Simon Cowell will not be at the judges’ table for the America’s Got Talent season 21 finale, which airs on September 22 and 23, 2026, due to recovery from back surgery.
Why it matters: Cowell's absence from the show has left a noticeable gap during the live episodes, prompting his fellow judges to adapt to changes in the lineup.
Cowell has been missing from AGT live shows since August 25, 2026, following a routine back surgery related to injuries from a 2020 electric-bike accident.
His fellow judges, including Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, have been managing the show without him, highlighting the impact of his absence.
British influencer KSI will fill Cowell’s seat for both nights of the finale, marking his debut as a judge on the American version of the show.
Driving the news: NBC confirmed on September 22 that KSI would join the judges’ panel, replacing Cowell as the competition prepares to crown its latest winner.
KSI, a YouTuber, musician, and former professional boxer, has was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent since 2025.
The two-night finale will feature performances from ten finalists, including Acro Canine Crew and Lai Noelle, competing for America’s vote.
Kenan Thompson and Heidi Klum have previously filled in as guest judges during Cowell’s absence this season.
State of play: Cowell initially stepped away from AGT in August for a routine procedure, with expectations that he would return shortly.
His representative previously described the surgery as routine, but Cowell has not returned to the show since.
Howie Mandel expressed hope for Cowell's return before the finale, stating, "I heard it was a success, and everything’s okay."
During the semifinals, no guest judge was present, leaving the remaining judges to manage the show alone.
The big picture: Cowell's absence is felt deeply by his fellow judges, who have shared their sentiments publicly.
Sofia Vergara remarked, "We miss him," emphasizing the bond among the judges and the importance of Cowell’s role.
Howie Mandel compared the situation to sailing without a captain, saying, "This is his boat, and I feel like we’ve set sail without the captain."
Heidi Klum's return was described as a natural fit, with Vergara noting, "She was happy to come and help us, to give us a hand."
What they're saying: The judges have shared their thoughts on Cowell's absence and the adjustments they've had to make.
Vergara mentioned that the judges have learned to handle unexpected changes, reinforcing the idea that "the show must go on."
Mandel humorously noted that he misses having someone around to tell him when he’s wrong, adding, "I love him."
As they prepare for the finale, the judges remain optimistic about the show's direction and the talent showcased.
By the numbers: The finale will feature performances from ten acts competing for viewer votes.
Finalists include Acro Canine Crew, Come Here, Geno Ploeger, Hundred Fingers, Lai Noelle, Nene Royal, Olivia Befus, Royal Lasers, Unitree, and Veronika Goroshkova.
The finale airs on September 22 and 23, 2026, with performances on the first night and results revealed on the second.
KSI, age 33, joins the panel for the finale after successfully serving as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
What's next: Fans are eager to see how KSI performs as a judge and how the finale plays out without Cowell.
The two-night event will showcase the talent honed throughout the season, culminating in the announcement of the winner.
Viewers can tune in to witness the final performances and the excitement surrounding the competition.
Cowell's future plans remain uncertain, as he is not expected to return for the remainder of the season.