Simon Cowell Is Missing America’s Got Talent’s Live Finale, and the Show Is Making a Major Change

Simon Cowell will not return for the live America’s Got Talent finale. The 66-year-old temporarily stepped away from his judging duties in August during AGT‘s Quarterfinals to recover from back surgery. On Tuesday, the show announced a major change via Instagram: Social media star KSI would fill in for the still-absent Cowell as a guest judge on September 22 and 23.

In August, AGT host Terry Crews explained why Cowell was noticeably missing from the judges’ panel, saying, “He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed. It’s not an emergency, but it can’t be put off. Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to seeing you back at the judges’ desk very soon.”

While Crews and the rest of the cast had high hopes for Cowell’s return before the season’s end, based on the recent guest judge announcement, it doesn’t look like that will happen.

The host and other judges weren’t the only ones who thought Cowell would recover in time for the season finale. Last month, the 66-year-old’s representative told Entertainment Weekly, “Obviously medical matters are private, but it’s routine, and he will be back in a few weeks.”

Cowell has battled back issues for the past six years, after a 2020 electric bicycle accident. The following year, he shared with Entertainment Tonight, “The first four weeks were the hardest. Because you feel kind of helpless, and it was the first time in my life I’ve ever felt helpless,” he continued, “Then you’re bored and frustrated, and I was in so much pain.”

Earlier this month, co-star Howie Mandel gave E! News an update on Cowell, saying, “I’m hoping that Simon makes his way back and has a speedy quick recovery.” While Mandel hadn’t spoken to Cowell at the time, he did say, “I heard that it was a success.”

Cowell’s finale replacement, KSI, is a YouTube star, musician, entrepreneur, and boxer. Born Olajide Olatunji, he adopted a new name that stands for Knowledge, Strength, and Integrity. Prior to KSI, Kenan Thompson and former America’s Got Talent judge Heidi Klum filled in for Cowell. AGT‘s Season 21 finale will air live on Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (both nights) on NBC.