Simon Cowell AGT Replacement: Kenan Thompson Steps In as Guest Judge
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
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