Heidi Klum is making a surprise return to the America’s Got Talent judges’ table. Host Terry Crews announced during the Wednesday, September 2 episode that the supermodel and former AGT judge will be filling in for Simon Cowell, who is temporarily stepping away from the show.
“The chair is ready and waiting for you, Heidi,” Crews said during the broadcast, confirming that Klum will join the panel for the upcoming week’s live shows.
Klum’s return comes as Cowell, 66, takes time away from the competition to undergo a previously announced back surgery. The AGT creator and judge is expected to be absent for several weeks while he recovers.
Heidi Klum Is Returning to America’s Got Talent
Klum will officially return to the AGT judges’ desk on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, filling Cowell’s seat during the three-hour quarterfinal episode. She will join regular judges Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B at the panel.
The Germany-born model and television personality is no stranger to the AGT franchise. She served as a full-time judge from 2013 to 2018, spanning Seasons 8 through 13. After a brief hiatus during Season 14, Klum returned for Season 15 in 2020 and remained on the panel through Season 19 in 2024.
Altogether, Klum accumulated 11 nonconsecutive seasons on the show before departing last year. Her exit came after she was invited to host Project Runway for Freeform and Disney+.
Why Heidi Klum Is Back on AGT
Klum’s return to America’s Got Talent is directly tied to Simon Cowell’s temporary absence from the show. Cowell, who also serves as creator and executive producer of the competition series, is currently recovering from a routine back procedure that required him to step away during the Season 21 live quarterfinals.
Host Terry Crews addressed Cowell’s absence during the August 25 episode, explaining: “He’s having an operation that cannot be postponed. It’s not an emergency, but it can’t be put off. Simon, we are sending you our very best wishes for a speedy recovery, and we’re looking forward to seeing you back at the judges desk very soon.”
A representative for Cowell described the procedure as routine, noting that the 66-year-old judge is expected to return to the show within a few weeks. Cowell’s back surgery is linked to a serious accident he suffered in August 2020, when he fell off an electric bike at his Malibu home and nearly broke his backbone. That incident required a five-hour surgery that involved fusing vertebrae and inserting a metal rod and screws into his back.
Heidi Klum and America’s Got Talent History
Klum’s relationship with the America’s Got Talent franchise spans more than a decade. She first joined the judging panel in 2013 for Season 8 and quickly became a fan favorite. During her tenure, Klum was known for her enthusiastic support of contestants, her fashion-forward looks, and her willingness to hit the Golden Buzzer for acts that moved her.
Beyond the main competition, Klum also appeared on AGT spinoffs, including AGT: Fantasy League, AGT: All-Stars, and AGT: The Champions. Her final season as a full-time judge, Season 19 in 2024, ended on a high note when her Golden Buzzer act, singing janitor Richard Goodall, won the competition.
Klum was replaced on the panel by Mel B, who returned as a judge for Season 21 alongside Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell.
What to Expect From Heidi Klum’s AGT Appearance
Viewers tuning in for the September 8 episode can expect Klum to bring her signature energy and enthusiasm to the judges’ table. While specific details about the episode have not been announced, Klum will be participating in the live quarterfinal broadcasts, evaluating contestants alongside Mandel, Vergara, and Mel B.
Klum is the second guest judge to fill Cowell’s seat during his recovery. Former AGT judge Kenan Thompson, who previously filled in for Cowell during Season 15 in 2020, took over the seat for the August 25 episode.
It remains unclear whether additional guest judges will be announced for future weeks of the competition. The live finale and results show for America’s Got Talent Season 21 is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Who Are the America’s Got Talent Judges in 2026?
America’s Got Talent returned for its 21st season in June 2026 with its regular judging lineup. The panel includes Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B, with Terry Crews returning as host.
While Cowell is temporarily absent, Klum is serving as a guest judge rather than a permanent replacement. Cowell is expected to return to the judges’ table once he has sufficiently recovered from his back surgery.
When and Where to Watch America’s Got Talent
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Episodes are also available to stream on Peacock.
The September 8 episode featuring Heidi Klum as guest judge will air during the regular Tuesday timeslot. The Season 21 live finale is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Viewers can also catch up on past episodes through NBC’s website and the Peacock streaming platform, though availability may vary by region.
Heidi Klum’s AGT Return: What It Means for the Show
Heidi Klum’s return to America’s Got Talent represents a homecoming for one of the show’s most recognizable former judges. With 11 seasons under her belt, Klum remains deeply familiar to AGT audiences, and her chemistry with fellow judges Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara is well established from her previous tenure on the show.
For viewers, Klum’s guest appearance offers a temporary change of pace while Cowell recovers. Her enthusiastic judging style and history with the franchise make her a natural fit to step into Cowell’s seat during this transitional period.
The show has not announced whether Klum will appear on additional episodes beyond the September 8 broadcast, though her return has already generated significant interest among longtime AGT fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Heidi Klum returning to America’s Got Talent?
Heidi Klum will return as a guest judge on the September 8, 2026 episode of America’s Got Talent.
2. Why is Heidi Klum returning to AGT in 2026?
Klum is returning to fill in for Simon Cowell, who is temporarily absent from the show while recovering from back surgery.
3. Is Heidi Klum replacing Simon Cowell?
No, Klum is serving as a temporary guest judge. Simon Cowell is expected to return to AGT after he recovers from surgery.
4. Is Heidi Klum a permanent AGT judge in 2026?
No, Klum is appearing as a guest judge. She is not a permanent replacement on the AGT judging panel.
5. Why is Simon Cowell absent from America’s Got Talent?
Cowell is temporarily absent from AGT while he undergoes a routine back procedure and recovers. The surgery is not an emergency but could not be postponed.
6. Who are the America’s Got Talent judges in 2026?
The regular judges for Season 21 are Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B. Heidi Klum is filling in for Cowell as a guest judge.
7. Where can viewers watch Heidi Klum on AGT?
Viewers can watch AGT on NBC at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or stream episodes on Peacock.