Simon Cowell Misses First Of Several AGT Live Shows; Judges Send 'Best Wishes' Ahead Of His Surgery

Simon Cowell will be missing several weeks of live 'America's Got Talent' episodes due to surgery, the show announced on Tuesday. The judge will undergo operation for persistent back issues and is expected to be away from the show for an extended period.

Cowell has been dealing with persistent back issues since a fall off his new electric motorcycle while testing it out at his home in Malibu, California. He introduced the show's first three judges — Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara — host Terry Crews began the live broadcast saying that Cowell is not here because he's having an operation that cannot be postponed.

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Surgery for Persistent Back Issues

Several guest judges are being lined up to temporarily fill Cowell's role during his hiatus. The show is currently airing new performance shows every Tuesday (8/7c), with three acts already headed to the semifinals and one lucky act guaranteed a spot in the finals.

Currently in the midst of the live Season 21 quarterfinals, 'America's Got Talent' is airing new performance shows every Tuesday (8/7c), followed

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The show's current lineup includes several acts that have already made it to the semifinals, such as Royal Lasers, dog act Olivia Befus, and rapper Luke Taleno. The quarterfinalists returning on August 25 include singer Bety, danger duo Brad & Tracy, musical duo Butter & Grit, dance group Come Here, magician Geno Ploeger, rapper LaRussell, singer Mackenzie Sol, singer-songwriter Nene Royal, vocal duo Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, dancer Patrox, and aerialist Veronika Goroshkova.

Guest Judges to Fill Cowell's Role

The quarterfinalists returning on September 1 include dancing dog group Acro Canine Crew, comedian Daniel Alvarez, singer Elsie, musical poet Guy Kelton Jones, aerialist/sword swallower Herwan Legaillard, aerial duo Holland & Sienna, singer Isaac Atkins, magician Kameron Marshall, singer Lai Noelle, contortionist Maria, and singer Pynk Beard.

The quarterfinalists returning on September 8 include novelty act Akira, rock duo Bird &

nine other acts. The show is expected to return to its regular schedule after Cowell's surgery is completed.

Which acts are you rooting for this season? And who would you like to see fill in for Simon Cowell as a guest judge? Drop a comment with your picks below.