Simon Cowell will temporarily step away from America’s Got Talent as he undergoes a routine back procedure, but NBC has already found a familiar face to take his place. Kenan Thompson is the Simon Cowell AGT replacement for the upcoming quarterfinal episode, returning to the judging table for the first time since he filled in during Cowell’s 2020 absence.
Thompson will appear as a guest judge during the third round of Season 21’s quarterfinals on Tuesday, September 1. He will join Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B, while Terry Crews continues to host the competition.
The change is temporary. Cowell is expected to return to America’s Got Talent after recovering, although the show has not announced a specific episode for his comeback. That makes Thompson’s appearance notable without signaling a permanent change to the panel.
Who Is Replacing Simon Cowell on AGT?
Kenan Thompson will temporarily take Simon Cowell’s seat on America’s Got Talent. The comedian and actor is stepping in as a guest judge while Cowell takes time away from the NBC competition series for a routine back procedure.
Kenan Thompson Takes the Guest Judge Seat
Thompson is best known for his long-running career on Saturday Night Live, where he became the show’s longest-tenured cast member. His television background also includes Kenan & Kel, Kenan, and the Good Burger franchise. That experience gives him plenty of familiarity with live comedy, television performance, and working in front of a large audience.
However, Thompson is not simply a celebrity making his first appearance at the judges’ table. He has already filled in for Cowell on AGT. He previously joined the show during the 2020 live quarterfinals after Cowell suffered a serious back injury in an electric-bike accident.
That history makes his return especially fitting. Rather than introducing an unfamiliar personality to Cowell’s chair, AGT is bringing back someone who already understands the format and has experience evaluating contestants during the pressure of the live competition.
When Will Kenan Thompson Appear on AGT?
Thompson will appear on the Tuesday, September 1, 2026, episode of America’s Got Talent. The episode represents the third round of Season 21’s quarterfinal performances. NBC has scheduled the program for 8 p.m. ET, with the results following on Wednesday, September 2.
The timing matters because the competition has reached a crucial stage. Contestants are no longer auditioning simply for a chance to advance; they are competing for places in the later rounds and, ultimately, the finale. The guest judge therefore joins the panel at an important point in the season.
For viewers searching for the simon cowell temporary replacement agt, the answer is straightforward: Thompson will occupy Cowell’s seat for the September 1 quarterfinal episode. His announced role is that of a guest judge, not a permanent replacement.
Why Is Simon Cowell Missing From America’s Got Talent?
Cowell is temporarily away from America’s Got Talent because he is undergoing a routine procedure related to his back. His representative has described the operation as routine, while reports indicate that Cowell expects to return after a few weeks.
Cowell Is Recovering From a Back Procedure
The current procedure is connected to Cowell’s history of back problems. In August 2020, he suffered a serious injury after falling from an electric bike at his Malibu home. The accident resulted in a major spinal injury and required surgery, which kept him away from America’s Got Talent during part of that season.
Cowell later experienced another electric-bike accident in 2022, adding to his history of back-related issues. His latest procedure has been described as routine rather than an emergency, and there has been no reporting that suggests he is leaving AGT permanently.
The distinction is important because Cowell remains a central figure on the series. He serves as a judge and is also closely associated with the creation and production of the Got Talent franchise. His temporary absence therefore required the program to bring in guest judges while he recovers.
What We Know About His Return
There is currently no confirmed date for Cowell’s return to the America’s Got Talent judges’ table. However, his representatives have indicated that he is expected back in a few weeks.
That wording leaves some details open. The show has not established exactly which upcoming episode will mark Cowell’s return, and it remains unclear how many guest judges could participate during his recovery. Thompson is the first replacement announced for this period, but that does not automatically mean he will remain for every episode Cowell misses.
For now, the most accurate description is simple: Cowell is taking a temporary break, and Kenan Thompson is filling his seat for the September 1 quarterfinals. There is no confirmed announcement indicating that Thompson is taking over Cowell’s position permanently.
Simon Cowell AGT Replacement Is Familiar to Viewers
Kenan Thompson is a particularly familiar choice for America’s Got Talent because he has already stepped into Simon Cowell’s judging role once before. His previous appearance gives the current temporary change a sense of continuity rather than making the show introduce a completely new face during the quarterfinal stage.
Thompson Previously Filled Cowell’s Seat
Thompson previously joined America’s Got Talent during the 2020 live shows after Cowell suffered a serious back injury in an electric-bike accident. He appeared alongside the regular panel as the competition continued without Cowell. That experience means Thompson already knows the basic rhythm of the program, including the live-performance environment and the responsibility that comes with evaluating contestants at an important stage of the competition.
