Howie Mandel is sharing the good news that fellow America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell is on the road to recovery.
“As I talk to you, he is just hours out of surgery. I heard that it was a success. Everything’s OK,” Mandel, 70, told E! News in an interview published on Friday, September 4. “I haven’t called him yet. I don’t know that, this close to surgery, if this is the first thing you need to see.”
Although details surrounding Cowell’s surgery remain limited, AGT host Terry Crews previously announced on the NBC series that one of his colleagues would be temporarily stepping away from the show for a procedure.
“He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed,” Crews, 58, shared on an August episode. “It’s not an emergency, but it can’t be put off. Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to seeing you back at the judges’ desk very soon.”
In 2020, Cowell had a scary accident at his Malibu home in which he broke his back in several places after falling from an e-bike. It’s unclear if the surgery is related to that incident.
Last week, Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson temporarily filled in for Cowell, 66.
On Tuesday, September 8, former AGT judge Heidi Klum will return to critique several unique acts.
“[Heidi’s] coming back to take the seat!” Mandel confirmed. “I’m hoping that Simon makes his way back and has a speedy, quick recovery. That’s what I’m looking forward to. … I can’t wait to see him and visit him and give him my best wishes.”
Until then, viewers at home will continue to enjoy a variety of performances from talented acts hoping to secure a spot in the finals and the chance of winning a $1 million cash prize.
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This coming Tuesday, Mandel, Klum, Mel B and Sofía Vergara will judge several acts in the quarterfinals, including Dancing With The Stars singer Travis Garland, impersonator Cameron Logsdon, magic duo Young & Strange and singer Lara D.
“It’s going to be a very tough choice for America because there are way more than one or two acts worthy of the $1 million and the final choice,” Mandel shared. “I’ve never seen this close a race.”
Cast your votes when America’s Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream new episodes the next day on Peacock.
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