‘America’s Got Talent’ Judges Talk Simon’s Absence During Live Shows

The first live shows for “AGT” were taped without Simon Cowell, who is recovering from back surgery after falling off his electric bike.

“Extra's” Terri Seymour spoke with judges Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Heidi Klum after the show. Kelly Clarkson stepped in for her old friend Cowell.

When Terri revealed that she had just spoken to Simon and his girlfriend Lauren Silverman, Howie commented, “It's not the same without him. It went well, but we miss him dearly.”

Sofía added, “We miss him. I was a little sad and a little mad that this happened to him. I wanted to get the real experience of the live shows.”

The judges are grateful that Cowell is on the mend. Heidi said, “We heard that he walked today, so that is absolutely incredible because on Sunday morning the entire world, when we woke up to the news that Simon Cowell fell and broke his back, you think the absolute, absolute worst.”

Saying she is happy to have Kelly on board, Heidi noted that she was “very good.” It is unclear who else will join the judges while Simon continues to recover. Heidi dished, “She told us she only had time this week because next week she has to start with her own television show… So let's see who's coming next week.”

Howie quipped, “There's a big T-shirt to fill.”

It's only Sofía's first season on the show, and already so much has happened, including COVID-19, audience-less shows, and Simon's injury. She said, “Every time the phone rings, I think it's bad news."

On the bright side, she said, "I am very proud to be part of this gang now.”