Kenan Thompson will return to the America’s Got Talent judges’ table as a guest judge for the September 1 quarterfinals round, stepping in while Simon Cowell recovers from a routine medical procedure related to his back, according to announcements from NBC and PEOPLE.
Kenan Thompson Returns to the AGT Judges’ Table
According to PEOPLE, the 48-year-old Saturday Night Live star will join regular judges Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B during the third round of quarterfinals airing Tuesday, September 1, on NBC. The network officially confirmed the casting on Instagram on Friday, August 28, noting that the comedian will help narrow down the competition for season 21.
Thompson is no stranger to the reality competition series. According to PEOPLE, he previously filled in for Cowell in August 2020 after the show creator suffered a severe electric bike accident at his Malibu home. During that appearance, Thompson sat alongside Mandel, Vergara, and then-judge Heidi Klum during the second week of live quarterfinals.
Simon Cowell’s Temporary Absence and Medical History
“He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed. A representative for Cowell told Entertainment Weekly that the surgery is routine and that he is expected to return in a few weeks.”
Cowell’s current medical leave stems from a history of back issues following his 2020 e-bike accident, which required a five-hour surgery involving multiple spinal fusions and the insertion of a metal rod. In subsequent interviews with outlets including Extra and The Kelly Clarkson Show, Cowell recalled coming close to severe paralysis, noting that the accident left him with lasting nerve damage and prompted significant lifestyle changes.
Quarterfinals Schedule and Stakes
According to PEOPLE, Thompson’s return arrives at a pivotal moment in the competition, with 11 acts scheduled to perform during the September 1 broadcast. While Cowell’s chair sat empty as Mandel, Vergara, and Mel B judged as a trio during the August 25 episode, the series has not yet announced an exact date for Cowell’s permanent return to the panel alongside host Terry Crews.
Related reading