America's Got Talent season 20 is just around the corner, leaving many wondering if long-time judge Heidi Klum will be returning to the series for another season, or if she's pressed her last golden buzzer. Heidi, who many got to know as a supermodel in the 1990s and 2000s when she was the face of famous brands like Victoria's Secret, has been part of the America's Got Talent family for the last decade, working hard to judge the acts on the show fairly. As a judge, Heidi was able to show more of her true personality than she could elsewhere.

Heidi, who many were hopeful to see on America's Got Talent season 20, has been part of the show since America's Got Talent season 8, when both she and Mel B of Spice Girls fame ed the series. Though Heidi had been part of the reality TV community prior to America's Got Talent, she'd mostly functioned as the face of brands and a host for other shows, most famously Bravo's Project Runway. Throughout her run on America's Got Talent, Heidi has become more of a fun, funny personality that viewers have gotten to know, and many expect her to return.

Heidi Klum Won't Appear On America's Got Talent Season 20

She's Moving Back To A Previous Role

Although some were hopeful that Heidi would be returning for America's Got Talent season 20 after a press release confirmed that she'd be part of the show, it was announced that Heidi would be leaving the series ahead of its milestone season. According to an AGT representative (via Deadline), "Heidi has been an incredible part of AGT, bringing her signature charm, expertise and warmth to the show." The representative shared they'd love for Heidi to return in the future, leaving the door open for her to make a second comeback. While Heidi is leaving, viewers were confused by her departure.

During the initial run of press and promotion for America's Got Talent, including the buildup to the auditions, Heidi was included on the materials that announced who the judges of the season would be. While Heidi hasn't spoken out herself about the switch up, it's clear that she's chosen to move on from the series and feels it's the best decision for her career. After spending 11 seasons on the show, Heidi was ready to face another challenge, but surely will take the experiences she had on America's Got Talent With her. Heidi's presence will be missed on the show.

Heidi Was A Fan Favorite AGT Judge

Her Warmth & Humor Were Unmatched

Although Heidi won't be returning for America's Got Talent season 20, many will still her fondly as one of their favorite parts of the series. Throughout her run on the show, which spanned from America's Got Talent season 8 through season 13, and then season 15 through season 19, Heidi built a reputation as a warm, kind-hearted judge. Often one of the judges to ask personal questions about the contestants, Heidi was enamored with the talent on stage throughout the America's Got Talent auditions, and did a great job keeping things positive regardless of a performance's quality on stage.

With Heidi working hard to ensure that she was seen as someone the contestants to could talk to and engage with, she made it obvious that she was hopeful they'd move forward in the competition after showing off their talents. Throughout the seasons she was part of America's Got Talent, Heidi may have been called out for being too soft of a judge at times, but her kind-hearted attitude was a great balance for the other judges on the show throughout her time on the series. Heidi's warmth and ability to connect with the contestants will be missed on AGT.

Heidi Will Be Returning To Project Runway In 2025

The Show Is Moving To Hulu

Heidi will be moving on to another job she's always been fond of, returning to Project Runway in its newest iteration. With Project Runway moving from Bravo to Hulu/Disney+, the series is no longer a property of the NBCUniversal umbrella. In the past, Heidi was able to work with both projects, hosting and judging in tandem. Unfortunately, although she's been the host of Project Runway while working on America's Got Talent in the past, with the fashion-based series now rebooting with a completely different network, Heidi likely had to choose job one over the other due to contractual issues.

Heidi's return to Project Runway will be a fascinating piece of her professional puzzle, as the show is rebooting completely after appearing in several different iterations on Bravo. Heidi has always been in the fashion space as a model and host, so it makes sense that she'd want to return to her roots and reconnect with the newest iteration of Project Runway. Unfortunately for America's Got Talent fans, that means she's likely to continue to stick with the Hulu reboot over returning to the NBC talent competition in the future. Heidi may have had to make an incredibly tough decision.

Who Are AGT Season 20's Judges?

AGT Season 20 Will Welcome Back A Previous Judge

As America's Got Talent season 20 returns for another season of talent in its truest form, the judging looks largely unchanged outside of Heidi's move. Returning to the show for the twentieth season are long-time judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, and Sophia Vergara, who have all been a part of the show for quite some time. Howie has been an America's Got Talent judge since the show's fifth season, when he replaced David Hasselhoff. After sitting next to Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan, and Howard Stern for years, the judges got a revamp with Heidi, Mel B, and others.

With Heidi and Mel B ing for America's Got Talent season 8, the became more of what it looks like today after Simon Cowell ed the show during America's Got Talent season 10. While there was a cast shakeup for the ladies during America's Got Talent season 14, when Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union took their positions on the , Heidi came back for another stretch. For America's Got Talent season 20, the judges will include Simon, Howie, Sophia, and will see Spice Girl Mel Be returning in Heidi's place for the milestone season, keeping things in the family.

America's Got Talent season 20 premieres Tuesday, May 27 at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.

Source: Deadline, America's Got Talent/Instagram