America’s Got Talent’s Howie Mandel Shares Update On Simon Cowell’s Health
America's Got Talent fans have felt the noticeable absence of one of the most-loved (or, for some, most loathed) judges. Simon Cowell temporarily left the show in late August, and his co-star just revealed a major update.
Cowell recently underwent back surgery for injuries sustained in a 2020 electric bike accident. In 2021, the AGT judge explained just how serious the injury was, telling Extra's Terry Seymour , "It could have been a lot worse. When I saw the X-ray, I really nearly could have smashed my spine to pieces, so I literally wouldn't have been able to walk."
He added, "I knew I'd broken my back the minute I landed. It was really, really kind of sudden and it hurt."
Credit: Nicky Nelson/WENN/MEGA
Even though Cowell needed surgery immediately after the injury, he recently revealed that he will have a second procedure. This led to a leave of absence from the live shows of America's Got Talent Season 21.
Co-star Howie Mandel gave E! News an update on Cowell's health on Thursday, September 3, sharing, "As I talk to you, he is just hours out of surgery. I heard it was a success; everything's okay."
Mandel continued, "I haven't called him yet," and noted that he "can't wait to see him and visit him and give him my best wishes."
Of course, the big question on everyone's mind is, "Will Cowell return to AGT before the Season 21 finale?" According to Mandel, "I'm hoping that Simon makes his way back and has a speedy, quick recovery. That's what I'm looking forward to."
What about the fourth judge? Simon didn't leave Mandel, former Spice Girl Mel B , and actress Sofia Vergara without extra help. Actor/comedian Kenan Thompson filled in for Cowell during the first week of his absence, and former AGT judge Heidi Klum is set to return for the three-hour quarterfinal broadcast.
Klum joined the reality competition show in 2013 for Season 8 and stayed through Season 13 (2018). She came back two years later, judging the show again from Season 15 through Season 19. While fans are welcoming Klum, don't expect her to stick around. Cowell's representative explained to Entertainment Weekly , "Obviously medical matters are private, but it's routine, and he will be back in a few weeks."
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