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9 Feb 2026 21:10
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  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Simon Cowell is returning to 'America's Got Talent' alongside Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara

    The new season of the long-running talent show will see the same judging panel back for the 16th series


    Terry Crews will also return as the host.

    A press release states: “To celebrate the return of America’s favourite judging panel, ‘AGT’ will be hosting one final nationwide ‘Last Chance Audition’ for the upcoming season on Saturday, March 6."

    Hopefuls need to register over at AGTAuditions.com to book “a virtual audition slot” to be in with the chance of performing in front of the judges.

    Last summer, Kelly Clarkson - who was judged by Simon when she appeared on, and won, the first series of 'American Idol' - stepped in to temporarily replace the 61-year-old music mogul, after he was rushed to hospital to undergo a six-hour surgery after falling off his electric bicycle at his home in Malibu, California.

    As a result of his injuries, he wasn't able to appear on the panel for the first few episodes of the NBC show.

    However, Simon recently revealed he is feeling “better” now than before he broke his back in August.

    In a joint interview with his co-star Sofia, he said: "I've got to be honest with you, it wasn't that bad actually breaking your back. I mean it wasn't great for 3-4 weeks but after that you get through it. I had to do so much exercise now. I actually feel better than I did before the accident."

    He then quipped: "If you want to feel healthier, break your back.”

    Simon also joked that his co-stars had a “better time” without him.

    But Sofia insisted he was wrong and claimed she had “nightmares” about his condition.

    She said: "For me I had nightmares, it was heart-breaking to me not to have Simon my first season. I thought I needed him to back me up and teach me, to guide me. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I lost like 6lbs, I cried myself to sleep."

    A release date for the premiere of the 16th season of 'AGT' will be confirmed in due course.

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

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     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Britney Spears claims she is "incredibly lucky to even be alive" after how her family "treated" her, and she is now "scared" of her relatives 20:51

    Entertainment:
    Taxi Driver at 50: Martin Scorsese’s film remains a troubling reflection of our times 20:37

    National:
    How watching videos of ICE violence affects our mental health 20:27

    Entertainment:
    Josh Radnor and Jordana Jacobs have welcomed their first child into the world 20:21

    Politics:
    Yes, One Nation’s poll numbers are climbing. But major party status – let alone government – is still a long way off 20:17

    Law and Order:
    Christchurch terrorist gives testimony in NZ appeal court as he attempts to vacate guilty pleas over 2019 attack 20:07

    Politics:
    Japan’s rock star leader now has the political backing to push a bold agenda. Will she deliver? 20:07

    Entertainment:
    Dave Coulier is "in remission" after battling two different types of cancer 19:51

    Entertainment:
    Barry Manilow has postponed his upcoming shows so he can focus "on healing" after undergoing surgery to remove part of his lung, 19:21

    Soccer:
    The Wellington Phoenix's returning hero is planning on returning to the A-League this Friday night 18:57


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