Simon Cowell has been a familiar face on America’s Got Talent for years as part of the judging panel. However, an announcement this month revealed that the TV personality would be absent from the live shows. While fans were preparing to see the show without Cowell, news of his replacement has now emerged.
Kenan Thompson is joining the America’s Got Talent judges’ table as a guest judge on September 1
While fans were waiting to find out who would replace the 66-year-old, AGT shared a post on Instagram featuring a photo of Kenan Thompson and tagged him.
AGT wrote, “A comedy legend is taking over the Judges’ table! Kenan Thompson is joining AGT as a guest Judge! ? Don’t miss his guest appearance Tuesday, September 1 at 8/7c on @NBC.”
Thompson previously appeared as a guest judge during the 2020 quarterfinals while Cowell was recovering from surgery. The comedian began his career at age 12 with a commercial before later turning to films.
Thompson gained major recognition in 2003 when he joined the prestigious late-night comedy show Saturday Night Live. He has remained part of the show for more than two decades.
As for Simon Cowell’s absence, the reason is a non-emergency routine back surgery that he cannot skip.
America’s Got Talent Season 21 premiered on June 2, 2026, while the live shows began on August 18, 2026. Terry Crews hosts the show, while the judging panel includes Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B. Kenan Thompson will soon step in to fill Cowell’s absence.
As for the record executive’s return, no exact date has been revealed yet. However, according to reports, he is expected to return within a few weeks. For now, the show is in its quarterfinals phase, which began on August 18 and will wrap up on September 8.
