Kelly Clarkson Is Filling in for Simon Cowell on “AGT” and Fans Are Beyond Excited

Kayla Blanton
·3 min read
Photo credit: NBC - Getty Images
Photo credit: NBC - Getty Images

From Prevention

  • Simon Cowell injured his back while testing an exercise bike and needed immediate surgery last weekend.

  • Kelly Clarkson will temporarily fill his slot as a judge on America’s Got Talent.

  • Fans responded to the news with excitement.

Kelly Clarkson’s world has come full circle. Nearly two decades after singing for Simon Cowell on American Idol, she’ll fill in for him as a judge on America’s Got Talent. According to People, on Saturday, Cowell injured his back while testing an exercise bike and needed immediate surgery. Although he’s “on his feet and walking around again,” per the report, Clarkson, who is a returning coach on The Voice, will step in for at least Tuesday and Wednesday’s live shows alongside Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara.

She tweeted the “urgent memo” on Monday. “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,” she wrote. “But no worries America, someone far wiser, cooler, and hotter is taking his seat! The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson. You’re welcome in advance!”

Fans are super excited, to say the least. “Glad Simon is doing better, but no better person to cover his spot than you!! You are Queen Kelly!!” one fan responded. “Only you kelly could fill in for the great Simon Cowell who we love dearly !” another added. “Are @kellyclarkson and Wonder Woman the same person,” someone else wrote, referring to Clarkson’s several jobs in addition to her music career. “Because I’m starting to think they are.”

Even the official account for The Voice tweeted about the news, using an enthusiastic GIF of the singer, writing: “We are SO ready for this.”

Some viewers are pushing for her to really embrace the role by emulating Cowell’s iconic accent. “Please do a British accent from time to time,” one fan wrote. “I’m sure Simon will appreciate it.”

Both America’s Got Talent and The Voice air on NBC, which could be why the network called on Clarkson to step in. And, in honor of Voice coach Blake Shelton, one Twitter user responded: “One step closer to being the N othing B ut C larkson Network.”

It might sound like a rude comment, but Shelton has used the same silly acronym to tease Clarkson on The Voice, so Clarkson quoted the tweet to share it. “Just making sure @blakeshelton sees this #TeamKelly,” she wrote, adding a laughing and shrugging emoji.

Clearly, the pop star knows her strengths, and she’s sticking to them.

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