Why Simon Cowell, 66, Is Missing “a Few Weeks” of ‘America’s Got Talent’

Juliana UkiomogbeTue, August 25, 2026 at 9:50 PM UTC

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Simon Cowell at the ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 19 finale performances live show red carpet on September 17, 2024.Credit: Getty ImagesThe Gist -

Simon Cowell will miss weeks of America’s Got Talent as he undergoes back surgery.

“Obviously, medical matters are private, but it’s routine, and he will be back in a few weeks,” his representative said.

In 2020, the AGT judge broke his back following an electric bike accident.

Simon Cowell, 66, will miss “a few weeks” of America’s Got Talent due to back surgery.

Simon Cowell at the ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 21 media day on March 24, 2026.Credit: Getty Images

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, his representative said, “Obviously, medical matters are private, but it’s routine, and he will be back in a few weeks.”

Cowell is a judge on the competition show with Sofía Vergara, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, with Terry Crews serving as host. It is not yet confirmed if a guest judge will fill in for Cowell while he’s gone.

The AGT judge previously broke his back following an electric bike accident in 2020.

“Simon has broken his back and will be having surgery this evening,” his rep told People on August 8, 2020.

Simon Cowell at the ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 17 finale red carpet on September 14, 2022.Credit: Getty Images

The statement continued, “Simon had a fall from his bike on Saturday afternoon whilst testing his new electric bike in the courtyard at his house in Malibu with his family. He hurt his back and was taken to the hospital. He’s doing fine, he’s under observation and is in the best possible hands.”

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The following day, a source shared an update on his condition.

“Simon had surgery overnight and is doing okay this morning. It was a five-hour surgery and he has had to have a number of fusions and metal rod put into his back,” the insider told People.

The source added, “He landed on his back when he fell from the bike. The injuries are bad but he’s also been told he was lucky.”

Cowell spoke about his back injury in a February 2021 interview with People.

“I’ve got to be honest with you, it wasn’t that bad actually breaking your back,” he said. “I mean it wasn’t great for 3-4 weeks but after that you get through it. I [have] to do so much exercise now. I actually feel better than I did before the accident.”

Howie Mandel, Mel B, Terry Crews, Sofía Vergara, Simon Cowell for Season 20 of ‘America’s Got Talent.’Credit: Getty Images

He then jokingly said, “if you want to feel healthier, break your back.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”