America’s Got Talent is set to return for Season 21, with a number of returning judges. However, one judge who won’t be returning is Heidi Klum, marking her second season away from the show. Thanks to this, fans are wondering why she isn’t returning and what her future with the show will be.
Heidi Klum Joined America’s Got Talent Back In 2013, Later Returning In 2020
Originally from Germany, Klum first came to fame as a successful model. Following this, she established herself as a television personality, hosting and judging shows including Project Runway and Germany’s Next Topmodel.
In 2013, Klum joined the judges’ panel on America’s Got Talent. After departing in 2018, she returned in 2020. Throughout her time on the show, Klum worked alongside a number of famous figures, including Mel B., Howie Mandel, Howard Stern, Simon Cowell, and Sofia Vergara.
However, it’s been announced that Klum would not be part of the show’s upcoming Season 21. She had not been part of the previous season either, last appearing in Season 19. Thanks to this, many fans are wondering what is going on.
Klum has never explicitly explained why she left the show. However, the timing lined up with her return to Project Runway in 2025, which she previously left in 2017. She’s also back on the show for Season 22 in 2026.
Season 21 Of AGT Is Set To Return On June 2, Complete With Returning Judges
In addition to this, Klum is still the host of Germany’s New Topmodel, which is currently in Season 21. At this time, Klum appears to be keeping busy, as she had a cameo in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and maintains her career as a model.
Meanwhile, Deadline suggested that there could be business-related reasons for her departure, noting that Klum “commands one of the top salaries in reality TV.” Meanwhile, a rep for America’s Got Talent shared in a statement, “Heidi has been an incredible part of AGT, bringing her signature charm, expertise and warmth to the show. We are enormously grateful for her many contributions and the impact she has had while celebrating the world’s greatest talent with us.”
Despite this, there is still the question if Klum will one day return to America’s Got Talent. For the time being, she hasn’t discussed her own future plans for the show.
That said, the NBC rep shared, “We’d love for our paths to cross again.” Thanks to this, fans can rest assured that if Klum wants to return, she’d be welcomed back.
Meanwhile, Season 21 of America’s Got Talent will debut on June 2, 2026. Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell are set to return as judges.
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