His return in 2026 also creates an unusual connection between two separate periods of Cowell’s career on the show. In both cases, Thompson has stepped into the judging lineup while Cowell deals with a back-related absence. The circumstances are different, however. Cowell’s current break follows a routine procedure, while his 2020 absence followed a major accident and spinal injury.
That distinction matters. Thompson’s current appearance should not be interpreted as evidence of another major crisis or a permanent change to the panel. Current reporting identifies him specifically as a guest judge while Cowell recovers.
Why the Pairing Makes Sense for AGT
Thompson brings experience from decades of television and comedy, including his long-running role on Saturday Night Live. That background fits a program built around a wide range of performers, from singers and dancers to comedians and unusual specialty acts.
More importantly, Thompson has already demonstrated that he can work within the AGT judging format. The production does not need to establish his relationship with the show from scratch.
For the audience, that familiarity can make a temporary panel change feel less disruptive. Thompson also brings a different perspective from Cowell, whose judging style has become one of the defining elements of America’s Got Talent.
The result is a guest appearance that feels connected to the show’s history while still giving the quarterfinal episode its own personality.
Who Is Judging AGT Alongside Kenan Thompson?
With Cowell temporarily away, Kenan Thompson will join the other members of the Season 21 judging lineup for the September 1 quarterfinal episode. The panel includes Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B, creating a four-judge lineup for the night.
Terry Crews remains the host, continuing his role in guiding contestants and viewers through the competition.
Howie Mandel
Howie Mandel remains one of the most recognizable judges on the America’s Got Talent panel. His long association with the series gives him extensive experience evaluating contestants across different stages of the competition.
With Thompson joining temporarily, Mandel also provides continuity for viewers who are accustomed to seeing Cowell alongside the established judges. His perspective remains part of the panel as contestants compete for advancement during the quarterfinals.
Sofía Vergara
Sofía Vergara is also part of the judging lineup during Thompson’s guest appearance. Her presence maintains another familiar element of the Season 21 panel while Cowell takes his temporary break.
Vergara has become closely associated with the show through her role as a judge, bringing her own reactions and assessments to the performances. Her continued presence helps keep the panel recognizable despite Cowell’s absence.
Mel B and Host Terry Crews
Mel B completes the four-person judging panel for the September 1 quarterfinal episode. Like Mandel and Vergara, she remains in her regular position while Thompson fills in for Cowell.
Terry Crews continues as host rather than judge. He handles the competition’s presentation and helps connect the performances, judges’ reactions, and audience experience.
Together, the lineup gives America’s Got Talent a familiar foundation while allowing Thompson to temporarily occupy Cowell’s seat.
The arrangement also reinforces an important point about the Simon Cowell AGT replacement: the show has changed one position for a specific period rather than rebuilding its entire judging panel.
Is Kenan Thompson Replacing Simon Cowell Permanently?
No. Current reporting describes Kenan Thompson as a temporary guest judge, not as Simon Cowell’s permanent replacement on America’s Got Talent. Thompson is stepping in because Cowell needs time to recover from his recent back procedure.
That distinction is especially important because headlines about a replacement judge can sometimes make a temporary casting decision sound more permanent than it actually is.
Temporary Guest Judge vs. Permanent Replacement
Thompson’s announced role centers on the September 1 quarterfinal episode. The available reporting does not establish that NBC has removed Cowell from the series or selected Thompson to take over his position permanently.
Instead, Cowell is expected to return after his recovery. Reports indicate that he anticipates being back within a few weeks, although the precise episode has not been announced.
Therefore, calling Thompson the Simon Cowell AGT replacement is accurate for the specific episode, but describing him as Cowell’s permanent successor would go beyond the confirmed information.
What Cowell’s Temporary Absence Means
The immediate impact is limited to the judging lineup for the affected episode or episodes. The competition itself continues, and contestants still perform before a panel capable of making the necessary decisions.
There is also no current indication that Cowell’s temporary absence represents the end of his relationship with America’s Got Talent. His expected return remains the basis for understanding Thompson’s role.
For viewers, the simplest takeaway is that Thompson is filling a vacant chair while its usual occupant recovers. Unless the network announces a broader change, there is no reason to treat the guest appearance as a permanent casting decision.
That makes the current situation different from a traditional judge replacement. Thompson is helping the show maintain its regular schedule rather than taking over Cowell’s long-term position.
What Happens Next on America’s Got Talent?
