Sorry, America's Got Talent fans, Simon Cowell will not be returning for the two-part series finale this week. The fan-favorite judge, 66, remains sidelined after recent back surgery.
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As such, KSI has been announced as the latest replacement judge to fill Cowell's judges' seat. He'll join fellow judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Mel B. KSI has previous judging experience, having been part of Britain's Got Talent since the 2025 season.
Cowell's absence from the show was first addressed on-air by Mel B in August. 25. During that week's episode, Cowell's judges' chair sat empty, with Mandel, Vergara and Mel B operating as a trio. In the weeks that have followed, guest judges have helped fill the void.
Kenan Thompson and Heidi Klum have both sat on the judges' table during Cowell's absence. However, KSI has been entrusted with the finale. As such, he will have an opportunity to continue winning over the American audience in the process.
The hope will be that Cowell is back at the judges' table ahead of season 22. After all, his presence is a notable miss on the show. Furthermore, his feedback to those performing always proves to be invaluable.
America's Got Talent Could Be Moving State
Interestingly, America's Got Talent could have a new home by the time Cowell is ready to take his spot back with the judges. According to TMZ, producers have begun considering whether to move the show out of California, with both Georgia and Tennessee as potential destinations.
"Sources close to production tell TMZ ... the NBC competition reality show, judged by Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, is reviewing options to film season 22 in Georgia or possibly Nashville. We're told the move comes down to money ... with other states offering bigger production incentives and tax credits that could save the show a significant amount."
Still, as long as Cowell and the rest of the judges are on board, the show is unlikely to experience any turbulence from the potential move. After all, talented hopefuls will travel to the show for their chance to be discovered.
