Why Is Heidi Klum Missing From ‘America’s Got Talent’ 2025?

Tonight, “America’s Got Talent” returns for Season 20, but viewers can’t help but notice that someone is missing. Longtime judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, and Sofía Vergara are returning along with host Terry Crews. While some fans are thrilled to see the return of Mel B, who left in 2018, others are wondering: Where is Heidi Klum?

Heidi Klum’s Departure From ‘AGT’ Sparks Salary Speculation, Fans Point Out Her Busy Schedule

Heidi Klum has not given an official reason for why she’s leaving “America’s Got Talent.” Some speculated it had to do with her salary, with Deadline reporting that the supermodel is one of the highest-paid in reality TV. Swapping her for someone with a lower wage would be a budget-saving move. But the announcement in January that her “baby,” “Project Runway,” was being revived on Freeform led many to speculate that her return as the show’s host may have something to do with her absence from “AGT.”

Klum was the original host of “Project Runway” from 2004 until 2017. In 2013, she and co-host Tim Gunn won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for A Reality or Reality-Competition Program. After leaving the show, the two hosted another fashion reality competition, “Making the Cut,” on Amazon Prime Video. That lasted from 2020 until its cancellation in 2022.

So while she may be leaving “AGT” to focus on the “Project Runway” revival, fans have also pointed out that she’s no stranger to juggling jobs. From 2013 to 2017, she hosted both “AGT” and “Project Runway.” She has also been hosting and executive-producing “Germany’s Next Top Model” since 2006. Whatever her reason for leaving, both she and “AGT” are remaining tight-lipped for now.

Tim Gunn Reacts to ‘Project Runway’ Snub Amid Heidi Klum’s Return

While Klum is returning to “Project Runway,” her co-host Gunn is not. In an interview with People, he confirmed that he hadn’t been asked back. He admitted that he was “initially devastated, then kind of humiliated.”

Then, he tried to look at it from a positive perspective, saying that he’d “come to terms with it.” He even plans to watch the new show — for Klum. “I have her back and I’m with her in spirit always,” he said.

His replacement is Christian Siriano. The former contestant, who has become a renowned designer, will serve as the show’s mentor. Nina Garcia, who has served as a judge on the show since Season 1, is set to return. Fashion designer Law Roach, who is famous for styling Zendaya, will also be a judge.

In the new teaser trailer, Klum says, “I’m back. And it’s good to be home!”

According to TV Insider, the reality fashion competition will have a 10-episode season beginning Thursday, July 31 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. After it runs on Freeform, it will stream on Disney+ and Hulu.