With Simon Cowell temporarily away, America’s Got Talent is continuing its Season 21 competition without changing its overall format. Kenan Thompson will step into Cowell’s chair for the third round of the quarterfinals, giving the show a familiar guest judge while the regular panelist recovers.
The Quarterfinals Continue
The September 1 episode is the third round of the live quarterfinals, with 11 acts competing for the opportunity to advance. One act can receive the live-show Golden Buzzer and move directly to the finals, while America’s vote determines which additional contestants progress to the semifinals.
That makes Thompson’s appearance more than a simple guest spot. He is joining the panel during a stage where contestants face higher stakes and every performance can affect their path through the competition.
The results episode follows on September 2. AGT continues its regular Tuesday-and-Wednesday schedule, with episodes airing at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
The show had already completed its second quarterfinal round without Cowell. During that episode, host Terry Crews explained that Cowell was undergoing an operation that could not be postponed, while emphasizing that the procedure was not an emergency.
Cowell’s Return Remains the Bigger Question
Cowell is expected to return to the judges’ table after recovering for a few weeks. However, the show has not announced an exact return episode. That leaves open the possibility that additional guest judges could appear if Cowell needs more time away.
For now, viewers should not read Thompson’s appearance as evidence of a permanent judging change. The available information points to a short-term arrangement designed to keep the competition moving while Cowell handles his recovery.
That distinction also explains why the Simon Cowell AGT replacement story remains straightforward: Thompson is filling in temporarily, while Cowell remains the regular judge.
How This Compares With Simon Cowell’s 2020 AGT Absence
Simon Cowell’s current break naturally reminds America’s Got Talent viewers of his much more serious absence in 2020. The two situations share a connection to Cowell’s back, but the circumstances are significantly different.
The 2020 Injury Changed the Season
In August 2020, Cowell suffered a major back injury after falling from an electric bike at his Malibu home. He underwent extensive surgery and missed part of Season 15 while recovering. Kenan Thompson subsequently joined the show as a guest judge during the live quarterfinals.
The 2020 situation followed an accident and required substantial treatment. Cowell later discussed the difficult recovery, including the physical rehabilitation that followed the injury.
The current absence has a different starting point. Cowell is undergoing a routine procedure connected to ongoing back issues, rather than recovering from a newly reported major accident. His representative has said that he is expected to return in a few weeks.
Thompson Returns Under Similar Circumstances
The striking similarity is Thompson himself. He previously filled Cowell’s position during the 2020 live shows, and now he is returning to the same chair while Cowell once again takes time away for back treatment.
That history gives Thompson an unusual connection to Cowell’s AGT role. He already understands the show’s judging environment and has experience appearing on the panel during a live competition.
Still, the current circumstances should not be overstated. There is no confirmed indication that Cowell is leaving America’s Got Talent, and Thompson has been announced as a guest judge rather than a permanent successor.
For viewers, the 2020 comparison provides useful context, but the present situation remains a temporary interruption rather than a repeat of the earlier long recovery.
What Fans Should Know About the Simon Cowell AGT Replacement
The immediate situation is fairly simple. Simon Cowell has stepped away from America’s Got Talent while recovering from a routine back procedure, and Kenan Thompson will temporarily occupy his place on the judges’ panel.
Thompson is scheduled to appear during the September 1 quarterfinal episode, joining Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B. Terry Crews remains the host.
The Key Details at a Glance
- Replacement judge: Kenan Thompson
- Role: Temporary guest judge
- Episode: Quarterfinals Round 3
- Date: September 1, 2026
- Regular judge absent: Simon Cowell
- Reason: Recovery from a routine back procedure
- Other judges: Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B
- Host: Terry Crews
- Cowell’s return: Expected in a few weeks, but no exact episode has been announced
The timing also places Thompson at an important point in the competition. The quarterfinals determine which contestants continue toward the semifinals and finals, so the guest judge will be evaluating performers during a particularly consequential stage.
For longtime viewers, however, the most interesting part may be the familiarity of the arrangement. Thompson has already served as Cowell’s stand-in, making his 2026 appearance a natural fit for a show that needs to keep moving while its regular judge recovers.
Unless NBC announces otherwise, the Simon Cowell AGT replacement should be viewed as temporary. Cowell remains expected to return once his recovery allows him to resume his judging duties.
Why Simon Cowell’s Absence Matters to AGT
Simon Cowell’s temporary absence comes at an important point in America’s Got Talent Season 21. The competition has moved beyond the auditions and into the live quarterfinals, where contestants are competing for limited places in the later rounds.
Cowell’s absence therefore changes the look of the judges’ table, but it does not stop the competition. The show has continued with Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B, while Kenan Thompson now steps in for the September 1 quarterfinal episode.
