Kenan Thompson to replace Simon Cowell for the upcoming episodes of 'America's Got Talent'.
(Instagram)Kenan Thompson to join ‘America’s Got Talent’ as the new judgeMore about Simon Cowell’s surgeryDays ago, reports confirmed that Simon Cowell , best known as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent,' would step away from the show for routine surgery.
Now, new reports reveal that a beloved face from ‘Saturday Night Live’ will join the reality talent show to cover Cowell’s absence.Kenan Thompson, who is popular for his comedic stunts on ‘Saturday Night Live,' will join ‘America’s Got Talent’ season 21 as the brand new judge while Simon Cowell rests and recovers.
He underwent multiple medical procedures at the time, and over the years he has managed himself and keeps up with his checkups.Entertainment Weekly reported a statement from Terry Crews, who hosts the reality talent show, talking about Cowell.
He started back in 2016 and has appeared consistently through Season 21 in 2026.
Kenan Thompson to replace Simon Cowell for the upcoming episodes of 'America's Got Talent'. (Instagram)
Kenan Thompson to join ‘America’s Got Talent’ as the new judge
More about Simon Cowell’s surgery
Days ago, reports confirmed that Simon Cowell , best known as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent,' would step away from the show for routine surgery. Since then, netizens wondered whether he would be replaced for the next couple of episodes or if the production team would continue with Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel. Now, new reports reveal that a beloved face from ‘Saturday Night Live’ will join the reality talent show to cover Cowell’s absence.Kenan Thompson, who is popular for his comedic stunts on ‘Saturday Night Live,' will join ‘America’s Got Talent’ season 21 as the brand new judge while Simon Cowell rests and recovers. In the latest episode of the hit reality TV show, the judges continued as a trio while the quarterfinalists battled for a spot in the top.As of right now, two more groups of quarterfinalists will compete and be judged in the coming episodes, along with the semi-finals and the finals, which will decide the winner of this season’s ‘America’s Got Talent.’ The finale will be aired on September 23, with the winner receiving the USD 1 million prize. Other guest judges who have joined the show this season include Nikki Glaser, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, and Lele Pons.A few days ago, TMZ reported that Cowell will take a break from judging the talent show as he will be getting a ‘routine back surgery.’ The entrepreneur fell off his electric bicycle in 2020, resulting in major injuries, including to the spine. He underwent multiple medical procedures at the time, and over the years he has managed himself and keeps up with his checkups.Entertainment Weekly reported a statement from Terry Crews, who hosts the reality talent show, talking about Cowell. He shared, “He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed. It’s not an emergency, but it can’t be put off. Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for a speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to seeing you back at the judges’ desk very soon.”Simon Cowell has been a judge on ‘America's Got Talent’ for a total of 11 seasons. He started back in 2016 and has appeared consistently through Season 21 in 2026.
