Simon Cowell is stepping away from the judges’ desk on “America’s Got Talent” as lingering back injuries require him to undergo surgery, forcing him to miss several weeks of the competition series. According to TVLine, host Terry Crews addressed the judge’s empty chair during the Tuesday, August 25 live broadcast, informing viewers that the television personality is undergoing a planned medical procedure that cannot be postponed.
Terry Crews and Fellow Judges Address Cowell’s Absence
During the live quarterfinals broadcast, Crews pointed to the vacant seat on the panel alongside judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara. According to TVLine, Crews told the audience that the operation is not an emergency but could not be put off any longer. The broadcast team and his fellow judges sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery, stating they expect him back at the desk soon. Sources confirmed to TVLine that producers are lining up several guest judges to temporarily fill Cowell’s seat during his multi-week hiatus.
Root Cause Traced to 2020 and 2022 Electric Bike Accidents
The chronic pain stems from an accident in 2020, when Cowell fell off an electric motorcycle while testing it at his home in Malibu, California. At the time, he told Extra that an X-ray revealed he had nearly smashed his spine to pieces, admitting he almost lost the ability to walk. Cowell suffered a second electric bike accident in 2022, resulting in a broken arm, as reported by Fox News Digital.
Current Season 21 Quarterfinals Schedule and Contestants
The talent competition continues its live broadcasts despite the judging shake-up. “America’s Got Talent” airs new performance episodes every Tuesday at 8/7c, followed by results shows on Wednesday nights. The Season 21 quarterfinals feature a packed roster of returning acts. Performers scheduled across the Tuesday lineups include singers Bety, Mackenzie Sol, Nene Royal, Isaac Atkins, Elsie, Lai Noelle, Pynk Beard, Jesse Joe, and Lara D. Variety acts, dance groups, and specialty performers rounding out the quarterfinal rounds include danger duo Brad & Tracy, musical duo Butter & Grit, dance group Come Here, magicians Geno Ploeger and Kameron Marshall, aerialists Veronika Goroshkova and Herwan Legaillard, vocal group Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, dancer Patrox, comedy acts Daniel Alvarez and Cameron Logsdon, and novelty performer Akira, according to TVLine.
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