# Simon Cowell Absent From AGT Season 21 Judges

> AGT judges say they've set sail without Simon Cowell after his surgery recovery.
- Title: Simon Cowell Absent From AGT Season 21 Judges · Billboard
- Summary: AGT judges say they've set sail without Simon Cowell after his surgery recovery. Simon Cowell is recovering from back surgery and missing AGT Season 21…
- Keywords: simon cowell, america's got talent, season 21, heidi klum, howie mandel, mel b, sofia vergara, back surgery, guest judges, agtm, Simon, Cowell
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/culture/tv-film/americas-got-talent-judges-simon-cowell-absence-heidi-klum-1236344846
- Author: Alicia Urrea
- Published: 2026-09-22T21:29:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: simon cowell, america's got talent, season 21, heidi klum, howie mandel, mel b, sofia vergara, back surgery, guest judges, agtm
## Simon Cowell's Absence
Simon Cowell is recovering from routine back surgery after a 2020 electric-bike accident.
## Judges Adapt to Changes
AGT judges say they've learned how to handle unexpected changes while Cowell recovers.
## Sailing Without Captain
Howie Mandel compared Cowell's absence to sailing without the captain, saying they've set sail without the captain.

> This is his boat, and I feel like we've set sail without the captain
## Heidi Klum Returns
Heidi Klum returned to the AGT panel for the Sept 8 episode, reuniting with Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B.
## Guest Judges for Finale
KSI will fill the guest-judge seat alongside Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B for the season 21 finale.
## Key takeaway

Simon Cowell is recovering from back surgery and missing AGT Season 21 judges' table, with guest judges filling his seat.