Cowell Steps Back for Surgery | Salt Lake City News

Salt Lake City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 26, 2026 · 1m

Simon Cowell is stepping away from “America’s Got Talent” for a few weeks to undergo back surgery, marking another health-related pause in his decade-long judging tenure. As the show enters its live quarterfinals, guest judges will fill his seat—though their lineup remains unannounced. This isn’t his first health-related absence; he famously suffered a broken back in 2020 after a fall from an electric bike, requiring surgery and a metal rod. Despite the setbacks, Cowell remains deeply committed, citing the joy of launching careers and witnessing raw talent blossom as his driving motivation…