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Kenan Thompson is stepping in for Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent as the longtime judge takes a temporary break to recover from a routine back procedure.
Thompson, 48, will serve as a guest judge during the third round of the season 21 quarterfinals on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The show announced his appearance Friday on its official Instagram account, calling the Saturday Night Live star "a comedy legend".
"A comedy legend is taking over the Judges' table! Kenan Thompson is joining AGT as a guest Judge! 🎉 Don't miss his guest appearance Tuesday, September 1 at 8/7c on @NBC.'''
Thompson will join Howie Mandel, SofÃa Vergara and Mel B, with Terry Crews continuing as host. Cowell, 66, is expected to miss several weeks while recovering, although an exact date for his return has not been announced.
Crews addressed Cowell's absence during the Aug. 25 live episode, explaining that the procedure was planned rather than an emergency.
"He's having an operation that cannot be postponed," Crews said. "It's not an emergency, but it can't be put off."
Cowell's latest procedure is reportedly connected to the serious back injury he suffered in a 2020 electric bike accident at his Malibu home. The crash left him with a broken back and required extensive surgery, including spinal fusions and the insertion of a metal rod. The injury forced him to miss part of America's Got Talent's 15th season.
Cowell later described the accident as a major turning point in his health. "I was a millimeter away from breaking my spine," he said in 2021, recalling how he was thrown several feet into the air before landing on his back.
Thompson is no stranger to the AGT judges' table. He previously filled in for Cowell during the 2020 live quarterfinals following the accident, making his upcoming appearance a return to the role.
Further guest judges for the season have yet to be announced.
