Why Did Heidi Klum Leave ‘America’s Got Talent’? The Reason Behind Her Season 20 Exit

America’s Got Talent is set to kick off an exciting new season on Tuesday, May 27. But when fans tune into the premiere, they’ll notice that one fan-favorite judge will be missing from the panel. Why did Heidi Klum leave AGT, and who is replacing her for Season 20?

Created by Simon Cowell as part of the Got Talent franchise, AGT is consistently ranked as the summer’s most-watched broadcast alternative show. The series features participants from around the world auditioning in a range of talents, from singing and dancing to magic and stunts. After the audition phase, the show moves into the live portion, where the public can vote for their favorites each week.

Beloved host Terry Crews and longtime judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara will all be returning for the next season of NBC’s talent show. However, one of their fellow judges, Heidi Klum, will not be joining them for Season 20.

ForbesWhat Time Is The ‘America’s Got Talent’ Premiere? All About Season 20By Monica Mercuri

Klum joined AGT in Season 8 but left after Season 13 when the show briefly replaced her and Mel B with Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union. (Both Hough and Union only lasted one season following reports of a toxic work culture behind the scenes.) Klum returned for Season 14 and was joined by Vergara.

Now, Klum is leaving again after appearing in 11 of the past 12 seasons. Here’s what to know about why she’s stepping away, what she’s doing next and the familiar face replacing her.

Why Did Heidi Klum Leave America’s Got Talent?

While neither Klum nor NBC gave an exact reason for her AGT exit, the decision is likely tied to the model’s upcoming return to Project Runway and possible business considerations by NBC, according to Deadline.

Klum hosted the Bravo show from 2004 to 2017, but she and cohost Tim Gunn exited the series in 2018 and went on to create a new fashion competition, Making the Cut, which debuted on Prime Video in 2020.

Now, Project Runway is officially coming back in 2025 for a new 10-episode season that will air on Freeform and stream on Disney+ and Hulu starting Thursday, July 31, 2025. “I’m back, and it’s good to be home,” Klum said in the first teaser for the revival.

Klum previously juggled AGT and Project Runway for five years, from 2013 to 2017. Sources told Deadline that her AGT exit may have also been a business decision, as she reportedly earns one of the highest salaries in reality TV.

“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. We’d love for our paths to cross again,” a rep for AGT production said in a statement to the site.

Forbes‘America’s Got Talent’ Has A Major Golden Buzzer Change For Season 19By Monica Mercuri

Who Is Replacing Heidi Klum On America’s Got Talent?

Melanie “Mel B” Brown will be stepping in to replace Heidi Klum on Season 20 of America’s Got Talent.

The former Spice Girls singer is no stranger to the show. She served as a judge on Seasons 8 through 13 of AGT, Season 1 of AGT: The Champions and most recently returned for the 2024 Fantasy League spinoff during Vergara’s brief absence.

Now, she’s officially rejoining the main series years after being let go by Cowell. “Simon fired me! He said he didn’t but he did!” she confirmed to TV Insider. The 49-year-old British singer explained that she was facing difficulties in her life at the time.

“I was dealing with a very emotionally abusive marriage that was falling apart. My dad had died. There was a lot going on for me, but one thing that actually [was] my savior was that I got to be at that desk every day,” she shared. Now that she’s in a better place, Mel B said she jumped at the opportunity to return.

“A lot’s happened to me in those six, seven years. I have my book out. I didn’t know if it was going to ruin my career or what. I finally got to buy my own home,” she continued. “I’m getting married. It couldn’t have been better timing, almost where you go, ‘Is this too good to be true?’”

America’s Got Talent Season 20 premieres on Tuesday, May 27, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Watch the official teaser for America’s Got Talent Season 20 below.