Kelly Clarkson fills in for Simon Cowell on live 'America's Got Talent'
'America's Got Talent' returned Tuesday with its first live show of the season, but without Simon Cowell or a live audience. Instead, the one-and-only Kelly Clarkson filled in for Cowell, and a virtual Zoom audience surrounded the stage. Meanwhile, many of the acts performed outside around the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and backlot. When host Terry Crews asked Clarkson how she felt in Cowell's chair, she jokingly responded, "I have waited years for this. I love Simon but I'm getting real used to this chair, buddy. I'm just saying, take your time. I could use another job."
Video Transcript
TERRY CREWS: Now, as some of you might know, Simon Cowell had an accident over the weekend and he can't be here tonight. But Simon, we are sending lots of AGT love and our best wishes. And we hope to see you soon.
- "America's Got Talent" kicked off its live shows Tuesday night without Simon Cowell, who recently broke his back after falling off an electric bicycle. It's just the latest speed bump for the show, which has had its fair share of drama this season. But never fear, because America's sweetheart Kelly Clarkson is here.
TERRY CREWS: Wow. Kelly, I mean, what is it like filling in Simon's shoes tonight. Talk to me.
KELLY CLARKSON: I have waited years for this.
[LAUGHTER]
I love Simon, but I'm getting really used to this chair, buddy. I'm just saying, take your time. I feel good about it. I could use another job.
- Of course, Simon and Kelly go way back to the first season of "American Idol." And on Tuesday, Kelly took to social media to work on her impression of the man that used to judge her.
KELLY CLARKSON: (MIMICKING SIMON COWELL) I don't like it, I love it.
Except I need glasses and a black shirt.
What the bloody hell was that?
I have the worst British accent (CHUCKLING) in the entire universe. So I'm just going to bring country to AGT tonight. Tune in.
- Kelly sitting in Simon's chair wasn't the only difference with the live show. There was no live audience, but the stage was surrounded by a virtual Zoom audience. And many of the acts performed outside around the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and backlot. But when the acts were on stage, they were still focused on Kelly.
SHAQUIRA MCGRATH: I mean, Kelly Clarkson is here. Like she just talked to me. So yes, I am freaking out. But it's OK. I feel good.
KELLY CLARKSON: Kelly Clarkson loves your voice.
SHAQUIRA MCGRATH: Then life is good.
