Heidi Klum is making her way back to the “America’s Got Talent” judging table. This surprise return comes more than a year after she left the NBC competition.
The former judge will make her return during the final round of the Season 21 quarterfinals. Klum will temporarily take Simon Cowell‘s seat as the longtime judge continues his recovery from planned back surgery.
Klum’s appearance will also reunite her with several familiar faces. She will sit alongside Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B for a special three-hour episode.
Heidi Klum Is Returning To ‘AGT’ In Simon Cowell’s Seat
“America’s Got Talent” revealed Klum’s upcoming return during Wednesday night’s live results show. The model previously served as a full-time judge on the talent competition for several seasons.
Klum first joined “AGT” in 2013 and remained a familiar presence on the judging panel for most of the decade that followed. She eventually departed after Season 19, making this upcoming appearance a notable return to the franchise.
Beyond “AGT”, Klum has also remained connected to the larger franchise universe over the years. Aside from the flagship series, Klum appeared on spinoffs including “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” “AGT: All-Stars,” and “AGT: Fantasy League.”
Her return this time, however, is because the show’s most recognizable judge remains temporarily indisposed. Simon Cowell has missed multiple live shows while undergoing and recovering from planned back surgery. The procedure relates to ongoing issues stemming from the serious electric-bike accident he suffered back in 2020.
The episode featuring Klum’s return will be considerably longer than usual. Instead of the typical two-hour live show followed by a separate results episode, it will run for three hours and incorporate both the performances and results.
Kenan Thompson Already Stepped In During Simon Cowell’s Absence
Klum isn’t the first celebrity recruited to keep Cowell’s seat warm. For Tuesday night’s live quarterfinal episode, “Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson also joined the panel.
The comedian acknowledged Cowell almost immediately after arriving. “Sending so much love to Simon,” he said. “Get well soon. Get back soon.”
However, Thompson wasn’t there merely to provide commentary on the various performances. The temporary judge also got one of the biggest responsibilities on the show: a Live Golden Buzzer. Thompson eventually used the coveted fixture on 14-year-old singer Lai Noelle following her rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song.” The decision sent her to the finals.
Three other acts subsequently survived the quarterfinal through viewer voting. Acro Canine Crew, magician Kameron Marshall, and comedian Daniel Alvarez advanced to the semifinals during Wednesday’s results show. Seven other acts ended their journey in the competition that night.
Heidi Will Reunite With Her Former ‘AGT’ Co-Stars
Klum’s return to the show creates something of an “AGT” reunion event. The model spent years judging contestants alongside Mandel and Mel B after she joined in 2013.
Mel B eventually departed the show following Season 13, while Klum also stepped away before later returning. Vergara joined the panel in Season 15, working with Klum for several seasons.
Meanwhile, Mel B made her own return to the flagship series when she rejoined the panel after several years away. That means next week’s lineup will bring Klum back together with Mandel and Mel B, while also reuniting her with Vergara.
The three-hour episode next week will feature the fourth and final group of quarterfinalists attempting to secure their places in the next stage. With the season moving closer to its conclusion, Klum will have an immediate role in determining which contestants continue their journeys.
It remains unclear exactly when Cowell will be ready to reclaim his usual position on the panel.
