Heidi Klum is returning as a guest judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent to cover for Simon Cowell, who is recovering from back surgery. The change is set for an upcoming episode of the Season 21 quarterfinals, with Klum stepping in for Cowell during a special three-hour broadcast.
Both outlets report that Klum will appear at the judges’ table on the relevant dates next week, while Cowell remains absent. Deadline specifies the timing as part of the show’s Season 21 quarterfinals coverage and notes that the appearance is tied to Cowell’s recovery period. TVLine similarly frames the return as temporary, describing Klum as the latest guest judge filling in for Cowell and pointing viewers to the schedule details.
Overall, the reporting aligns on the core points: Cowell is not present due to back surgery recovery, Klum will replace him temporarily, and the appearance occurs during the show’s quarterfinals programming as a guest judge for a limited run.
