- Simon Cowell will miss the two-night live finale of America’s Got Talent season 21 as he continues to recover from back surgery.
- British influencer KSI, a judge on Britain’s Got Talent , will step in to replace Cowell on the panel for the finale.
- The 66-year-old entertainment mogul stepped away from the show in August for a procedure related to ongoing back issues stemming from a 2020 electric bike crash.
- Fellow judge Howie Mandel confirmed that Cowell's recent operation was a success as he continues his recovery.
- Guest judges including Kenan Thompson and Heidi Klum had previously filled Cowell's empty seat during earlier live episodes this season.
IN FULL
Simon Cowell to miss America’s Got Talent finale amid recovery from surgery