Kenan Thompson to Guest Judge on America's Got Talent

Kenan Thompson, the longest-serving cast member of Saturday Night Live, will temporarily join the judges' panel on America's Got Talent beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The comedian is filling in for Simon Cowell, who is recovering from a routine back procedure related to his 2020 electric bike accident.

The announcement was made by the show's official social media accounts. Thompson will sit alongside judges Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara for the third round of Season 21's live quarterfinals. Host Terry Crews addressed Cowell's absence during the most recent episode, telling viewers, "He's having an operation that cannot be postponed. It's not an emergency, but it can't be put off. Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for speedy recovery, and we're looking forward to seeing you back at the judges desk very soon."

A representative for Cowell confirmed the procedure is routine and that he is expected to return to the show within a few weeks. Cowell has undergone multiple surgeries since fracturing his back in a 2020 accident. He previously described the injury as more severe than publicly known, stating in a 2022 interview, "I kept a lot back. It was a lot...