Simon Cowell Missed ‘America’s Got Talent’ Live Finale – Here’s Why
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Simon Cowell was notably absent from the America’s Got Talent live finale on Tuesday (September 22).
Season 21 of the talent competition show is coming to a close, and Cowell has been missing from the judges’ table for the past month, with guest judges stepping in each week.
This week, social media star KSI served as Guest Judge. He does have some judging experience, as he has served as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent since 2025.
Past guest judges have included Heidi Klum and Kenan Thompson. The finalists performed for America’s vote on Tuesday night, and the winner will be revealed on Wednesday (September 23).
Simon Cowell’s Absence Explained
On August 24th, it was announced that Simon Cowell would be stepping away from America’s Got Talent to have a “routine surgery” on his back.
His absence was addressed on the August 25th episode when judges Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara completed the episode with an empty chair beside them.
Mandel spoke with E! News on September 4th, revealing that Cowell underwent the surgery earlier that day.
“As I talk to you, he is just hours out of surgery,” Mandel said. “I heard that it was a success, everything’s okay.”
He wished Cowell a speedy recovery and had high hopes the British judge would be back in time for the live finale. We know now that wasn’t the case.
Simon Injured His Back In 2020
In August 2020, Cowell broke his back after falling from an electric trail bike while at his Malibu, California, home. He required surgery, which included having a metal rod and screws placed in his back.
When it happened, he poked fun at himself on X, writing, “Some good advice…
If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.
I have broken part of my back.”
He also thanked everyone for the “kind messages” after his injury.
We are sending good, healing thoughts to Simon as he recovers from his surgery.