Cowell Remains a Major Part of AGT
Cowell has been closely associated with the Got Talent franchise since its early years, making his absence noticeable to longtime viewers. His judging style has also become part of the program’s identity, particularly because of his direct approach to evaluating performers.
However, the current situation does not indicate that Cowell is leaving the franchise. His representative has described the latest procedure as routine and said that he is expected to return in a few weeks.
That expectation changes how viewers should interpret the current panel. Rather than watching the beginning of a permanent judging transition, audiences are seeing the program adjust temporarily while one of its regular judges recovers.
The Timing Adds More Attention
The timing makes the situation more noticeable because AGT is approaching the final stages of its season. The remaining quarterfinal rounds lead into the semifinals and then the two-part finale, so every episode now carries greater competitive importance.
As a result, Thompson’s appearance gives the September 1 episode an additional point of interest without changing the basic direction of the season.
What Cowell’s Return Could Mean for AGT
The biggest unanswered question is not who the temporary replacement is. That has already been settled. The more important question for viewers is when Simon Cowell will return to the judges’ table.
At present, there is no publicly confirmed episode for his comeback. Cowell is expected to return in a few weeks, but the exact timing depends on his recovery and the production schedule.
The Exact Return Date Is Unknown
Reports indicate that Cowell will miss several weeks of the program while he recovers. His representative has not provided a specific return date, and the available reporting does not establish whether Thompson will cover more than the September 1 quarterfinal episode.
That uncertainty matters because America’s Got Talent moves quickly once the live rounds begin. The quarterfinals continue into early September, followed by the semifinals and the two-part finale later in the month.
Therefore, Cowell’s recovery timeline could determine how many episodes feature a guest judge.
The Show Can Continue Without Him
Even though Cowell is one of the program’s most recognizable judges, AGT has already demonstrated that it can continue when he is unavailable. The production can use guest judges while the regular panelists maintain the show’s format.
Thompson’s return also provides evidence that the producers have an established option when Cowell cannot participate. He has previously served as a guest judge during Cowell’s 2020 absence and now returns under different circumstances.
For viewers, the practical takeaway is simple: Cowell’s return remains expected, but the schedule has not been finalized publicly. Until NBC announces otherwise, Thompson should be viewed as temporary coverage rather than the beginning of a permanent change.
Why Kenan Thompson Is a Strong Temporary Choice
The choice of Kenan Thompson stands out because America’s Got Talent already knows what he brings to the judging table. He has appeared on the program before, and his television career has made him one of the most recognizable comedy performers in the United States.
Thompson spent more than two decades on Saturday Night Live, becoming the show’s longest-serving cast member. He has also worked across television and film, including the Good Burger franchise and his sitcom Kenan.
He Already Understands the Format
A temporary judge needs to adapt quickly. The quarterfinals do not provide much room for a newcomer to learn how the show works, because contestants are already performing under significant pressure.
Thompson has an advantage because he has previously experienced the AGT judging environment. His earlier guest appearances mean the production and audience are already familiar with him in that setting.
That familiarity also reduces the sense of disruption created by Cowell’s absence. Viewers may notice a different personality behind the desk, but the replacement does not feel completely disconnected from the show’s history.
Thompson Brings a Different Perspective
Cowell and Thompson also approach entertainment from different professional backgrounds. Cowell is strongly associated with music, television production, and talent competition, while Thompson’s career centers heavily on sketch comedy, acting, and performance.
That difference can make his feedback distinct from Cowell’s without requiring the show to alter its judging structure.
Thompson therefore works as a temporary choice for two reasons: he is familiar with AGT, and he can bring his own personality to the panel. The result gives the September 1 quarterfinal a recognizable but slightly different judging dynamic.
What Viewers Should Expect During Cowell’s Break
For viewers following the Simon Cowell AGT replacement story, the current situation is easier to understand when separated into confirmed details and unanswered questions.
What Is Confirmed
Kenan Thompson will guest judge the September 1 Quarterfinals episode. He will join Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B, while Terry Crews continues as host. Cowell is temporarily away because of a routine back procedure, and his return is expected after several weeks of recovery.
What Has Not Been Confirmed
NBC has not announced an exact episode for Cowell’s return. It is also not yet clear whether Thompson will appear again or whether another guest judge could cover any additional episodes Cowell misses.
That distinction is important for anyone searching for the simon cowell temporary replacement agt. Thompson is confirmed as a guest judge, but there is no confirmed permanent replacement.
