Simon Cowell Steps Away From AGT for Back Surgery

Television personality Simon Cowell will temporarily step away from the judging panel of America's Got Talent Season 21 to undergo a routine back surgery, representatives confirmed on August 24, 2026.

The 66-year-old executive producer is set to miss several weeks of live show tapings while recovering. Production sources reported that guest judges are currently being scheduled to temporarily take his place alongside Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Heidi Klum.

The routine procedure stems from long-term back complications following a serious electric bike accident at his Malibu home in August 2020. That initial crash resulted in a six-hour emergency operation to insert a metal rod and fusions into his spine.

"When I saw the X-ray, I really nearly could have smashed my spine to pieces, so I literally wouldn't have been able to walk. I knew I'd broken my back the minute I landed... it was really, really kind of sudden and it hurt," said Simon Cowell, judge on America's Got Talent.

Cowell later suffered a secondary setback in February 2022 after breaking his arm in a second electric bike incident in London.

"I didn't talk about it too much at the time. I kept a lot back. It was a lot worse than people thought.

I had a lot of long-term nerve damage as well. Then, a year later, I fell off (another) bike – and that set me back again," said Simon Cowell, executive producer.

Despite physical challenges, Cowell previously noted how the recovery process pushed him to rebuild his personal fitness.

"I knew I'd broken my back the minute I landed. It was really, really kind of sudden and it hurt," said Simon Cowell, television host.

Cowell recounted the surreal moments immediately following the 2020 accident while managing extreme pain.

"I'm lying there and I'm kind of passing out. It was surreal," said Simon Cowell, producer.

He noted that remaining optimistic played a vital role during the lengthy rehabilitation process.

"I've never been in this situation in my life where you literally can't move. The pain was off the charts. But you've got to stay positive.

I made a promise to myself I'd be fitter than I was before I had the accident. Sure enough, that's what happened," said Simon Cowell, TV personality.

Addressing his secondary injury in London, Cowell explained that he avoided severe permanent damage to his arm.

"I was lucky, 'cause I nearly snapped the ligament. If you snap ligaments, then that's bad. I'm fine.

It was a stupid accident. It was just annoying mainly because I couldn't ride my bike," said Simon Cowell, music executive.

Reflecting on safety after his multiple crashes, Cowell offered advice to prospective electric trail bike owners.

"If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time," said Simon Cowell, creator.

Prior to Season 21, Cowell reflected on his transition from behind-the-scenes creator to on-camera judge across hit franchises like American Idol, The X Factor, and AGT.

"When I first started, I was really nervous about just being on camera. I had no desire to do that in my life. I did it because I was asked to do it. I was really conscious that if the show doesn't work, I've made a really bad mistake," said Simon Cowell, talent judge.

He emphasized that the continuous improvement of auditioning talent remains the primary benchmark for the franchise's ongoing global success.

"We are definitely seeing better people coming to audition. The acts have gotten better. That's the most important thing and really what the show relies on each year. I judge [the show's] success by going into Vegas and seeing how many people from the shows have ended up there," said Simon Cowell, executive producer.

Cowell also previously addressed personal mental health challenges and how seeking professional guidance helped him process past personal losses.

"I was on a downward spiral at that point," said Simon Cowell, founder.

He described the difficulty of maintaining a public persona while grieving privately.

"I felt like a clown because I'm dying inside, and yet I've still got to do what I'm being paid to do as best as I could," said Simon Cowell, host.

Cowell credited starting therapy sessions as a major positive turning point in his adult life.

"I wish I had done this 10 or 20 years ago...it's like a weight has lifted off my shoulders," said Simon Cowell, record executive.

Describing his first clinical session, Cowell recalled how quickly he felt comfortable opening up to a specialist.

"I sat down really embarrassed and I said, 'Look I just don't know where to start.' And within about 20 minutes, it was as if I'd known [the therapist] for 10, 20 years. He'd put me so much at ease, and you realize you're talking to a professional, and they don't judge you, they listen to you," said Simon Cowell, television judge.

Regarding other personal details, Cowell revealed that stress can occasionally trigger a speech habit.

"There are times when I just can't get the words out for whatever reason, sometimes when I'm stressed," said Simon Cowell, talent mogul.

Season 21 of America's Got Talent is currently broadcasting its live quarterfinal episodes on NBC, leading up to the live season finale scheduled for September 23, 2026.