Simon Cowell Is Recovering After Planned Back Surgery

Simon Cowell is recovering after undergoing planned back surgery, according to his longtime America’s Got Talent colleague Howie Mandel. Speaking shortly after the operation, Mandel said he had been told the procedure was successful and that Cowell was doing well.

The update follows Cowell’s recent absence from the NBC competition’s live shows. The 66-year-old television producer and judge had stepped away for a few weeks for what was described as a routine procedure connected to his back. Cowell has not publicly announced a firm date for his return.

Howie Mandel shares the latest update

Mandel told E! News that Cowell was only hours out of surgery when he received the update. He had not yet spoken directly with his fellow judge, explaining that he wanted to give Cowell time to rest before calling or visiting. His comments offered reassurance without turning an early recovery update into a medical timetable.

Cowell’s back has been a public concern since a 2020 e-bike accident left him with serious injuries. The latest procedure had been planned, rather than prompted by a newly reported emergency. Mandel said he hopes Cowell will recover quickly enough to rejoin the show before the current season crowns its winner, but that remains an expectation rather than a confirmed return date.

Changes at the judges’ table

America’s Got Talent has continued its live schedule while Cowell recovers. Kenan Thompson filled a guest seat during one recent show, and former judge Heidi Klum is also set to return to the panel during his absence.

Cowell has been one of the franchise’s defining figures, both on camera and behind the scenes, so even a temporary absence changes the rhythm of the judges’ table. For now, the clearest information comes from Mandel’s account: the surgery was successful, recovery is underway and no exact comeback date has been announced.

New episodes of America’s Got Talent continue to air on NBC, with streaming availability on Peacock the following day. Cowell’s return will depend on how his recovery progresses.