Comedian Kenan Thompson to replace Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent

Simon Cowell has temporarily stepped down from judging America's Got Talent to undergo routine back surgery. Emmy-nominated comedian Kenan Thompson will act as the first guest judge on the panel from Tuesday 1 September. Thompson will join existing judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara.

Comedian Kenan Thompson to replace Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent

Thompson is best known for his long-running stint as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he has appeared since 2003. He has also starred in several films, including the Wayans brothers' comedy series, and has lent his voice to animated projects like The Smurfs and Hotel Transylvania.

Cowell, the show's creator and executive producer, will be absent from the judges' table for several episodes while he recovers from his surgery. His departure marks the first time he has missed an entire season of the popular talent competition, which has been on the air since 2006.

Thompson's guest judging stint on America's Got Talent comes at a time when the show is facing increased competition from rival talent competitions like America's Got Talent: Extreme and The Masked Singer. With his comedic background and charisma, Thompson may bring a fresh perspective to the judging panel and help attract new viewers to the show.