“SNL ”star Kenan Thompson stepping in for Simon Cowell on “America’s Got Talent”

Raechal ShewfeltSat, August 29, 2026 at 12:17 AM UTC

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Kenan Thompson; Simon CowellCredit: Frazer Harrison/WireImage; Trae Patton/NBCKey Points -

Kenan Thompson will fill in as a judge on America’s Got Talent beginning Tuesday.

Thompson is sitting in for Simon Cowell, who is dealing with back surgery.

The longest-tenured member of the SNL cast, Thompson has appeared on AGT previously.

The judges’ panel on America’s Got Talentjust got funnier.

Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson will join Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara at the judges’ table on the next episode, while Simon Cowell recovers from back surgery.

As Entertainment Weekly reported Monday, Cowell is taking a break from the series as he undergoes and recovers from back surgery. The reality star has struggled with back pain since being injured in an electric bicycle crash in August 2020.

“Obviously medical matters are private,” a rep for Cowell told EW, “but it’s routine and he will be back in a few weeks.”

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Already this season, the judges have had help from guests including comedian Nikki Glaser, Mel B’s fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton, and singer/actress Lele Pons.

But they carried on without a fourth judge on the latest episode of the reality competition, on which another group of quarterfinalists competed for a spot in the next round. There are two more groups of contestants in the next round, followed by a semifinals round, and then the finals. The winner of the $1 million prize is scheduled to be announced on Sept. 23.

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Host Terry Crews acknowledged Cowell’s absence.

“He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed,” Crews said. “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.”

Thompson has appeared on the show before. He was also a guest judge in place of Cowell in 2015.

‘AGT’ judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara watch last week’s episodeCredit: Trae Patton/NBC

With the show already deep into the competition, the judges are limited in what they can do. Though they still offer feedback at the end of each performance, the voters make most decisions. An exception is the Golden Buzzer, which one judge is given each week to award to an act they want to send straight to the finals. Mandel used his buzzer for the group Hundred Fingers, and Mel B used hers for rocker Nene Royal.

Thompson is, of course, best known for his comedy. The longest-tenured member on SNL, having joined the sketch show in 2003, he’s also starred in the Good Burger franchise, alongside Kel Mitchell. In 2021, he debuted in the sitcom Kenan, which lasted for two seasons.

The comedy star’s presence will surely be noticed by comedian Daniel Alvarez, who’s scheduled to perform Tuesday, alongside acts including singers (one is a singing poet), a magician, an aerialist duo, and a contortionist.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT and streams the next day on Peacock.

on Entertainment Weekly

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”