America’s Got Talent Finale: Why Simon Cowell Is Missing as KSI Joins the Judges
America’s Got Talent is reaching the end of Season 21 with a major change at the judges’ table: Simon Cowell is missing from the two-night live finale, while YouTube star, musician and boxer KSI has stepped in as a guest judge.
NBC confirmed that KSI will join Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B for the finale on September 22 and 23. The Season 21 winner will be determined through America’s vote during the live results broadcast on September 23.
Cowell’s absence is tied to his recovery from back surgery. He has been away from the live portion of the competition since August, making the finale his latest missed appearance.
Why Is Simon Cowell Missing From the AGT Finale?
Cowell, the longtime America’s Got Talent judge and creator, is not returning to the panel for the Season 21 finale.
According to People, Cowell is continuing to recover from a routine back surgery. His representatives previously described the procedure as temporary and expected him to return after recovery.
The situation has already led to several guest judges taking Cowell’s place during the season. Kenan Thompson and former judge Heidi Klum were among those who appeared during the live rounds.
Importantly, KSI’s appearance does not mean NBC has announced that Cowell is permanently leaving America’s Got Talent. The available announcements describe KSI as a guest judge for the finale rather than a permanent replacement.
KSI Takes Cowell’s Seat for the Finale
KSI is joining the panel for both nights of the Season 21 finale.
Known for his enormous YouTube following, music career and professional boxing appearances, KSI brings a very different entertainment background to the AGT judging table.
NBC describes him as a global entertainment star, YouTuber, musician and professional boxer. His addition gives the finale another major talking point beyond the competition itself.
The finale will also feature special performances, including appearances from Linkin Park and Josh Groban, according to BroadwayWorld.
When Is the America’s Got Talent Finale?
The Season 21 finale is being presented as a two-night event.
The first finale broadcast took place Tuesday, September 22, while the results finale is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23. NBC’s schedule lists the September 23 broadcast as the episode in which host Terry Crews reveals the Season 21 winner.
The finale is airing on NBC and is also available to stream on Peacock.
Ten Finalists Compete for America’s Vote
The finale brings the remaining 10 finalists together as the competition reaches its final stage.
Rather than the judges deciding the winner themselves, viewers have the final say through America’s vote. The winner will be announced during the live results show on September 23.
That makes the second night especially important for fans following the Season 21 competition, as the final result will determine who takes the title.
Why AGT and KSI Are Trending
The timing of Cowell’s absence and KSI’s arrival has created two major storylines around the finale.
For longtime AGT viewers, Cowell’s absence is notable because he has been one of the show’s defining judges since its early years. His continued recovery means the Season 21 finale will proceed without one of the most recognizable faces associated with the franchise.
At the same time, KSI’s guest appearance introduces a newer internet-era celebrity to one of television’s established talent competitions.
That combination helps explain the renewed interest around searches for America’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell and KSI as the finale reaches its conclusion.
What Happens to Simon Cowell After the Finale?
For now, Cowell’s future on the show remains a matter of when he returns rather than an announced permanent departure.
NBC’s finale announcement identifies KSI specifically as a guest judge, while reporting from People says Cowell has been recovering from back surgery. Neither establishes that Cowell has been permanently removed from the judging panel.
The next major development to watch is therefore Cowell’s return timeline and whether NBC announces his participation in the show’s next season.
For KSI, meanwhile, the finale represents a high-profile television appearance alongside Mandel, Vergara and Mel B as Season 21 comes to an end.
The Bottom Line
The America’s Got Talent Season 21 finale is unfolding with Simon Cowell away from the judges’ table while he recovers from back surgery. KSI has been brought in as a guest judge for the two-night event, but NBC has not announced him as Cowell’s permanent replacement.
The Season 21 winner will be revealed during the September 23 results broadcast, bringing the latest AGT season to a close.
