‘Beyond excited!’ SNL’s Kenan Thompson is filling in for Simon Cowell as judge on AGT live shows after mogul broke back in bike accident
- Cowell was rushed to hospital on August 8 after the accident at his Malibu home
- The 60-year-old underwent surgery to place a metal rod in his spine
- While he is reported to be recovering well, he won’t be back on AGT for a while
- Last week, Kelly Clarkson served as Cowell’s replacement for two nights
Another week, another guest judge for America’s Got Talent as show stalwart Simon Cowell continues to recover from back surgery.
On Tuesday, SNL castmember Kenan Thompson announced on his Instagram that he will be taking Cowell’s seat on the judges panel tonight and tomorrow.
‘Beyond excited to witness America’s Greatest Talents!!! Literally a household favorite of ours!!! Ask Georgia!!!’ he wrote alongside a promotional image for the show. ‘@nbc @agt thank you for having me!!’
Filling in: SNL castmember Kenan Thompson announced on Instagram that he will be taking Simon Cowell’s seat on the judges panel tonight and tomorrow. ‘Beyond excited,’ he shared
Thompson, 42, has been part of NBC’s SNL since 2003.
The ‘Georgia’ he refers to in his social media post is the elder of two daughters he shares with wife Christina Evangeline.
Live shows for the NBC talent competition resumed last week with Kelly Clarkson filling in for Cowell.
The singer, 38, has a successful daytime chat show on NBC and has also served as a coach and judge on The Voice on the network.
Out of action: Cowell, 60, is recovering from spinal surgery after he broke his back while trying out a new electric bike at his Malibu home on August 8
Stepped in to help out: Live shows for the NBC talent competition resumed last week with Kelly Clarkson filling in for the injured Cowell. The singer, 38, has a successful daytime chat show on NBC and also served as a coach and judge on The Voice on the network
Cowell, 60, had been trying out a new electric bike in the courtyard of his Malibu home when the accident happened.
He was rushed to hospital and underwent a six-hour operation after doctors discovered he had several fractures in his back.
It’s believed he may be discharged from the medical center this week and sources reveal the entertainment guru remains upbeat.
Speaking exclusively with MailOnline, sources close to the family said: ‘He’s doing really well considering everything.’
‘He’s in good spirits and knows he had a lucky escape and that this could have been worse.’
A source also told The Sun it could take Cowell ‘weeks’ to recover from the accident and that he could have to wear a back brace.
‘He has a long and difficult road ahead,’ The Sun’s source claimed. ‘It’s going to take him weeks, and maybe months, to get back to where he was. And if ignores the doctor’s orders then it will be very bad news for him long term.’
From his hospital bed: The entertainment mogul posted an update to his Twitter and Instagram feeds after his surgery. It’s reported that he is recovering well
‘Missing Simon’: Sofia Vergara posted a photo to Instagram showing her and fellow judges Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum on the set of America’s Got Talent during a rehearsal