Simon Cowell to Undergo Surgery, Missing Weeks of 'AGT' Live Shows
Television personality Simon Cowell will take a temporary leave from 'America's Got Talent' to undergo routine back surgery. Guest judges will fill his seat during the live shows while he recovers.
Why it matters
As a prominent figure in global entertainment, Cowell's health status impacts the production schedule and viewer experience of major reality television franchises.
Simon Cowell will miss several weeks of America’s Got Talent ‘s live shows as he undergoes routine surgery on his back, Billboard can confirm.
In his place, a lineup of celebrity guests — which AGT is still in the process of booking — will reportedly take over his spot as he receives the procedure and recovers. TMZ was the first to report the news.
Billboard has reached out to Cowell’s rep for further details.
The competition show’s season 21 live quarterfinals kicked off Aug. 18 and will continue through Sept. 8. The live semifinals will take place Sept. 15 with results airing the following day, after which the live finals will unfold on Sept. 22, followed by a live finale on Sept. 23.
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