Heidi Klum is set to make a surprise return to the popular talent show “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) as a guest judge on 8 September. This appearance marks a notable comeback for the supermodel, who had previously left the show in 2025 amid her return to “Project Runway” as host and chief judge.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Heidi-Klum-AGT-090426-tout-95cb2a0329b141fc9687e4ae2e72f413.jpg)
Despite her departure from AGT, Klum’s absence has not gone unnoticed among fans and colleagues. The reasons behind her exit were never publicly clarified, although it aligned with her renewed involvement in Project Runway. Klum had originally concluded her stint with the fashion design competition after its 2017 season to focus on the series “Making the Cut,” which she co-hosted with Tim Gunn from 2020 to 2022. While she successfully juggled both AGT and Project Runway from 2013 to 2017, her commitment to the latter ultimately necessitated a farewell to the talent show.
The announcement of Klum’s exit from AGT came in February 2025. At that time, Mel B, a former judge on the show, was brought in to fill her seat at the judges’ table. A statement from the AGT representatives expressed gratitude for Klum’s contributions to the series, highlighting her charm and expertise. The representatives noted, “Heidi has been an incredible part of AGT. We are enormously grateful for her many contributions and the impact she has had while celebrating the world’s greatest talent with us. We’d love for our paths to cross again.”
Recent comments from co-judge Sofia Vergara indicate that Klum’s absence has been felt. Speaking to Extra in the lead-up to season 20’s premiere, Vergara expressed her sentiments by stating, “I miss Heidi,” emphasising the camaraderie and chemistry that Klum brought to the show.
Klum’s return to the AGT panel for season 21 will be temporary and is primarily due to the ongoing recovery of her fellow judge, Simon Cowell. Cowell has been managing serious health issues since 2020 after a biking accident that left him with a broken back. He underwent a substantial surgical procedure that involved multiple spinal fusions and the insertion of a metal rod, which resulted in his missing part of season 15. Cowell’s representative has described his recent surgery as “routine” and indicated that he is expected to be back in the AGT seat shortly.
In the interim, Kenan Thompson briefly filled in for Cowell until Klum’s reappearance was confirmed. Host Terry Crews announced her return during the September 2 episode, expressing excitement on behalf of fans and the show’s team. “It’s the return of AGT super judge Heidi Klum. Yes, Heidi will be back at the judges’ desk,” he declared. This announcement highlights the enthusiasm surrounding Klum’s involvement and the show’s anticipation of her presence.
As Klum prepares to return, many are curious to see how her dynamic with the current judges, including Mandel, Vergara, and Mel B, will unfold. The atmosphere is expected to be lively, providing a blend of Klum’s seasoned perspective and the fresh energy brought by the show’s evolving cast.
Klum’s participation in the upcoming episode adds a layer of nostalgia for long-time fans of AGT, who will enjoy her signature style and engaging persona. It remains to be seen whether this return might lead to further collaborations between Klum and AGT in the future, particularly given the fond remarks from her fellow judges and the production team.
In the world of reality television, the return of a beloved figure like Heidi Klum signifies not only a moment of excitement for audiences but also reinforces the importance of connections built over years in the industry. As the 21st season of AGT continues to unfold, viewers will be keen to witness the unique moments that Klum will undoubtedly bring back to the judges’ panel.