The competition itself will continue toward the semifinals and finale. The current change affects the composition of the judging table, not the overall direction of Season 21.
For now, viewers can expect a familiar AGT format with one notable difference: Kenan Thompson will temporarily occupy Simon Cowell’s seat while Cowell focuses on his recovery.
What Fans Should Know About the Simon Cowell AGT Replacement
The Simon Cowell AGT replacement situation is temporary, not a permanent judging change. Kenan Thompson will step into Cowell’s seat for the September 1, 2026, quarterfinal episode of America’s Got Talent while Cowell recovers from a routine back procedure.
Thompson is a familiar choice for the series. He previously served as a guest judge during Cowell’s 2020 absence, when Cowell recovered from a serious back injury. His return gives the show an experienced temporary panelist at a crucial stage of Season 21.
The Key Details at a Glance
Here are the main points viewers should know:
- Guest judge: Kenan Thompson
- Regular judge absent: Simon Cowell
- Appearance: September 1, 2026
- Competition stage: Season 21 quarterfinals
- Other judges: Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B
- Host: Terry Crews
- Reason for Cowell’s absence: Recovery from a routine back procedure
- Cowell’s return: Expected in a few weeks, with no specific episode confirmed
The most important distinction is Thompson’s status. He is serving as a guest judge, rather than replacing Cowell permanently. Current reporting does not indicate that Cowell has left America’s Got Talent or that NBC has changed its long-term judging plans.
For viewers who only want the immediate answer, Thompson is the person filling Cowell’s chair while he recovers. The competition continues normally, and the temporary change does not alter the overall Season 21 format.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simon Cowell’s AGT Replacement
Who is replacing Simon Cowell on AGT?
Kenan Thompson is temporarily replacing Simon Cowell as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent. He will join Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B for the September 1, 2026, quarterfinal episode. Terry Crews remains the host.
Thompson is not taking Cowell’s position permanently. His appearance allows the show to continue while Cowell recovers from a routine back procedure.
Is Kenan Thompson replacing Simon Cowell permanently?
No. Current reporting identifies Thompson as a temporary guest judge rather than Cowell’s permanent successor.
Cowell is expected to return to America’s Got Talent after several weeks of recovery. However, the show has not announced the exact episode in which he will resume his judging duties.
Therefore, viewers should not interpret Thompson’s appearance as confirmation that Cowell is leaving the series.
Why is Simon Cowell not on AGT?
Cowell is temporarily absent because he is recovering from a routine procedure related to his back. Reports indicate that the procedure was not an emergency and that Cowell expects to return after a few weeks.
His current absence differs from his 2020 situation, when he missed the live shows after suffering a serious back injury in an electric-bike accident.
When will Kenan Thompson appear on AGT?
Thompson will appear on the September 1, 2026, episode of America’s Got Talent. The episode covers the third round of Season 21’s quarterfinal performances.
The results episode follows on September 2. Thompson’s appearance comes during an important part of the competition because contestants are competing for opportunities to advance toward the semifinals and finale.
Has Kenan Thompson judged AGT before?
Yes. Thompson previously appeared as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent during the 2020 live shows.
He stepped in after Cowell suffered a serious back injury and could not participate. His return in 2026 therefore marks a reunion with the judging panel rather than his first experience with the format.
When will Simon Cowell return to AGT?
Cowell is expected to return after recovering for a few weeks, but there is no publicly confirmed episode for his comeback at this time.
The exact timing could depend on his recovery and the show’s production schedule. Until NBC provides a specific return date, any claim about the exact episode would be speculation.
Who are the other AGT judges?
For the September 1 quarterfinal episode, Kenan Thompson joins Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B on the judging panel. Terry Crews continues to host.
The arrangement keeps most of the familiar Season 21 panel intact while allowing Thompson to temporarily cover Cowell’s seat.
Final Takeaway
Kenan Thompson is the Simon Cowell AGT replacement for the September 1 quarterfinal episode, but his role remains temporary. Cowell is taking time away from America’s Got Talent while he recovers from a routine back procedure, and current reporting expects him to return within a few weeks.
Thompson’s involvement is especially notable because he has already filled Cowell’s seat once before. His previous guest-judge appearance came during Cowell’s 2020 absence, creating a direct link between the two situations.
For now, there is no confirmed indication of a permanent judging change. Thompson will help keep the competition moving while Cowell recovers, and the rest of the regular panel remains in place.
The only significant unanswered question is the exact timing of Cowell’s return. Until NBC confirms that information, the safest conclusion is also the simplest one: Kenan Thompson is temporarily filling in, while Simon Cowell remains expected to return to AGT.