Simon Cowell presides over America's Got Talent panel as semi-final showdown sees a pole dancer, a ventriloquist and a Lebanese dance troupe go through
Simon Cowell took his usual place at the head of the judging panel on Wednesday evening as the America's Got Talent semi-final results show got underway in Los Angeles.
The music mogul, 62, wore a trademark black T-shirt and matching trousers while determining who made it through to this year's final as the seventeenth series of his long-running talent show nears conclusion.
He was accompanied by fellow judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Terry Crews on the night, during which Lebanese dance group The Mayyas, ventriloquist Celia Muñoz and pole dancer Kristy Sellars advanced to the final.
![Here he is: Simon Cowell was in attendance on Wednesday evening as the America's Got Talent semi-final results show got underway in Los Angeles](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/10/62193983-11192709-Here_he_is_Simon_Cowell_was_in_attendance_on_Wednesday_evening_a-m-2_1662628054501.jpg)
Here he is: Simon Cowell was in attendance on Wednesday evening as the America's Got Talent semi-final results show got underway in Los Angeles
Cowell is scheduled to be back on TV screens as the first guest on Jennifer Hudson's self-titled new chat show, which launches on September 12.
Hudson was first introduced to the world while competing on Cowell's former show American Idol in 2004, where she reached seventh place.
Hit talent competition series America's Got Talent, which he also created and launched in 2006, is currently in its 17th season on NBC.
![The usual: The music mogul wore a trademark black T-shirt and matching trousers while determining who made it through to this year's final](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/09/62193869-11192709-image-a-3_1662625709304.jpg)
The usual: The music mogul wore a trademark black T-shirt and matching trousers while determining who made it through to this year's final
![In good company: (L-R) America's Got Talent judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/09/62193907-11192709-image-a-4_1662625752045.jpg)
In good company: (L-R) America's Got Talent judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell
![Popular: talent competition series America's Got Talent, which he also created and launched in 2006, is currently in its 17th season on NBC](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/09/62193911-11192709-image-a-5_1662625821734.jpg)
Popular: talent competition series America's Got Talent, which he also created and launched in 2006, is currently in its 17th season on NBC
Cowell's latest appearance on the panel comes as a group of former X Factor contestants prepare a reported £1million bullying lawsuit against his company SyCo.
Five solo acts and a group are said to be approaching a law firm and intend to sue the label for alleged 'bullying, mistreatment and neglect' as a result of going on The X Factor.
An unnamed singer involved in the reported planned lawsuit told the Sunday Mirror: 'Being on the show was a horrific experience.
![Upbeat: The TV personality appeared to be in high spirits while posing for photos in the studio](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/10/62193801-11192709-Upbeat_The_TV_personality_appeared_to_be_in_high_spirits_while_p-m-1_1662628026033.jpg)
Upbeat: The TV personality appeared to be in high spirits while posing for photos in the studio
![Controversy: Cowell's latest appearance on the panel comes as a group of former X Factor contestants prepare a reported £1million bullying lawsuit against his company SyCo](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/09/62194059-11192709-image-a-14_1662626160382.jpg)
Controversy: Cowell's latest appearance on the panel comes as a group of former X Factor contestants prepare a reported £1million bullying lawsuit against his company SyCo
![Dynamic dancers: The Mayyas dance group and theatrical pole dancer Kristy Sellars advanced to the season 17 finals of America's Got Talent on Wednesday during a results episode](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/09/62189241-11192709-Dynamic_dancers_The_Mayyas_dance_group_and_theatrical_pole_dance-a-15_1662626512239.jpg)
Dynamic dancers: The Mayyas dance group and theatrical pole dancer Kristy Sellars advanced to the season 17 finals of America's Got Talent on Wednesday during a results episode
The unidentified claimant added: 'Myself and five former acts have agreed to join forces and get the justice we feel we deserve.
'Simon needs to take responsibility. We lost a lot of money from having periods of our lives not making money to deal with trauma still ingrained from the show.'
SyCo said that there is no allegation that Cowell was in any way aware of or personally involved in the incidents or behaviour alleged by the claimants.
A spokesman for X Factor said: 'Welfare of those taking part is our No1 priority and we have robust measures and welfare teams in place to ensure support is always available.
'We are unaware of any legal claims being filed against The X Factor and despite not being on air for several years, we remain open to discuss concerns with anyone who chooses to do so.'
![Pole routine: Pole dancer Kristy Sellars was shocked when she learned that she made it to the finals](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/06/62189235-11191779-image-a-59_1662614823798.jpg)
Pole routine: Pole dancer Kristy Sellars was shocked when she learned that she made it to the finals
![Delighted: Ventriloquist Celia Muñoz also made it though to the finals as a wildcard on Wednesday evening](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/08/09/62194165-11192709-Delighted_Ventriloquist_Celia_Mu_oz-a-17_1662626661766.jpg)
Delighted: Ventriloquist Celia Muñoz also made it though to the finals as a wildcard on Wednesday evening
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