Simon Cowell Absent From Recent Quarterfinals
The judges' table at America's Got Talent looked different on Monday night. Simon Cowell, the 66-year-old creator and judge, was missing from the live broadcast. He is currently stepping away from his television duties to undergo a surgical procedure on his back.
This is not the first time Cowell has faced health issues tied to his spine. He has struggled with chronic back pain for years, a condition exacerbated by a significant biking accident he suffered in 2020. A representative for Cowell clarified to the press that the surgery is routine. He is expected to be away from the show for several weeks before returning to his seat.
Host Terry Crews addressed the audience at the start of the live show. He explained the situation clearly so the viewers wouldn't wonder about the empty chair. The production is moving forward without him for now. He sent well wishes to Cowell for a fast recovery on behalf of the entire crew.
High Stakes for Contestants
With only three acts moving on from each group of eleven quarterfinalists, the competition is intense. Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara remained to judge the performances. They provided the commentary and critiqued the stage presence of each participant.
Some performers struggled under the bright lights of the stage. Hawaiian brothers Nyjah Music, 16, and Zyah Rhythm, 17, faced a difficult reception after their rendition of "I Swear." Mel B was particularly direct in her feedback, hitting her buzzer to express that their performance lacked the passion required for this stage of the competition. She told them they needed more experience and urged them to practice harder.
Howie Mandel echoed this sentiment. He noted that the nerves were visible and hindered their stage performance. Sofia Vergara remained softer in her tone, acknowledging their talent while agreeing that they needed further preparation. Despite the critiques, they remained professional and took the feedback directly.
Mixed Reviews and Golden Buzzer Moments
Brad & Tracy, a duo known for their extreme and uncomfortable stunts, also failed to impress Mel B. She hit her buzzer during their performance, which involved physical acts like sword swallowing and hammering nails. Mandel took a different view, praising their showmanship and commitment to their act despite the oddity of the routine.
Not every performance met such skepticism. Nene Royal, a teenager who performed a gritty, high-energy cover of "Black Hole Sun," earned the night's Golden Buzzer from Mel B. This award secures her spot directly in the finals, bypassing the standard vote process for this round. It was a clear bright spot in a night defined by heavy scrutiny from the remaining judges.
Beyond the competition, the evening included a brief moment of silence or acknowledgement for the late country legend Dolly Parton. Terry Crews highlighted her legacy as an original artist. The audience was reminded of her impact through a photo card shown at the end of the broadcast.
Viewers are now casting their votes until Wednesday morning. The results will determine which three of the eleven acts advance to the next round of the show. With Cowell absent, the focus shifts entirely to the performances and the decision-making of the remaining panel. Industry observers will watch to see if the lack of Cowell's specific brand of criticism impacts the overall tone of the remaining quarterfinal episodes.