Fans saw a shakeup on America’s Got Talent during its latest season, as Simon Cowell had to step away for health-related reasons. As other famous figures are stepping in for him, one of his regular co-stars, Howie Mandel, shared an update for fans. During the conversation, Mandel also weighed in on the season’s competition.
Simon Cowell Recently Stepped Away As America’s Got Talent Is Currently In Season 21
Fans have watched Cowell and Mandel serve as part of America’s Got Talent for years. For his part, Mandel joined the show in June 2010 for Season 5.
Cowell created the show and has served as an executive producer since the start in 2006. However, he first became an on-screen judge in 2016 during Season 11.
The competition series is currently on Season 21. Viewers saw this season make its debut on June 2, 2026. However, news came out impacting the judges’ lineup in the middle of the season.
As previously reported, Cowell was set to take time away from the show as he was undergoing back surgery. Kenan Thompson was previously announced as a substitute judge, with Heidi Klum set to fill in next.
Howie Mandel Also Shared When He Plans To Visit His Recovering Co-Star
Since then, Mandel spoke with E! News over his co-star’s condition. He reportedly received an update just hours after Cowell was out of surgery.
Mandel shared, “As I talk to you, he is just hours out of surgery. I heard that it was a success. Everything’s okay.” It is believed that the surgery was connected to lingering problems Cowell faced from a 2020 electric-bike accident. The accident reportedly left him with multiple back fractures, requiring around six hours of surgery.
Mandel shared that he plans to visit Cowell after giving him some time to recover. He also expressed hope that Cowell will return to the show before the Season 21 winner was announced. He continued, “I’m hoping that Simon makes his way back and has a speedy, quick recovery. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
During the conversation, Mandel also touched on the current competition, feeling that the winner will be especially hard to call. He shared, “It’s going to be a very tough choice for America.” Noting that there are “way more than one or two acts worthy of the $1 million,” he expressed, “I’ve never seen this close a race.”
What is your reaction to Howie Mandel’s recent share? Have you been following this story? Are you keeping up with America’s Got Talent news? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.