Simon Cowell Takes Temporary Leave from America’s Got Talent for Back Surgery
Simon Cowell is temporarily stepping away from his judging role on 'America's Got Talent' to undergo routine back surgery. He is expected to return in a few weeks, and guest judges will fill his spot during his absence.
Salt Lake City, UT, August 25, 2026 —
Simon Cowell, a prominent judge on the popular reality competition series ‘America’s Got Talent,’ is taking a temporary leave of absence from his role. The reason for his departure is to undergo routine back surgery.
Cowell is anticipated to make a full return to the show within a few weeks. During his temporary absence, the show will feature guest judges to fill his seat on the judging panel.
The specific details regarding the timing of the surgery and the duration of Cowell’s absence beyond the initial few weeks were not immediately available. Further information regarding the guest judges who will be stepping in is expected to be announced by the program.
Story summarized from the original created by Lottie Elizabeth Johnson on www.deseret.com, see more information here.