Kenan Thompson To Fill In For Simon Cowell As Guest Judge On ‘America’s Got Talent’

In a full-circle moment, Kenan Thompson is returning to NBC‘s America’s Got Talent as guest judge for the Quarterfinals Round 3 episode on Sept. 1. He will be filling in for judge Simon Cowell, also AGT‘s creator/executive producer, who has been sidelined by back surgery.

Cowell was not on the show this week as he is taking time off to undergo the procedure, described as routine and linked to the serious e-bike accident he suffered in August 2020, which led to complex spinal injury and long rehab. The recovery took him out of commission from the 2020 season of AGT, with guest judges filling in.

That included Thompson, who sat alongside judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara as well as host Terry Crews for two episodes during the same stage of the competition, live quarterfinals.

“This is incredible,” Thompson said at the time. “Seize the moment, if you have nerves turn those nerves into superpowers.”

In 2020, Thompson was the second guest judge subbing for Cowell, following a stint by Kelly Clarkson. This time, the Saturday Night Live veteran is the first one to take the seat; this week’s live quarterfinal episodes (performances and results) featured Mel B, Mandel and Vergara only behind the judging table.

“A comedy legend is taking over the Judges’ table!,” the show said on IG, announcing Thompson’s guest appearance.