While pretty much everyone had a tough 2020, America's Got Talent judge and executive producer, Simon Cowell, had an extra, especially painful, wrinkle added to his life in August. Cowell was testing out his new electric bike in the courtyard of his Malibu home early in the month, when he fell suddenly and broke his back, which led to him missing out on the remainder of AGT Season 15. Now recovered, and preparing for Season 16 of the talent show hit, Cowell has said that there was actually a silver lining to breaking his back in that accident.
As you can probably imagine, Simon Cowell's road to recovery was not an easy one. He had to undergo a five hour surgery to repair the damage done to his back, couldn't walk for a while after the procedure, and also had a number of metal rods and screws inserted. On top of all that, obviously, Cowell had to deal with months of physical therapy so that he could fully recover, but from what the super-producer has told People, it sounds like all that hard work is actually what led him to his silver lining. After saying that he now feels "much better," Cowell noted:
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.
Wow. That is literally the best perspective to have when you have a nearly life-changing injury which requires surgery, as well as many weeks of really hard work, and, I'm guessing, a fair amount of very annoying physical pain. Being able to come away from all of that while looking back and thinking, "That was terrible. But, I'm healthier now, so, YAY!" seems like a very special kind of trait. One which I was, unfortunately, not imbued. How lovely for Simon Cowell, right?
I am at least glad that, even in his current mindset of silver lining celebration, Cowell did confirm that the first month or so after his accident was less than pleasant. Having even the tiniest issue with your back can throw one's whole day (week...or month) out of wack, so sustaining a major injury such as Cowell's surely took the wind out of his normally in-control sails for a time. But, at least he's been able to handle all of the work he's had to do in order to get back on track with a positive attitude for most of the time, which surely helped him recover in a decent time frame.
Simon Cowell is now set to return to his judging duties on America's Got Talent Season 16, which will reunite him with fellow hosts Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara, along with host Terry Crews. The last chance virtual open audition will be on March 6, and with everything seeming to be on schedule, the new season should begin airing toward the end of May, as usual. For more on what to watch right now, check out our guide to winter / spring 2021 TV premieres!
