Simon Cowell may have missed the America’s Got Talent Season 21 finale, but the longtime judge made sure his presence was felt with a message for the finalists.
The 66-year-old music executive and America’s Got Talent creator was absent from the two-night finale as he continued recovering from a routine back procedure. During the first night of the finale on September 22, host Terry Crews shared a message from Cowell with viewers and contestants.
Why Was Simon Cowell Missing From the AGT Finale?
Cowell stepped away from America’s Got Talent in August while undergoing a planned procedure related to his ongoing back problems.
His representative previously described the operation as routine and said he was expected to return after a few weeks. However, his recovery extended through the Season 21 finale, meaning fans did not see him at the judges’ table for the final episodes. ([EW.com][2])
Cowell’s recent health break follows years of back issues stemming from a serious electric-bike accident in 2020. The accident left him with multiple back injuries and required major surgery at the time. ([People.com][3])
Simon Cowell Sends a Message to America’s Got Talent Finalists
Although Cowell could not attend the live finale in person, he watched from home and sent his best wishes to the remaining contestants.
Terry Crews introduced the message during the September 22 broadcast, explaining that everyone on the show missed Cowell.
Cowell’s note congratulated the finalists and expressed his disappointment about not being there personally. He also maintained his trademark sense of humor with a playful warning for guest judge KSI about being around Mel B. ([E! Online][1])
The message offered fans a brief update while making it clear that Cowell remained connected to the competition despite his absence.
Who Replaced Simon Cowell on the AGT Finale?
With Cowell unavailable, KSI joined the America’s Got Talent judging panel for the Season 21 finale.
The British influencer, musician and former professional boxer sat alongside Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B as the finalists competed for the championship. Terry Crews continued to host the NBC talent competition. ([People.com][3])
KSI already had experience with the franchise, having served as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent since 2025.
His appearance gave the finale a different judging lineup while Cowell continued his recovery away from the studio.
How Is Simon Cowell Doing After Surgery?
Cowell’s representatives have characterized the recent procedure as routine, while his America’s Got Talent co-star Howie Mandel previously provided a positive update following the surgery.
Mandel told E! News in early September that he had heard Cowell’s operation was successful and that everything was okay. He also said he looked forward to seeing Cowell once he had more time to recover. ([E! Online][4])
Cowell has not been publicly present for the later live stages of Season 21, but his continued communication with the show indicates that he remains engaged with the competition while recovering at home.
Simon Cowell’s History of Back Problems
Cowell’s latest medical break is connected to a history of serious back injuries.
In August 2020, he suffered multiple fractures after falling from an electric bike at his Malibu home. The accident required extensive surgery and forced him to miss part of America’s Got Talent Season 15. ([People.com][3])
He later returned to the franchise and resumed his role as one of its most recognizable judges.
Cowell has spoken publicly over the years about the long-term impact of his injuries, including additional physical setbacks. His latest procedure represents another period away from the television competition.
Simon Cowell’s Absence During AGT Season 21
Cowell’s absence became noticeable during the live shows when his usual chair was left empty.
NBC subsequently brought in several guest judges to help keep the competition moving. Kenan Thompson and former AGT judge Heidi Klum were among the temporary replacements during Cowell’s break. ([People.com][3])
Klum’s return generated particular excitement because she previously served on the America’s Got Talent judging panel for multiple seasons.
By the time the finale arrived, KSI had taken over Cowell’s seat.
Simon Cowell Still Has a Major Connection to AGT
Cowell’s absence is particularly noticeable because he helped create America’s Got Talent and has remained one of the show’s defining personalities.
His direct style, blunt critiques and talent-spotting reputation have made him closely associated with the NBC competition since its early years.
Even while recovering away from the stage, Cowell’s message to the finalists showed that he was still following the competition.
Fans Wait for Simon Cowell’s Return
For now, Cowell’s focus remains on recovering from his recent back procedure.
His representatives initially indicated that he would return after a few weeks, but no specific date for his return to America’s Got Talent has been announced in the reports surrounding the finale. ([EW.com][2])
Meanwhile, the Season 21 finale moved forward with KSI joining Mandel, Vergara and Mel B.
While fans missed seeing Cowell deliver his familiar critiques in person, his message from home provided a reminder that the veteran judge was still following the final competition closely.
For America’s Got Talent viewers, the biggest question now is when Simon Cowell will be ready to return to the judges’ table following his latest recovery period.
Source: E! Online, September 23, 2026, with supporting details from PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly.