Simon Cowell to Miss Weeks of AGT Tapings for Routine Surgery

Simon Cowell will miss several weeks of "America's Got Talent" tapings while undergoing a routine back surgery, according to reports. The procedure, related to injuries from a 2020 electric bike accident, will force the judge's absence during the ongoing live shows of the NBC competition's 21st season.

Sources with knowledge of the situation told TMZ that Cowell, 66, is scheduled to have the surgery soon and will sit out multiple episodes of the hit show. The reports emphasize this is a routine procedure and not an indication of a new major health crisis. Cowell's representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It remains unclear exactly when the hiatus will begin or who will serve as a guest judge during his absence, though one report indicated fill-ins will be announced.

The timing coincides with the season's live performance rounds, which began on August 18. New episodes air live each Tuesday and Wednesday, with the quarterfinals scheduled to run through September 8. Cowell's absence will affect episodes leading into the semifinals in mid-September and the final competition set for late September.

Cowell has a well-documented history of back problems...