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Simon Cowell to be temporarily replaced on America's Got Talent by Kelly Clarkson

Photo credit: Trae Patton - NBC Universal
Photo credit: Trae Patton - NBC Universal

From Digital Spy

It's been confirmed that America's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell will be replaced by Kelly Clarkson during today's (August 11) and tomorrow's live shows.

The music mogul suffered a broken back last weekend after test-driving an electric bike without reading the manual, and underwent emergency surgery at the hospital.

He's now back at home resting up, but this means that Cowell's judging spot needs temporarily filling on the reality TV show alongside his co-judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

Related: America's Got Talent bosses reveal what Simon Cowell's back injury will mean for his spot on the show

Clarkson, who won the first ever series of American Idol back in 2002, revealed the news of her involvement on Instagram yesterday.

"URGENT MEMO.... from yours truly!" she teased in the caption, next to a memo explaining: "My friend, Simon Cowell, is doing better now but was in an accident and won't be able to make Tuesday and Wednesday's live shows for AGT.

"But no worries America, someone far wiser, cooler, and hotter is taking his seat! The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson [winking emoji] You're welcome in advance!"

Related: Ex-America's Got Talent judge Gabrielle Union claims Simon Cowell doesn’t believe the "rules apply to him"

The 'Since U Been Gone' singer's followers were full of excitement in the comment section, as one cheekily replied: "Don't tell him we said so, but we'd rather have you in his spot any day!"

"You are???? That's awesome!!!!" added another, while a third person celebrated the news with: "Yaaaasss, a sassy queen is in AGT, you rock, Kelly."

The star already has some judging experience too, as she serves as a coach on the US version of The Voice.

America's Got Talent airs on NBC in the US and on Netflix in the UK.


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