Simon Cowell will be missing from America’s Got Talent on NBC filming for several weeks while he undergoes back surgery. TMZ reported the news. Sources told the outlet there is no indication of a new major health crisis.
What happened with Simon Cowell’s back surgery?
Sources told TMZ that Cowell, 66, is scheduled for a routine back surgery, and the procedure will keep him off the judges’ table for several weeks. It’s unclear who, if anyone, will fill in for Cowell during his absence, or exactly when he’ll return, per TMZ.
Simon Cowell’s back injury history
Cowell has dealt with back issues since an electric bike accident at his home in Malibu, California, in August 2020, in which he broke his back and underwent a six-hour operation that included having metal rods and screws inserted, according to TV Insider.
He told Extra in 2021 that the accident nearly left him paralyzed: “When I saw the X-ray, I really nearly could have smashed my spine to pieces, so I literally wouldn’t have been able to walk. I knew I’d broken my back the minute I landed… it was really, really kind of sudden and it hurt.” Speaking to OK! in 2022, Cowell said he considered himself “lucky to survive” the surgery, adding that he suffered long-term nerve damage and later fell off another bike, which set his recovery back further.
Who’s filling in during Cowell’s ‘AGT’ absence?
It remains unclear who, if anyone, will step in for Cowell on the judging panel during his absence, according to TV Insider.
Who else is on the ‘AGT’ judging panel?
The current panel includes Sofía Vergara, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Cowell. Past judges have included Brandy Norwood, Piers Morgan, Heidi Klum, Howard Stern, David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne, Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough.
America’s Got Talent is currently airing its 21st season, which premiered June 2.
Featured image photo credit: Photo by Trae Patton/NBC
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