Simon Cowell Replacement: Kenan Thompson Steps In
The Simon Cowell replacement for the next round of America’s Got Talent has officially been revealed, with comedian and Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson stepping into Cowell’s seat as a guest judge.
Thompson will join Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B on the judging panel for the September 1 episode of NBC’s long-running talent competition. The announcement comes as Cowell takes a temporary break from the show while recovering from a routine back procedure.
The change is temporary, rather than a permanent casting decision.
Cowell remains an important part of America’s Got Talent and is also the show’s creator and an executive producer. Current reports indicate that he is expected to return after recovering, although an exact return episode has not been announced.
For Thompson, meanwhile, the guest appearance marks a familiar return to the AGT judging table.
Simon Cowell Replacement Is Kenan Thompson
NBC has selected Kenan Thompson as the first guest judge to replace Cowell during his absence.
The show’s official announcement described Thompson as a comedy legend taking over the judges’ table and confirmed his appearance for Tuesday, September 1.
Thompson will sit alongside Mandel, Vergara and Mel B, while Terry Crews continues in his role as host.
The decision provides America’s Got Talent with a recognizable television personality at a crucial stage of the competition. Season 21 has already reached its live quarterfinal rounds, meaning the judging panel is dealing with performances that can determine which contestants move closer to the finale.
For viewers, Thompson’s arrival also adds a different comedic personality to a panel already known for its varied reactions.
Why Is Simon Cowell Missing From AGT?
Cowell is temporarily away from America’s Got Talent because he is recovering from a routine procedure related to his back.
The procedure is connected to ongoing issues stemming from his serious 2020 electric-bike accident. Cowell suffered a major back injury in that accident and underwent significant surgery and rehabilitation afterward.
This latest procedure is not being described as a new major health crisis.
Reports say Cowell is expected to miss several episodes while recovering, with his absence beginning during the live competition phase of Season 21.
During the August 25 live episode, host Terry Crews informed viewers that Cowell needed an operation that could not be postponed. The announcement prompted messages of support from the other judges and fans of the show.
The temporary change therefore allows Cowell to focus on recovery without forcing the production to pause the competition.
Kenan Thompson Has Replaced Cowell Before
One reason Thompson is such a natural Simon Cowell replacement is that he has already occupied the seat before.
Thompson previously served as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent in 2020, when Cowell was recovering from injuries caused by his electric-bike accident.
That means the comedian is already familiar with the show’s format, production environment and judging responsibilities.
His previous appearance also gives longtime viewers a point of comparison.
Thompson does not need to learn the basic mechanics of the program from scratch. He has already experienced what it is like to sit alongside other AGT judges and evaluate performers competing for a place in the next round.
His return could therefore be viewed as a practical choice as much as an entertainment decision.
When Will Kenan Thompson Appear on AGT?
Thompson is scheduled to appear during the Tuesday, September 1 episode of America’s Got Talent.
The episode is part of the show’s third round of quarterfinals. According to current reporting, 11 acts are scheduled to compete, with one contestant receiving a Golden Buzzer that sends them directly to the finals.
That makes Thompson’s appearance particularly important.
The quarterfinal stage is where the competition begins to narrow dramatically. Judges must assess performers who have already survived earlier rounds and are now competing for a place among the season’s strongest acts.
Thompson will therefore be making his return at a point when every performance carries greater consequences.
Will Kenan Thompson Replace Simon Cowell for More Episodes?
That remains unclear.
NBC has confirmed Thompson for the September 1 episode, but there has not been a definitive announcement that he will serve as Cowell’s replacement throughout the entire period of Cowell’s recovery.
Cowell is expected to be away for several weeks, meaning additional guest judges could potentially be announced if his absence continues.
For now, however, Thompson is the confirmed replacement.
That distinction is important because the show’s schedule continues beyond the September 1 episode, with the quarterfinals leading into the semifinals and eventually the live finale.
If Cowell remains unavailable, producers will have to determine whether Thompson returns or another familiar television personality takes his place.
Simon Cowell Is Expected to Return
Despite speculation about his absence, there is currently no indication that Cowell is leaving America’s Got Talent permanently.
The current situation is a temporary medical absence.
Cowell is expected to return to the program after recovering from his procedure, although neither the exact date nor the episode of his comeback has been formally confirmed.
That means viewers should not interpret Thompson’s appearance as the beginning of a permanent judging-panel change.
Cowell remains closely connected to the franchise.
Beyond his role as a judge, he is the creator and executive producer of America’s Got Talent, making his involvement considerably deeper than that of a conventional panelist.
Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B Remain
While Thompson temporarily takes Cowell’s place, the rest of the judging panel remains unchanged.
Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B will continue judging the contestants.
Their continued presence should provide some stability during Cowell’s absence.
Each judge also brings a different perspective to the competition.
Mandel is known for his long association with the franchise and his combination of comedy and entertainment experience. Vergara brings her television and acting background, while Mel B contributes years of experience as a performer and member of the Spice Girls.
Thompson’s comedic background could complement the existing panel without radically changing its overall dynamic.
Kenan Thompson Brings SNL Experience
Thompson’s biggest advantage may be his enormous television experience.
He is one of the longest-serving cast members in Saturday Night Live history and has built a career around comedy, acting and entertainment.
That background should translate naturally into a live talent competition.
Unlike a guest judge with little television experience, Thompson is accustomed to performing under pressure and reacting quickly to unexpected moments.
Those skills are particularly valuable on America’s Got Talent, where auditions and live performances can produce unpredictable situations.
