Howie Mandel Says Simon Cowell’s Back Surgery Was Successful, Shares Hope for Quick Recovery Amid 'AGT' Absence

Howie Mandel shared an encouraging update on Simon Cowell after the America's Got Talent judge underwent back surgery.

"As I talk to you, he is just hours out of surgery," Mandel told E! News on September 3. "I heard that it was a success, everything's okay."

Cowell is taking time away from AGT while he recovers from the procedure, leaving the longtime judge off the panel during the live shows.

Mandel had not called Cowell when he spoke with E! News, joking that his friend might not be ready for a conversation so soon after the operation.

"I haven't called him yet," he said. "I don't know that, this close to surgery, if this is the first thing you need to see."

The 70-year-old judge said he planned to wait a day or two before visiting Cowell in person. "Can't wait to see him and visit him and give him my best wishes," he said.

Cowell's absence followed an announcement that he would step away from the competition for several weeks for a planned back procedure.

During an August episode, host Terry Crews explained that the operation was "not an emergency, but it can't be put off," while sending Cowell wishes for a speedy recovery.

The latest procedure comes years after Cowell suffered a serious injury in an electric-bike accident at his Malibu home in 2020. He broke his back in several places and required surgery following the crash.

While Cowell recovers, AGT has brought in familiar television personalities to join the panel.

Kenan Thompson filled the seat during an earlier live episode, while former judge Heidi Klum is scheduled to return for the September 8 show alongside Mandel, Mel B and Sofía Vergara.

Klum previously served as a judge for multiple seasons, making her temporary return an especially familiar one for longtime viewers.

Mandel is already looking toward Cowell's return as the 21st season heads toward its conclusion.

"I'm hoping that Simon makes his way back and has a speedy, quick recovery," Mandel said. "That's what I'm looking forward to."

The competition itself is also keeping Mandel busy. He said the field is unusually difficult to judge, with far more contenders than usual deserving serious consideration.

"It's going to be a very tough choice for America because there are way more than one or two acts worthy of the $1 million and the final choice," Mandel said. "I've never seen this close a race."

America's Got Talent Season 21 finale is scheduled for September 23.