Heidi Klum departs america’s got talent as supermodel’s replacement is announced
The long-running reality competition America’s Got Talent is undergoing a shake-up as it enters its milestone 20th season. Supermodel and television personality Heidi Klum, who has been a fixture on the judging panel for 11 of the past 12 seasons, is stepping away from the show. Replacing her is none other than former spice girl and seasoned television judge Mel B, who previously served as a judge on AGT between 2013 and 2018, as well as on the spin-off AGT: Fantasy League in 2024.
Klum’s departure from the hit talent show follows speculation about her future commitments after it was announced last month that she would be making a return to Project Runway, the show she originally hosted for 16 seasons from 2004 to 2017. Klum and her longtime collaborator Tim Gunn left the fashion competition series in 2018 to launch Making the Cut on Prime Video. It remains unclear whether Gunn will join her on Project Runway upon its return.
A spokesperson for America’s Got Talent praised Klum’s contributions to the show in a heartfelt 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. We’d love for our paths to cross again.”
The upcoming season of Project Runway, the show Klum is set to return to, will be its 21st. While a precise release date has yet to be announced, it has been confirmed that the series will now air on freeform following its move from Bravo in october last year. The show will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Meanwhile, America’s Got Talent will return to screens on 27 May, with live shows set to begin in August. Simon Cowell, the show’s creator and executive producer, will remain on the judging panel alongside Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara. The trio will be joined by Mel B, who is no stranger to the AGT audience.
Commenting on the show’s milestone season, Cowell expressed his excitement in a statement: “It is absolutely brilliant to be able to announce this year as our 20th season. Over the years, we have seen some amazing acts and met some truly incredible people. It’s true that two or three minutes can change your life.”
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He continued: “I want to thank every contestant, all the fans who have supported the show every year, and to NBC for believing in this show. And of course, the amazing team, past and present, who make the show so special. Now, as always, I am really excited to meet the contestants this year.”
Last season, AGT crowned middle school janitor Richard Goodall as its winner after he impressed audiences and judges alike with his rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, earning Klum’s coveted Golden Buzzer. The upcoming season promises to bring even more show-stopping performances and life-changing moments as hopefuls take to the stage in pursuit of their dreams.
With Mel B’s return, the new season of AGT is sure to bring fresh energy and excitement to the panel. As Klum bids farewell to the talent show, fans will no doubt be eager to see her return to her fashion roots on Project Runway while awaiting what promises to be another thrilling season of America’s Got Talent.
