Simon Cowell’s colleagues are sending love and support to the America’s Got Talent judge as he recovers from surgery.
“I love that he’s taking care of himself, and I love that he’s being taken care of,” Howie Mandel exclusively shared with Us on Tuesday, September 15, after the semifinalists performed. “With all my heart and all my mind, [I believe] this is his boat, and I feel like we’re sailing really without a sail on his boat. I’ll be much happier when I [can] look to my left and see the boss is there because I think he’s responsible for changing millions of people’s lives.”
Although details surrounding the surgery remain limited, AGT host Terry Crews previously announced on the NBC series that Cowell, 66, would be temporarily stepping away from the show for a procedure. (Heidi Klum and Kenan Thompson filled in for Cowell in recent weeks.)
“We are praying that he can be back anytime soon. We know we got one week left. There is a chance. We can cross some fingers,” Crews, 58, exclusively told Us on Tuesday from the Hotel Dena Pasadena. “But the biggest thing is, I want him to get better. I want him to get well.”
Crews referenced his career in the NFL when reminding viewers at home that it’s important for Cowell to take his time before he returns to work.
“I know how it is when you come back too early. You end up reinjuring. You actually do more damage,” he shared. “So sometimes you gotta get your rest so that you can come back strong. This is like a sport right now. I realize AGT is like the NFL. Somebody can go down. You gotta make sure everybody stays OK and ready to go. I’m so glad that Simon’s taking the time that he needs, and we got this for him.”
During Tuesday’s live show, a variety of acts performed for the judges’ table, which also includes Mel B and Sofía Vergara.
Singer Travis Garland, magicians Kameron Mitchell and Geno Ploegger, comedian Daniel Alvarez and rapper Luke Taleno were just some of the acts hoping to make it to the finals on Tuesday, September 22.
“There are so many good people, so much good talent this season,” Vergara, 54, told Us on Wednesday. “I think I’m going to be very happy with whoever America votes to win next week.”
While it’s unclear whether Cowell will be able to return to the judges’ table in time for finale night, Mandel, 70, is quick to give his colleague and friend props for all that he does on and off stage.
“I don’t even know if you guys know what goes on at this show. Not only are you seeing the thousands of people that show up, and whether they win or not, their lives are changed forever,” he shared. “Every show backstage, there are Make-a-Wish children. There are people that [Simon] flies in from all over the world that he’s met backstage someplace that want help. He is there for the people. He’s like Santa Claus.”
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream new episodes the next day on Peacock.
