Days after "America's Got Talent" creator and judge Simon Cowell broke his back after falling from an electric bike, singer Kelly Clarkson announced that she'll be filling in for her friend on the show this week.
In a statement posted to social media Monday, Clarkson said Cowell "is doing better now" but won't be able to appear on this week's episodes, which air Tuesday and Wednesday.
"But no worries, America, someone far wiser, cooler and hotter is taking his seat! The unbelievably amazing Kelly Clarkson," Clarkson quipped. "You're welcome in advance."
On Saturday, the 60-year-old Cowell injured himself while trying out the bike, a new piece of workout equipment, at his home in Malibu, California, according to Cowell’s spokeswoman.
“Simon had a fall from his bike, testing his new electric bike in the courtyard at his house in Malibu with his family,” she said. “He hurt his back and was taken to the hospital. He’s doing fine. He’s under observation and is in the best possible hands.”
Cowell’s representative noted that he broke his back in “several places,” USA Today reported. He underwent surgery on Saturday night.