Heidi Klum Returns to AGT — But Is It Permanent? Here's the Deal

Heidi Klum sliding back into that iconic judging chair is giving longtime America's Got Talent fans serious déjà vu — and honestly, we're here for it. The 53-year-old supermodel and TV personality made her return to the AGT panel for the Tuesday, September 8 episode, though the circumstances behind her comeback are a little bittersweet.

Why Heidi Is Back on AGT

According to Just Jared, Heidi is stepping in as a guest judge while Simon Cowell recovers from a surgical procedure connected to a back injury he sustained back in 2020. That year, Simon took a serious fall from an electric bike at his Malibu home and broke his back — an accident that required surgery and even caused him to miss part of AGT's fifteenth season. Now, at 66, he's undergoing a follow-up "routine procedure" related to that same injury.

His fellow judge Howie Mandel offered a reassuring update on Simon's condition, noting that the surgery had taken place and that early reports were positive — calling it a success with everything appearing to be on track. Simon is expected to return to his seat in time for the season 21 finale, set to air across two nights on September 22 and September 23.

Kenan Thompson was the first to fill Simon's spot, appearing on the September 1 episode before Heidi took the reins the following week. A different guest is expected to step in after Heidi's appearance, making this a relay of familiar and beloved faces keeping the panel warm.

A Long and Storied History With the Show

For anyone who may have tuned in recently and assumed Heidi was a new addition, think again. She is actually one of the most seasoned judges in AGT history. Heidi first joined the competition series during its eighth season and remained a full-time panelist for six consecutive seasons before stepping away in 2018. She later returned for additional seasons and, all told, clocked an impressive 11 seasons as a judge — a remarkable run by any measure.

One of the highlights of her tenure? Her Golden Buzzer pick Richard Goodall went on to win the show's 19th season in 2024, a feel-good moment that cemented her legacy as someone with a genuine eye for talent.

So… Is She Coming Back for Good?

As exciting as this week's appearance is, fans hoping for a full-time reunion will need to temper their enthusiasm — at least for now. Heidi has not announced any plans to return as a permanent judge, and her guest spot on AGT appears to be limited to the September 8 episode.

While Heidi never publicly explained her original departure from the show, many industry watchers have pointed to her return as host and head judge on Project Runway as a likely factor. Balancing two major television commitments is no small feat, and it seems the beloved fashion competition — currently airing its 22nd season — remains her primary focus.

The Fashion World Keeps Calling

It's worth noting that Heidi's world extends far beyond the AGT soundstage. She has remained a prominent presence in fashion and pop culture, and her continued involvement with Project Runway reflects how deeply rooted she is in the style space. The fashion calendar has been buzzing lately, from Pharrell's spectacular wave-riding moment for Louis Vuitton's SS27 menswear show to Ralph Lauren's dreamy Lake Como spring 2027 collection in Milan — a world Heidi knows and loves intimately.

What's Next

For now, fans can soak up every moment of Heidi's return on the September 8 episode and root for Simon's smooth recovery ahead of the season finale. Whether or not she'll ever grace the AGT panel full-time again remains an open question — but if this guest appearance is any indication, the chemistry and the charm are absolutely still there.