Simon Cowell Out, Kenan Thompson In on 'America's Got Talent'

Simon Cowell is taking a temporary break from 'America's Got Talent' to undergo routine back surgery, and Kenan Thompson will fill in as a guest judge while Cowell recovers. Cowell's surgery is related to a serious e-bike accident he had in 2020, which resulted in a broken back and required multiple spinal fusions and a metal rod.

Cowell is expected to miss a couple of weeks of 'America's Got Talent' due to his back surgery. This is not the first time Thompson has filled in for Cowell on the show, as he previously guest judged in 2020 after Cowell's initial e-bike accident.

Thompson will guest judge on the Quarterfinals Round 3 episode of 'America's Got Talent' on September 1. He has experience on the show, having previously sat alongside judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara during the live quarterfinals in 2020.

## What happened to Simon Cowell In 2020, Cowell was involved in a serious e-bike accident at his Malibu home, which left him with a broken back. He underwent surgery and a long rehabilitation process, which included multiple spinal fusions and a metal rod.

## Why it matters Simon Cowell's temporary absence from 'America's Got Talent' is a significant development in the show's current season. With Thompson filling in as a guest judge, the show's dynamics are likely to change, at least for the short term. The fact that Cowell is undergoing routine back surgery related to his 2020 e-bike accident highlights the long-term effects of the accident on his health.

The show's decision to bring in Thompson as a guest judge is a testament to his previous success on the show. Thompson's experience and chemistry with the other judges will likely ensure a smooth transition during Cowell's absence. As the show progresses, it will be interesting to see how Thompson's guest judging stint affects the competition and the overall tone of the show.