Simon Cowell breaks his back after falling off electric bicycle, will miss ‘AGT’ episodes

MALIBU, Calif. — Simon Cowell broke his back Saturday while testing his new electric bicycle at his home in California.

Cowell underwent surgery Saturday evening, according to a spokesperson for the entertainment mogul. Cowell fell off the bike while in the courtyard with his family at his house in Malibu. He is said to be under observation and doing fine.

He will miss the live Tuesday and Wednesday episodes of “America’s Got Talent,” on which he serves as a judge.

Cowell created the NBC show and also has been the judge on “Britain’s Got Talent,” “The X Factor” and “American Idol.”

“AGT” went back into production in June, taping a socially distanced Judge Cuts episode outdoors that aired July 28.

“As bad as it is, you always have to find a solution to get back to work,” Cowell told USA TODAY via email in June. “I have sympathy for so many people in this situation, but if our show is an example, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s different, but hopefully it will still be as popular.”

Next on “AGT,” 44 acts will perform in four weeks of quarterfinals.

Contributing: USA Today