Simon Cowell underwent back surgery. He will miss live episodes of America's Got Talent for a few weeks while he gets better after the medical procedure. Reports surfaced on Monday, August 24, 2026. USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, and Yahoo News Canada all carried the story. He remains absent. The absence is focused on live broadcasts.
TMZ, TV Insider, and talentrecap.com also reported on his medical status. Cowell needs time. He takes a period of a few weeks off to heal up. Recovery should take several weeks.