Why Did Heidi Klum Leave “America’s Got Talent”? What to Know About Her Departure amid Surprise Appearance
Why Did Heidi Klum Leave “America’s Got Talent”? What to Know About Her Departure amid Surprise Appearance
Samantha StutsmanTue, September 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM UTC
20
Heidi Klum in 2024.Credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty -
Heidi Klum was a judge on America’s Got Talent for 11 nonconsecutive seasons
She exited the show following season 19
Klum will fill in for Simon Cowell on AGT season 21amid his medical leave
Heidi Klum is heading back to the America’s Got Talent judges’ table.
The supermodel first joined AGT in season 8, serving for six seasons before stepping away in 2018. She returned two years later and remained on the panel through season 19, bringing her total to 11 nonconsecutive seasons.
During her tenure, Klum sent several performers straight to the live shows with her Golden Buzzer. Her final pick, singer Richard Goodall, went on to win season 19 in 2024.
Klum left the show ahead of season 20, with former judge Mel B taking her seat. Now, she is making a surprise return during season 21, temporarily filling in for Simon Cowell. Klum will join Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara for the Sept. 8 live episode.
So, why did Heidi Klum leave America’s Got Talent? Here’s everything we know about why she exited the NBC competition show ahead of her surprise return.
Why did Heidi Klum leave America’s Got Talent?
Heidi Klum in 2024.Credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty
Klum has never publicly explained why she left AGT in 2024, but her second departure coincided with her 2025 return to Project Runway as host and head judge. She had previously stepped away from the fashion competition after its 2017 season to develop Making the Cut with Tim Gunn. Their series ran from 2020 to 2022.
Although Klum balanced AGT and Project Runway from 2013 to 2017, her reunion with the fashion series for season 21 came with a farewell to the talent competition. She returned as host and head judge for Project Runway season 22, which is currently airing.
Advertisement
What did the AGT cast and crew say about Klum’s exit?
Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell on ‘America’s Got Talent’ in 2022.Credit: Trae Patton/NBC via Getty
Klum’s exit from AGT was announced in February 2025, with former judge Mel B taking her place at the judges’ table.
“Heidi has been an incredible part of AGT, bringing her signature charm, expertise and warmth to the show,” a rep for the NBC series said in a statement. “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.”
Ahead of the season 20 premiere a few months later, Vergara spoke with Extra about the supermodel’s departure, saying, “I miss Heidi.”
Why is Klum temporarily returning to AGT for season 21?
Heidi Klum; Simon CowellCredit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Amanda Edwards/Getty
The Project Runway star is temporarily returning to AGT during season 21 as Cowell recovers from back surgery.
The former American Idol judge has experienced ongoing issues since 2020, when he fell from an electric bike at his Malibu home and broke his back. He underwent a five-hour operation involving multiple spinal fusions and the insertion of a metal rod, forcing him to miss part of season 15.
A representative for Cowell told Entertainment Weekly that the procedure is “routine” and that he will return to AGT “in a few weeks.” Kenan Thompson initially filled Cowell’s seat before Klum was tapped to join Mandel, Vergara and Mel B for the Sept. 8 episode.
“We will have another guest judge next week,” host Terry Crews announced on the Sept. 2 episode. “But check this out. It’s the return of AGT super judge Heidi Klum. Yes, Heidi will be back at the judges’ desk. How cool is that? Are you excited? I’m excited. The chair is ready and waiting for you, Heidi.”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
