SIMON COWELL STEPS AWAY FROM “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” — FAMILIAR FACES FILL HIS EMPTY CHAIR AS FANS WAIT FOR HIS RETURN

Simon Cowell’s familiar seat on the “America’s Got Talent” judging panel was left empty during the final weeks of Season 21, after the longtime judge underwent a routine back procedure and temporarily stepped away from the NBC talent competition.

The unexpected absence became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the end of the season, particularly because Cowell is not only one of the show’s best-known judges but also its creator and an executive producer.

However, despite the dramatic reaction from viewers, Cowell’s absence does not currently represent a permanent departure from the series.

The 66-year-old music executive underwent a procedure related to his back in August. A spokesperson previously described the operation as routine and said Cowell was expected to return after recovering.

Cowell’s latest medical procedure comes years after a serious accident in 2020, when he broke his back after falling from an electric bike at his home in Malibu, California. That injury forced him to miss part of Season 15 of “America’s Got Talent” and required a lengthy operation.

THE EMPTY CHAIR

When Cowell was unable to take part in the live shows, “America’s Got Talent” began bringing in guest judges to temporarily occupy his place.

The first replacement was Kenan Thompson, the “Saturday Night Live” star who joined Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofia Vergara on the panel. Thompson had previously appeared as a guest judge on the program in 2020, when Cowell was also absent.

The show then welcomed another familiar face.

Heidi Klum, who previously served as a regular “America’s Got Talent” judge, returned as a guest judge for a September episode. Klum had originally joined the panel in 2013 and appeared across multiple seasons before leaving the regular judging lineup.

The rotating guest judges meant that Cowell’s chair continued to be occupied, even as viewers waited for an update on his recovery.

Fellow judge Howie Mandel later offered reassurance about Cowell’s condition, saying the surgery had been successful and that Cowell was doing okay.

SIMON COWELL MISSES THE SEASON 21 FINALE

Cowell ultimately did not return in time for the two-night live finale of Season 21 on September 22 and 23.

During the first night of the finale, host Terry Crews read a message from Cowell to the finalists.

Cowell said he was sorry that he could not be there in person but would be watching from home and wished the contestants the best of luck. He also made a playful reference to guest judge KSI and fellow judge Mel B.

For the finale, British internet personality KSI took Cowell’s place at the judging table alongside Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Mel B. KSI had already served as a judge on the British version of the franchise.

Cowell’s absence was particularly noticeable because the finale marked the conclusion of the season he had helped sha