REALITY TV NEWSSimon Cowell's First Replacement for 'America's Got Talent' Announced
Simon Cowell continued his recovery as Kenan Thompson stepped into his 'America’s Got Talent' judging seat.
Aug. 31 2026, Published 8:40 a.m. ET
Kenan Thompson is taking Simon Cowell’s seat on America’s Got Talent as Cowell recovers from back surgery.
Thompson, 48, will join the judging panel on September 1, alongside Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Mel B.
NBC shared the news on Instagram, writing, "A comedy legend is taking over the Judges' table!"
"Kenan Thompson is joining AGT as a guest Judge! Don’t miss his guest appearance," it continued.
Kenan Thompson stepped into a new role on the 'America’s Got Talent' stage.
Kenan Thompson Stepped Into the 'AGT' Judges' Table
NBC revealed that Kenan Thompson is all set to bring his comedy experience to the 'America’s Got Talent.'
Thompson previously appeared as a guest judge during the live quarterfinals in 2020, when Cowell was recovering from a serious injury.
The comedian has been part of Saturday Night Live since 2003 and built a career across television and film. He also starred in the late 1990s sitcom Kenan & Kel and played Dexter Reed in 1997's Good Burger.
However, it remains unclear whether Thompson would continue beyond the September 1 episode or whether other guest judges would take over during Cowell's absence.
Simon Cowell Continued Recovery From Back Issues
Simon Cowell revealed he is focused on his recovery after undergoing surgery for ongoing back issues.
The procedure followed a series of injuries stemming from a 2020 electric bike accident in Malibu, California. Cowell suffered multiple fractures in the fall and required a six-hour operation, during which doctors placed a metal rod in his back.
However, at that time, an insider told Page Six, "When he fell off the bike. he landed right on his back, which broke in a number of places."
The accident also forced him to miss much of America’s Got Talent Season 15.
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Simon Cowell recovered from a broken arm after his second e-bike accident in 2022.
Cowell previously reflected on his recovery in a February 2021 interview with People.
"I’ve got to be honest with you, it wasn’t that bad actually breaking your back," he said.
"I mean it wasn’t great for 3 to 4 weeks but after that you get through it," he added.
Per Page Six, the television personality later faced another e-bike accident in 2022, which resulted in a broken arm and another hospital visit.
Simon Cowell Previously Opened Up About His Recovery
Simon Cowell previously discussed the challenges he faced after his 2020 back injury.
Cowell also spoke about the lasting impact of his first accident, per OK! Magazine.
"I didn’t talk about it too much at the time. I kept a lot back. It was a lot worse than people thought. I had a lot of long-term nerve damage as well," he said.
"If there was one good thing about lockdown, it was that it gave me the time to heal because I wasn’t working on a TV show. I was able to walk a lot and strengthen my legs," Cowell added.
He continued, "I know I was lucky to survive my back surgery. I have a lot of people to thank for my recovery."
