Thursday, September 23, 2026 - Simon Cowell will miss the America’s Got Talent Season 21 finale as he continues recovering from a recent back procedure.
The longtime judge and creator stepped away from the NBC talent competition in August, with his representatives describing the procedure as routine. His absence has now extended through the two-night live finale.
Cowell’s place on the judging panel has been taken by British influencer and musician KSI, who joins Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara for the finale.
During the first finale episode, host Terry Crews also read a message from Cowell to the finalists, in which he wished them luck and said he would be watching the show from home.
The unexpected absence has kept attention firmly on the finale as the remaining contestants compete for the Season 21 title.
Cowell’s recovery has been described positively by fellow judge Howie Mandel, who previously said he had heard the operation was successful. However, no specific return date for Cowell has been announced, leaving fans waiting for the next update on his return to the show.
0 Comments