SNL star Kenan Thompson stepping in for Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent

Kenan Thompson, known for his role on "Saturday Night Live," is set to appear as a guest judge on "America's Got Talent" (AGT) for the Quarterfinals Round 3 episode, which will air on September 1. This appearance marks a return for Thompson to the NBC show, where he will be stepping in for Simon Cowell, who is currently recovering from back surgery. Cowell, the creator and executive producer of AGT, has been sidelined due to this medical procedure. Thompson's participation as a guest judge is part of a full-circle moment, as he has previously been involved with NBC programming. His role on AGT will provide viewers with a fresh perspective during the Quarterfinals, a critical stage in the competition where contestants showcase their talents in hopes of advancing further in the series. Simon Cowell's absence from the show has been noted, as he was not present during the previous episode either. The decision to bring in Thompson as a guest judge highlights the show's adaptability in maintaining its format and entertainment value, even when regular judges are unavailable. This move is expected to engage audiences and provide a unique dynamic to the judging panel during this pivotal episode of AGT.