E-bike crash: Judge Simon Cowell temporarily leaves ‘America’s Got Talent’ for back surgery

Music executive and television judge Simon Cowell is set to take a break from America’s Got Talent in the coming weeks as he prepares for back surgery.

Cowell, 66, will miss several episodes of the NBC talent competition’s upcoming 21st season while he recovers from the procedure.

His representative confirmed that the surgery had been planned and described it as routine, with Cowell expected to return to work after a few weeks.

“Obviously, medical matters are private, but it’s routine, and he will be back in a few weeks,” his representative said during an interview in a statement published on August 24.

Cowell’s recovery from 2020 accident

The upcoming surgery is linked to injuries Cowell suffered in a serious electric bike accident in 2020. He broke his back in several places after falling from an e-bike at his home in Malibu, California. He was taken to hospital following the accident and later spoke about the incident publicly.

At the time, Cowell warned people to understand how to use electric bikes before riding them. “Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time,” he wrote in a post from hospital.

“I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages,” he added. Further details about Cowell’s latest surgery have not been made public.

‘America’s Got Talent’ judges to continue without him

Cowell’s absence means the America’s Got Talent judging panel will temporarily continue without him. Sofía Vergara, Mel B and Howie Mandel are expected to remain on the panel for the episodes Cowell will miss.

The television personality has been a familiar face on talent shows for years and is known for his direct comments when assessing performers. His time away from the show will allow him to focus on his recovery before returning to the programme.

Cowell’s wedding plans

While Cowell is expected to spend the coming weeks recovering, the break could also give him more time to work on another long-awaited event, his wedding to Lauren Silverman.

The couple became engaged over Christmas nearly five years ago and have since kept much of their wedding planning private. Cowell has previously said he wanted to take control of the arrangements rather than leave everything to a wedding planner.

“I am planning it all; otherwise, I know what will happen: there will be 600 people, and it’ll get out of control, like my 50th birthday party,” he said during an interview in 2022.

He also said he wanted to keep the wedding date private, even from Silverman. “No one knows when it’s going to be; that’ll be a surprise, even for Lauren,” Cowell added.

Cowell set for return

Cowell shares his 12-year-old son, Eric, with Silverman. Despite his upcoming absence from America’s Got Talent, his representative has indicated that the break is expected to be temporary.

For now, the judge will focus on recovering from the procedure, with his return to the talent show expected within a few weeks.