A Return to the Judges’ Table
NBC has confirmed that “Saturday Night Live” star and veteran comedian Kenan Thompson will serve as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent (AGT) for the upcoming Quarterfinals 3 episode, scheduled to air on Tuesday, September 1. Thompson will step into the seat typically occupied by Simon Cowell, who is currently on hiatus to recover from a routine, non-emergency back procedure.
The announcement, made via the show’s official social media channels on August 28, brings a familiar face back to the competition. Thompson, who has previously served as a guest judge on the program, will join the existing panel of Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B. The move is designed to maintain the show’s established four-person judging format during a critical phase of the live competition.
The Context of Cowell’s Absence
Simon Cowell’s absence from the judges’ desk was first addressed by host Terry Crews during the Quarterfinals Round 2 episode on August 26. Crews explained to viewers that the 66-year-old television personality required a medical procedure that could not be postponed. While the exact nature of the surgery remains private, the production team has emphasized that it is not an emergency, though it requires a recovery period of several weeks.
Cowell’s history with back-related injuries is well-documented. In 2020, he suffered a severe injury after falling from an electric bike at his Malibu home, which required significant surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. Thompson also served as a guest judge during that period, as did Kelly Clarkson, to help the show navigate Cowell’s recovery. Cowell has since experienced further health challenges, including another e-bike accident in 2022 that resulted in a broken arm, yet he has remained a consistent presence on the series.
Impact on the Competition
The addition of Thompson is viewed as a strategic move to preserve the dynamic of the panel. During the week prior to this announcement, the show proceeded with a three-person panel, leaving Cowell’s chair empty. By bringing in a seasoned performer like Thompson, NBC aims to keep the commentary balanced as contestants compete for a spot in the semifinals.
While Thompson’s appearance is confirmed for the September 1 episode, it remains unclear if he will continue in the role for subsequent weeks or if the show will rotate other guest judges through the seat. Production has not provided an exact return date for Cowell, though there is speculation that he could potentially return before the season finale, which is slated for late September.