Kelly Clarkson to fill in for Simon Cowell on "America's Got Talent"

CNN/Stylemagazine.com Newswire | 8/11/2020, 11:09 a.m.
Simon Cowell will be sitting out Tuesday and Wednesday's episodes of "America's Got Talent" due to an injury, but thankfully, …
Kelly Clarkson, seen here at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in 2019, is filling in for judge Simon Cowell this week on "America's Got Talent."/Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

By Sandra Gonzalez, CNN

(CNN) -- Simon Cowell will be sitting out Tuesday and Wednesday's episodes of "America's Got Talent" due to an injury, but thankfully, the talent competition knew just who to call for a moment like this.

Singer and recent Daytime Emmy winner Kelly Clarkson, whom Cowell once had a hand in crowning the winner of "American Idol," is set to serve as a guest judge on this week's live telecasts, according to NBC and a statement posted on Clarkson's social media.

"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!" Clarkson wrote. "The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson. You're welcome in advance!"

Cowell injured his back while riding an electric bike and required surgery.

Cowell thanked well-wishers for their "kind messages" in a tweet on Monday.

Clarkson will join fellow judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara. Terry Crews hosts the program.

"America's Got Talent" airs Tuesday and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.