Simon Cowell to Miss Weeks of 'AGT' Filming Following Back Surgery

Simon Cowell will be absent from the judges' panel for several weeks of 'America's Got Talent' filming as he undergoes a medical procedure.

Reports indicate that the surgery is a routine one, intended to address Cowell’s long-standing back problems, rather than a new or critical health concern. His back issues have been a persistent challenge since he was involved in an electric-bike accident in 2020.

Lingering Effects of a 2020 Accident

Six months following his electric-bike incident, Cowell spoke about the severity of his injuries. He revealed to Extra that the outcome "could have been a lot worse," noting that an X-ray showed he "really nearly smashed [his] spine to pieces," which would have left him unable to walk.

The television personality recounted immediately realizing he had broken his back after falling off the bike. "You’re not supposed to get up, but I made myself kind of get carried into my bedroom, which is right there at the end of the house, and I’m lying there and I’m kind of passing out. I mean, it was just surreal," Cowell shared with the outlet.

A Career Defined by Talent Discovery

Cowell first gained widespread recognition in front of the camera in 2001 as a judge on the British series "Pop Idol." His distinctive, often sharp yet humorous, critiques of contestants quickly became his signature style.

He was introduced to American audiences the following year as one of the inaugural judges on "American Idol," appearing alongside Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Subsequently, Cowell established a formidable television empire, including the creation of "The X Factor" and the development of the globally successful "Got Talent" franchise. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in launching or promoting numerous musical acts, such as One Direction, Fifth Harmony, and Il Divo.