“America’s Got Talent” has found its latest guest judge in Kenan Thompson. The actor and comedian will fill in for Simon Cowell, who is recovering from back surgery.
Cowell underwent what his representative described as a routine procedure related to his back, forcing him to miss several weeks of the NBC competition series. He was absent from the August 25 quarterfinal episode, where judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B sat at the table beside his empty chair. A rep confirmed that the surgery was unrelated to any new major health issue.
A Familiar Face for a Familiar Situation
Thompson’s arrival for this season is the second time the comedian will step in for Cowell in nearly identical circumstances. Back in 2020, following Cowell’s serious e-bike accident that required spinal fusion surgery, Thompson guest-judged the show’s Season 15 quarterfinals. He appeared alongside Kelly Clarkson, who also took a turn in Cowell’s chair that same season. Cowell’s accident required a metal rod and screws to repair his back and kept him out of the live shows for the remainder of that season.
This time around, Cowell’s procedure is being described as far less serious. The planned, routine procedure is still enough to keep him from the judge’s table, however, for multiple weeks once again.
Cowell’s back problems have been well documented over the years. The music mogul has spoken candidly about lasting nerve damage from the 2020 accident and the extended recovery it required. This latest surgery adds another chapter to that ongoing struggle, even as his team maintains there’s no cause for added concern this time.
Kenan Thompson’s Career Outside ‘AGT’
Thompson has made a name for himself as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” since 2003. He is known for his celebrity impressions and original characters, and he is the longest tenured member of the “SNL” cast. Thompson is also well-known for his partnership with Keegan-Michael Key in the famous “Muppet Show” sketches on SNL in 2021. The pair played security guards that roughed up the Muppets, and they both broke character during their live performance of the sketch.
Thompson rose to fame on the sitcom “Kenan & Kel” (1996-2000), and is also known for his role as Fat Albert in the 2004 film. Though he has found a successful career in the spotlight, Thompson is most proud of his role as a “girl dad.”
“I’m very lucky, and it’s not lost on me that I’m a blessed individual and I’ve had a one-of-a-kind career, whether it’s here at Saturday Night Live or in totality. I’m just very grateful to have these opportunities, but I’m also grateful to have an opportunity to serve the moments,” he told USA Today.
Raising confident daughters is something Thompson believes in strongly. Thompson has two daughters, Georgia and Gianna. “I want my daughters to know that they are the mothers of the universe. Women are the creators, so they have all of the power. No one can have more power than them or take their power from them,” he says.
Fans are looking forward to Thompson’s return to the show, with many commenting that they were happy to see him back at the judge’s table.
