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