Simon Cowell's chair at the "America's Got Talent" judges' table has sat empty for the show's live quarterfinals, and it's going to stay that way for at least another few weeks. The 69-year-old is recovering from a back procedure that producers and sources describe as routine — not a new medical emergency — but serious enough to sideline him from Season 21's live rounds.

The surgery traces back to Cowell's 2020 e-bike accident, which broke three vertebrae in his back and required doctors to implant a steel rod. He's needed follow-up procedures in the years since, and this latest one has kept him off the panel for a third consecutive live-show night, according to Entertainment Tonight, which reported his absence was "strongly felt" by fans and fellow judges alike.

Who's filling in

Production has rotated guest judges into Cowell's seat rather than leave it dark: Kelly Clarkson sat in for one live quarterfinals episode, and Kenan Thompson filled in for another, per TMZ, which first reported the timeline of his absence on Sunday.

ROUTINE SURGERY, BUT WEEKS AWAY FROM THE TABLE

Cowell has built the second half of his career on being AGT's toughest — and most bankable — judge, and his absence leaves a real gap in a show that leans heavily on his brand of blunt commentary heading into its most competitive rounds. Parade reports it's still unclear exactly which future live shows he'll be cleared to return for, or whether he'll be back before the season's finale rounds.

NBC has not issued an official statement detailing Cowell's recovery timeline beyond confirming guest judges will continue filling his seat as needed. Fans hoping to see him back at the table will likely have to wait through at least the next several episodes.