Simon Cowell underwent back surgery. He is set to miss live episodes of America's Got Talent for a few weeks while he recovers from the routine procedure. Reports came out on Monday, August 24, 2026. USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, and Yahoo News Canada all carried the story. He stays away. The absence is specifically for live broadcasts.
TMZ, TV Insider, and talentrecap.com also wrote about his medical status. Cowell needs rest. He is taking a few weeks off to rest. Recovery should take several weeks.