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For fans of America’s Got Talent, the return of a familiar face brought plenty of excitement.
Heidi Klum, one of the most recognizable judges in the show’s history, returned to the judging panel for a special appearance during Season 21.
Her comeback immediately attracted attention because Klum had previously spent years behind the judges’ desk, becoming closely associated with the series and its contestants.
But there was an important detail behind her return: this was a temporary guest-judge appearance, not a confirmed permanent comeback.
A Familiar Face Returns
Klum returned to the show on September 8, 2026, according to reports from UPI and other entertainment outlets.
The supermodel originally joined America’s Got Talent during Season 8 in 2013.
She remained part of the judging panel through Season 13 before leaving the show in 2018.
Two years later, she returned for Season 15 and continued as a judge through Season 19.
That history made her return particularly recognizable to longtime viewers.
For many fans, seeing Klum back in her familiar seat was a reminder of the years she spent evaluating some of the show’s most memorable performers.
Why Did Heidi Klum Return?
Klum’s appearance was connected to Simon Cowell’s temporary absence.
Cowell was recovering from back surgery, and the production brought in guest judges to fill his seat during the season.
Before Klum’s appearance, actor and comedian Kenan Thompson also served as a guest judge.
UPI reported that Klum was one of several stars stepping in while Cowell recovered.
The arrangement allowed the competition to continue while maintaining a full judging panel.
For viewers, it also created an opportunity to see Klum reunite with familiar faces and evaluate a new group of performers.
A History With the Show
Heidi Klum has a long history with America’s Got Talent.
During her years as a judge, she became known for her enthusiastic reactions to contestants and her involvement in the show’s Golden Buzzer moments.
Her final season before this temporary return was Season 19.
In that season, Klum’s Golden Buzzer act, singer Richard Goodall, went on to win the competition.
That victory provided a memorable conclusion to her previous full-time run on the program.
When she returned in 2026, therefore, she wasn’t simply another celebrity guest.
She was returning to a show where she had already spent many years.
Fans Wondered: Could She Stay?
Her appearance naturally raised questions about whether she might eventually return to the regular judging panel.
However, available reports described her 2026 appearance specifically as a guest-judge role.
One report explicitly noted that fans hoping for a permanent return would have to wait, because the appearance was temporary.
That distinction is important.
A guest appearance does not automatically mean that a celebrity has signed on for another full season.
For now, Klum’s return should therefore be understood as a temporary appearance connected to the show’s judging lineup.