Simon Cowell Pauses Americas Got Talent Duties for Surgery

Television personality Simon Cowell will temporarily step away from his judging duties on NBC's America's Got Talent for several weeks to undergo a routine medical procedure related to his back, media outlets reported on August 23, 2026.

The 66-year-old executive producer and music mogul is scheduled for surgery shortly, marking a temporary absence during the broadcast of the talent competition's 21st season. Network executives have not yet announced a temporary replacement for his seat at the judges' table.

A source with direct knowledge of the situation provided details regarding the upcoming medical procedure and its immediate impact on the production schedule.

"Cowell is scheduled to have back surgery soon, and the procedure will force him to sit out several weeks of the hit NBC show," a source close to Cowell said.

The upcoming operation stems from ongoing medical history following a major electric-bike accident at his Malibu home in August 2020. That previous incident resulted in severe spinal injuries that required immediate surgical intervention, including vertebrae fusion and the installation of a metal rod and screws.

Insiders clarified that the scheduled operation is a standard, planned procedure rather than an emergency intervention.

"This is a routine procedure and there is no indication of a new major health crisis," an insider said.

During his previous recovery period in 2020, Cowell similarly stepped away from live broadcasts and public appearances to rehabilitate. Representatives for Cowell have not issued a formal public statement regarding the exact timeline for his return to the live shows.