all the finalists tonight the best of luck,” Cowell said. “I am so sad I won’t be there in person, but I will be watching from home.” He also warned guest judge KSI to “hold onto your water when Mel B. is around.”

Cowell was there for the first Live Show of the season, but it was revealed ahead of the August 25 episode that he would be away from the show for a “few weeks.” A rep for the longtime judge said that the procedure Cowell was having was “routine,” but no updates on his condition have been given in the weeks since.

Trae Patton/NBC

While it was initially expected that Cowell would be back at some point in the season, he did not return for the finale, and has not revealed what is going on with his health. Cowell has had back issues since his 2020 e-bike accident.

For the first Quarterfinals episode that Cowell missed, Mel B., Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel sat at the judges’ table without a fourth judge. Kenan Thompson stepped him for Week 3 of the Quarterfinals, and even had control of the all-important Live Golden Buzzer that week.

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For the final Quarterfinals episode, former AGT judge Heidi Klum returned to offer her comments and critiques. The Semifinals once again just featured the trio of Mandel, Mel B., and Vergara, while KSI will be here for both nights of the finale. The show concludes with the results show on September 23, where a winner will be named.

America’s Got Talent, Season 21 Finale, Wednesday, September 23, 9/8c, NBC