I had hoped that American Idol original winner, Kelly Clarkson—also a coach on The Voice and an established daytime talk show host—might step in for Simon Cowell while he recovers from serious back surgery. That opportunity didn’t materialize, but this week Kenan Thompson, the long-running Saturday Night Live veteran, will join the panel on America’s Got Talent alongside regular judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara.
Simon Cowell suffered a significant accident on August 8 when he fell from an electric bike in the courtyard of his Malibu home. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital, where he underwent a five-hour operation involving spinal fusions and metal rods. Cowell’s injuries included fractures to his spine in three places and, according to reports at the time, he narrowly avoided permanent paralysis by mere centimeters. He is now recovering and is said to be resting at home as he continues his recuperation.
Kenan Thompson brings decades of comedy and television experience to the judging seat. He joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2003 and has become one of the show’s most recognizable performers. In 2018 he earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song “Come Back, Barack.” He was also nominated for the 2020 Emmy Awards in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, reflecting both his longevity and the industry recognition he has received.
Beyond his tenure on SNL, Kenan is also the lead of an upcoming NBC sitcom titled Kenan. The series follows a recently widowed host of Atlanta’s number-two morning show—played by Thompson—who is struggling to balance the demands of his career with the responsibilities of raising his young daughters. The show highlights the comedic and emotional challenges he faces while receiving well-meaning but often unhelpful support from his father-in-law and from his brother, who doubles as his assistant, manager and house guest. That blend of workplace comedy and family dynamics is designed to showcase Kenan’s strengths as both a comedic actor and a sympathetic lead.
Kenan is no stranger to live television and reality-competition formats. He has previously guest-hosted on The Masked Singer, giving him direct experience with the dynamics of judging and hosting high-profile TV competitions. That background makes him a natural fit to fill a guest-judge role on America’s Got Talent, where quick instincts, humor and a clear on-camera presence are essential.
Host Terry Crews publicly welcomed Kenan to the AGT stage, expressing enthusiasm about the guest judge lineup. In a social post, Crews wrote that he was excited to have Kenan Thompson join the show as a guest judge and encouraged viewers to tune in.
So excited to welcome Kenan Thompson as a guest judge this week on AGT! Watch tomorrow at 8/7c on NBC!
America’s Got Talent airs on Tuesday nights from 8–10 p.m. ET/PT and on Wednesdays from 8–9 p.m. ET/PT. With Kenan Thompson stepping in for the coming episodes, viewers can expect a mix of comedy and constructive critique as the show continues while Simon Cowell focuses on healing.
The temporary judge change reflects how live television adjusts when a prominent figure is sidelined by injury. Bringing a familiar and seasoned performer like Kenan Thompson onto the AGT panel aims to maintain the show’s energy and rapport with both contestants and the audience, while keeping the competition moving forward as Simon Cowell recovers from his serious surgery.