His comedic instincts could also create some memorable exchanges with Mandel, Vergara and Mel B.
AGT Is Entering a Critical Stage
Cowell’s absence comes at a significant point in the season.
America’s Got Talent Season 21 is moving through its quarterfinals, with the competition increasingly focused on determining which performers will reach the final stages.
The quarterfinal rounds are fundamentally different from the early audition episodes.
At the beginning of the season, the show is largely about discovering potential.
Later, judges must decide which contestants have the ability to compete successfully against the strongest acts remaining.
That makes the judges’ feedback increasingly consequential.
Thompson will therefore have an important role to play during his temporary appearance.
Fans Have Already Seen Guest Judges Before
America’s Got Talent has a history of using guest judges when members of the regular panel are unavailable.
Over the years, the franchise has featured numerous temporary or replacement judges, particularly when scheduling conflicts or unexpected circumstances affected the regular lineup.
Cowell’s previous absence in 2020 was one of the most notable examples.
At that time, Thompson was among the personalities who stepped in during the live shows.
His return in 2026 therefore creates a sense of continuity rather than introducing a completely unfamiliar figure.
For longtime viewers, the choice may even feel like a callback to an earlier period in the show’s history.
Cowell’s Long History With America’s Got Talent
Cowell has been closely associated with America’s Got Talent for many years.
His judging style is often defined by direct criticism and strong opinions, qualities that have become part of the show’s identity.
His comments can be blunt, but they also provide a recognizable contrast to the other judges.
That makes replacing him temporarily a difficult task.
A guest judge must bring enough personality to fill Cowell’s position without attempting to imitate him.
Thompson is unlikely to replicate Cowell’s exact judging style.
Instead, his comedy background could allow him to approach contestants from a different perspective.
A Different Energy at the Judges’ Table
The temporary addition of Thompson could change the tone of the judging panel.
Cowell is known for his sharp critiques, while Thompson’s reputation is built heavily around comedy and improvisation.
That could produce a more playful atmosphere during the September 1 episode.
However, Thompson still faces the same fundamental responsibility as Cowell: deciding which performers deserve to advance.
The contestants will ultimately be judged on their performances rather than the personalities sitting behind the desk.
For the performers, the change could nevertheless be significant.
A different judge means different opinions, different reactions and potentially different advice.
What Cowell’s Absence Means for Contestants
The temporary change could affect how contestants approach their performances.
Some performers may be familiar with Cowell’s reputation and have specifically prepared for his feedback.
Others may welcome the opportunity to receive a different perspective.
Thompson’s presence could be particularly useful for comedy acts, performers working with unusual concepts or contestants who rely heavily on entertainment value.
His experience as a comedian gives him an understanding of timing and audience reaction that may be valuable when assessing those types of acts.
At the same time, the remaining judges ensure that contestants continue to receive feedback from experienced entertainment professionals.
Simon Cowell Replacement Creates Fresh Interest
The announcement of Thompson as the Simon Cowell replacement has generated additional attention around an already important stage of the America’s Got Talent season.
Cowell’s absence naturally created questions about who would take his place.
Rather than leaving the seat empty, NBC has opted for a recognizable name with previous experience on the show.
That decision minimizes disruption while giving viewers something new to watch.
It also allows the competition to continue without changing its basic structure.
The judging panel will remain four people, but Thompson’s personality will temporarily alter the chemistry.
When Could Simon Cowell Return?
Cowell is expected to return after a few weeks, but there is no officially confirmed comeback date yet.
The timing will depend on his recovery.
If he returns relatively quickly, Thompson could remain a one-episode guest judge.
If Cowell requires more time away, producers may need to arrange additional temporary replacements.
The show’s schedule could therefore determine how long the temporary judging arrangement lasts.
For now, the September 1 episode is the confirmed date for Thompson’s return.
What Fans Should Expect Next
The immediate focus will be on Thompson’s performance as a guest judge.
Viewers will likely pay attention not only to his reactions to the contestants but also to how he interacts with Mandel, Vergara and Mel B.
His previous experience on America’s Got Talent means expectations are already relatively high.
At the same time, fans will continue monitoring Cowell’s recovery and waiting for news about his return.
The temporary change has created an unusual storyline within the competition itself, with the show’s creator watching from the sidelines while another familiar television personality takes his seat.
Simon Cowell Replacement Is Only Temporary
The arrival of Kenan Thompson should not be confused with a permanent change to the America’s Got Talent judging panel.
Current reporting indicates that Cowell is expected to return after recovering from his routine back procedure.
For now, Thompson’s role is simply to keep the competition moving.
His appearance also has a certain symmetry because he has filled in for Cowell before.
That previous experience makes him one of the few guest judges who already understands the responsibility and pressure associated with the position.
Simon Cowell Replacement Adds a New Twist to AGT
The Simon Cowell replacement story has given America’s Got Talent another unexpected twist as Season 21 moves deeper into its live competition.
Kenan Thompson will temporarily step into Cowell’s judging seat for the September 1 episode, joining Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B while Terry Crews continues as host.
Cowell’s absence is linked to a routine back procedure and is not currently being presented as a permanent departure from the program.
For Thompson, the appearance is an opportunity to return to a familiar stage and bring his own comedic style to one of television’s biggest talent competitions.
For viewers, it offers a fresh judging dynamic at an important moment in the season.
Whether Thompson appears again during Cowell’s recovery remains uncertain.
But one thing is clear: America’s Got Talent will continue without missing a beat, while fans wait for its longtime judge to return to the panel.
