Heidi Klum to Sit in for Simon Cowell as America’s Got Talent Quarterfinals 4 Combines Performances and Results
Heidi Klum will return to the America’s Got Talent judges’ table on September 8, 2026, stepping in for Simon Cowell while he recovers from a medical procedure. Her appearance comes during a special, extended episode that merges live performances and results into a single three-hour broadcast.
This consolidated format is due to scheduling considerations the week of the show. An NFL game airs the following day, so the program has been restructured: the first two hours will showcase live acts and invite viewers to vote, while the final hour will be dedicated to revealing the results and announcing which acts advance.
Because voting will only be open during the live performance portion, fans who want to influence the competition must cast their votes during the first two hours of the broadcast. The third hour functions solely as the live results segment, where the show will reveal the full slate of acts that move forward in the competition.
By the close of the evening’s broadcast, the complete Top 16 will be announced, confirming which performers continue on in the season. This single-event structure means audiences will see the performances and learn the results on the same night, creating a more immediate and high-stakes viewing experience.
Klum is a familiar face to AGT viewers. She has served as a judge on the franchise for more than a decade, appearing across more than 10 seasons and nearly 250 episodes since her start in 2011 with Season 8. In addition to the main series, she has judged spin-offs and special formats such as AGT: Fantasy Leagues, AGT: All-Stars and AGT: The Champions. Her experience and on-camera presence make her a natural fit to step in on short notice and contribute to the panel alongside fellow judges Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara and Mel B.
Fans can expect the usual mix of variety acts — singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and novelty performers — each delivering high-stakes performances in hopes of securing a place in the Top 16. The condensed format raises the emotional intensity: acts perform live knowing that voting will be open immediately after their slots, and viewers will receive instant updates when the results hour begins.
From a production standpoint, combining performance and results into one night streamlines the quarterfinal round, giving audiences a single appointment-style event. For viewers, this format demands attention during the performance window; voting after the first two hours will not count because the third hour is reserved to reveal who advances.
Heidi Klum’s return also carries sentimental weight for long-time viewers. As a judge who has seen a broad cross-section of talent through multiple seasons and special editions, she understands the pressures the contestants face and brings a mix of encouragement and critique. Her presence helps maintain continuity on the panel while Cowell recuperates, ensuring the judging dynamic remains both credible and entertaining.
In summary: tune in on September 8, 2026, for a three-hour America’s Got Talent quarterfinal that will feature live acts in the first two hours, live voting during that window, and a results-only third hour. By the end of the program the full Top 16 will be announced, and Heidi Klum will be back at the judges’ table filling in for Simon Cowell as the competition moves forward.