Longtime Saturday Night Live castmember Kenan Thompson will fill in for Simon Cowell as a judge on America’s Got Talent after Cowell broke his back a little over a week ago, NBC announced on Monday.

Thompson will join fellow judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, along with host Terry Crews, for Tuesday and Wednesday’s live shows, after Kelly Clarkson took Cowell’s place last week’s premiere.

“I have waited years for this. I love Simon, but I’m getting really used to this chair, buddy,” joked Clarkson who sat in for her former American Idol judge. “I’m just saying, take your time. I could use another job.”

After the show, Cowell tweeted, “Thank you @kellyclarkson. Miss all of you. What a Great Show. #AGT“

As previously reported, Cowell broke his back in several places after crashing his e-bike on August 9.  It has not been announced when Cowell will return to the show.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

By George Costantino
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