In a full-circle moment, Kenan Thompson is returning to NBC‘s America’s Got Talent as guest judge for the Quarterfinals 3 episode on Sept. 1. He will be filling in for judge Simon Cowell, also AGT‘s creator/executive producer, who has been sidelined by back surgery.
Cowell was not on the show this week as he is taking time off to undergo the procedure, described as routine and linked to the serious e-bike accident he suffered in August 2020, which led to complex spinal injury and long rehab. The recovery took him out of commission from the 2020 installment of AGT, with guest judges filling in.
That also included Thompson, who sat alongside judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara as well as host Terry Crews for two episodes during the same stage of the competition, live quarterfinals.
“This is incredible,” Thompson said at the time. “Seize the moment, if you have nerves turn those nerves into superpowers.”
In 2020, Thompson was the second guest judge subbing for Cowell, following a stint by Kelly Clarkson. This time, the Saturday Night Live veteran is the first one to take the seat; this week’s live quarterfinal episodes featured Klum, Mandel and Vergara only behind the judging table.
“A comedy legend is taking over the Judges’ table!,” the show said on IG, announcing Thompson’s guest appearance.
