BREAKING NEWS: Howie Mandel gives an update on Simon Cowell’s health while he is away from the show.

Simon Cowell Surgery Update Revealed as AGT Judge Misses More Episodes Following Back Problems

Simon Cowell’s latest back surgery has been described as a success after the America’s Got Talent judge was forced to miss several episodes of the long-running competition.

The 66-year-old television personality underwent another operation following years of problems linked to the serious electric bike accident that left him with a broken back in 2020.

His fellow AGT judge Howie Mandel has now shared a reassuring update, revealing that Cowell was only hours out of surgery when they last received news about his condition.

Speaking to E! News on Thursday, September 3, Mandel said: “I heard that it was a success, everything’s okay.”

Cowell’s absence has already led to changes on the judging panel.

Kenan Thompson stepped in for him this week, while Heidi Klum is expected to fill his seat next week as Cowell continues his recovery.

Howie Mandel Shares Reassuring News

Mandel, 70, admitted he had not yet spoken directly to Cowell immediately after the procedure.

He joked: “I don’t know that, this close to surgery, if this is the first thing you need to see.”

Despite that, he made clear he was eager to visit his longtime colleague.

“I can’t wait to see him and visit him and give him my best wishes,” Mandel said.

The update will come as welcome news for viewers who have watched Cowell deal with the lasting effects of his 2020 accident.

That crash proved serious enough to keep him away from Britain’s Got Talent during that year’s series, with former winner Ashley Banjo temporarily replacing him.

After recovering from the initial injury, Cowell later admitted the situation had been significantly worse than he originally revealed publicly.

Cowell Previously Said He Was ‘Lucky to Survive’

Speaking in 2022, Cowell said he had kept many details of the accident private at the time.

“I didn’t talk about it too much at the time,” he told OK! magazine. “I kept a lot back. It was a lot worse than people thought.”

He also revealed that he had suffered lasting complications.

“I had a lot of long-term nerve damage as well,” he said.

Cowell explained that the lockdown period unexpectedly gave him the time he needed to recover without the usual pressure of television work.

“If there was one good thing about lockdown, it was that it gave me the time to heal because I wasn’t working on a TV show,” he said.

“I was able to walk a lot and strengthen my legs.”

Cowell also said he felt fortunate to have survived the ordeal.

Second Bike Crash Followed in 2022

The producer later suffered another e-bike accident in 2022.

That crash left him with a broken arm, a badly bruised cheek and a possible concussion.

The injuries were less serious than those from the 2020 accident, however, and Cowell was able to leave the hospital the same day.

[CHÈN ẢNH: Simon Cowell during a recent America’s Got Talent appearance]

Despite repeated health setbacks, Cowell has remained one of the most recognisable figures in reality television.

He is known for his direct judging style on shows including America’s Got Talent, The X Factor and American Idol.

He has also built a major reputation as a talent scout and producer, having helped form groups including One Direction and Fifth Harmony.

AGT Continues Without Him for Now

The current 21st season of America’s Got Talent marks Cowell’s eleventh season as a judge.

He has also served as an executive producer on the series since its launch in 2006.

The show is hosted by Terry Crews and normally features Cowell alongside Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel and Mel B.

For the moment, guest judges will continue covering Cowell’s seat while he recovers from surgery.

There has been no confirmed date for his return to the panel.

The latest update, however, suggests the operation itself went well, offering some reassurance as Cowell takes time away from the show to focus on his recovery.