Kelly Clarkson’s days as Simon Cowell’s America’s Got Talent seat filler are over.
NBC announced that Monday Saturday Night Live veteran Kenan Thompson will introduce for the injured Cowell in this week’s live episodes (aired Tuesday and Wednesday). Thompson succeeds Clarkson, who took Cowell’s seat last week. Thompson will serve as guest judge against all-season 15 judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara.
In addition to his long-running (and currently Emmy-nominated) stint on SNL, Thompson is set to play a widow of the morning show in the upcoming single-camera NBC comedy Kenan.
Cowell broke his back earlier this month while testing his new electric bike in the courtyard of his home in Malibu, California. He was taken to the hospital, where he underwent a five-hour operation. He is expected to make a complete recovery.
“What good advice, if you are buying an electric trail bike, read the manual before riding it for the first time,” Cowell tweeted after the operation, before adding, “Thank you to everyone for your friendly messages. And a massive thank you to all “Nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
NBC has announced a return date for Cowell.
