#SHOWBIZ: Simon Cowell taking break from 'America's Got Talent' to undergo back surgery
NEW YORK: Simon Cowell is taking time off from his America’s Got Talent duties to undergo surgery.
Simon Cowell, the 66-year-old creator and judge of America's Got Talent, is currently taking a break from his duties to undergo back surgery. A spokesperson for Cowell confirmed that the procedure is routine and he will return in a few weeks. It remains to be seen who will temporarily step in during his absence, with guest judges likely to fill in.
Cowell shares the judging role with Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B, all of whom are involved in the production of the show. The singer and television personality has been open about his health issues in recent years. In August 2020, Cowell broke his back while riding an electric bike in Malibu, missing part of Season 15.
He later told People, "I've got to be honest with you, it wasn't that bad actually breaking your back." Cowell had to undergo a five-hour surgery and described himself as much better a few months later. In 2022, he revealed to OK! that the injury was worse than initially thought, with long-term nerve damage involved.
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