Is Heidi Klum Back on 'America's Got Talent' for Good? Her Return Explained | Just Jared

Heidi Klum is temporarily returning to the judging panel on America’s Got Talent.

The 53-year-old supermodel is back to judge in the Tuesday night (September 8) episode. Unfortunately for fans eager to see her make a permanent return, that’s not what’s happening this time.

Heidi is simply filling in for Simon as he recovers from back surgery stemming from a bad fall in 2020 when he fell off an electric bike at his Malibu home and broke his back. He previously underwent surgery and had to miss part of season 15, too.

Why did Heidi Klum leave America’s Got Talent in the past?

Long-time AGT fans will recall that Heidi used to be a full-time judge, joining the talent competition series for its eighth season and staying on for six seasons before departing in 2018. She then returned two years later and stayed through season 19.

In total, Heidi was a full-time judge for 11 seasons, albeit not back-to-back. During her tenure, Heidi used her Golden Buzzer many times, with one of her picks, a singer named Richard Goodall, winning the 19th season in 2024.

Heidi never shared exactly why she left, but many people have assumed it was due to her return to Project Runway as host and head judge. She previously did both shows in the past, but now appears to be focusing more heavily on the fashion series which is currently airing its 22nd season.

She is expected to just be on the September 8 episode before another guest host takes over next week. Kenan Thompson previously filled in for Simon on the September 1 episode.

When will Simon Cowell return to America’s Got Talent?

Simon will be out for a few weeks as he undergoes a “routine procedure” related to the bike accident.

Last week, Howie provided an update on his 66-year-old co-judge’s health, saying, “As I talk to you, he is just hours out of surgery. I heard that it was a success, everything’s okay.”

Simon is expected to be back for the season 21 finale, which is scheduled for September 22 and September 23.

Posted To:America's Got Talent Heidi Klum NBC Simon Cowell Television