Why Heidi Klum stepped away from America’s Got | TV Shows

After several seasons on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Heidi Klum is officially stepping away from the judges’ panel ahead of Season 20.

The change comes as something of a surprise for longtime viewers who have grown used to seeing her alongside Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel.

While there had been weeks of speculation about her status on the show, Deadline has officially confirmed Klum’s exit. Though she hasn’t publicly explained her decision, signs point to another project drawing her back.

In early January, it was announced that Klum would return to Project Runway as host for Season 21. She originally hosted and judged the fashion competition for 16 seasons before departing in 2017.

Since then, she’s taken on multiple projects, including Making the Cut and Germany’s Next Top Model, while continuing her role on AGT.

Mel B first joined the series in 2013 for Season 8 and remained on the panel through 2018. She has since appeared on the franchise’s spinoffs, America’s Got Talent: The Champions and Fantasy League.

The show made the announcement with a post on Instagram, confirming that Mel B will join Cowell, Vergara, and Mandel on the judges’ panel when Season 20 premieres.

“Get ready for a Golden Buzzer summer,” the show wrote in its February 3 caption. “#AGT premieres Tuesday, May 27 on NBC and streaming next day on @peacock.”