Kenan Thompson Returns to 'America's Got Talent' as Guest Judge

Thompson joins the existing panel of Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B to restore the show's four-person dynamic during the live broadcasts. This marks the comedian’s second time serving as a guest judge, having previously held the seat in 2020 while Cowell recovered from a severe electric-bike accident in Malibu. While Cowell’s representative confirmed the current surgery is routine and unrelated to past health scares, the exact duration of his absence remains undisclosed. Host Terry Crews previously signaled the need for the operation during the August 25 episode, leaving the chair empty for one week. Though Cowell is expected to return within a few weeks, it is unclear if Thompson will occupy the seat for the remainder of the quarterfinals or if a rotation of celebrity guests will follow. The production has yet to confirm whether Cowell will be back in time for the season finale scheduled for late September.