Heidi Klum, at 51, has evolved from a successful model to a global brand, significantly impacting television. She gained fame as the host and producer of ‘Project Runway’ and launched ‘Germany’s Next Topmodel’ in 2006. Klum also served as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ and explored various TV projects, including ‘Queen of Drags’ and ‘Making The Cut.’ Her versatility is showcased through guest appearances in shows like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Die Bergretter.’
Heidi Klum: From Supermodel to Global Icon
Heidi Klum, now 51, has transformed her career from a successful model to a prominent international brand, largely thanks to her extensive television presence. Known for her flagship German model competition ‘Germany’s Next Topmodel,’ which is set to celebrate its 20th season on ProSieben, Klum has also made significant strides in the American television landscape.
Klum’s journey in the television industry began in 1992 when she won the model contest ‘Model ’92’ at just 19 years old during Thomas Gottschalk’s late-night show. This victory paved the way for her global modeling career, and in 2004, she secured her first major television role.
‘Project Runway’: A Milestone in Reality TV
Heidi Klum became a household name through her role in the acclaimed TV series ‘Project Runway.’ This competition allowed budding designers to showcase their talent in runway shows before a panel of judges, all vying for a cash prize. The show aired on Bravo TV in the U.S. and on various channels in Germany, including The Biography Channel and VIVA. Klum was not just the host; she was also a producer and jury chair, contributing to the show’s success over its 16-season run. In recognition of her hosting skills, she received an Emmy Award in 2013.
As ‘Project Runway’ evolved, Klum remained an integral part of the show, with Tim Gunn as her co-judge. Although Karlie Kloss took over hosting duties in season 17 and Christian Siriano stepped into a mentoring role, Klum’s return for the 21st season has been eagerly anticipated. She expressed her excitement on Instagram, reminiscing about her journey with the show, referring to it as one of her “first babies.”
In 2006, Klum extended her television career with the launch of ‘Germany’s Next Topmodel,’ an adaptation of the U.S. version, ‘America’s Next Top Model.’ The show has continued to captivate audiences by showcasing aspiring models who compete in various challenges, culminating in a cover shoot and cash prize for the winner. Over the years, notable winners have emerged from the program, including Lena Gercke and Sara Nuru.
Expanding Her Reach: ‘America’s Got Talent’ and Beyond
In 2013, Klum joined the panel of judges on NBC’s talent competition ‘America’s Got Talent,’ which is based on the original British show ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ As the fourth juror, she evaluated a variety of talents, with winners receiving substantial cash prizes. Although she briefly left the show in 2019, Klum returned in 2020, only to exit again in 2025 due to scheduling conflicts.
Klum has also explored other TV ventures, including ‘Queen of Drags’ in 2019, where she, alongside her brother-in-law Bill Kaulitz and Conchita Wurst, sought to crown the most talented drag queen across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The show drew inspiration from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and crowned Yoncé Banks as the titleholder.
Additionally, in 2020, Klum reunited with Tim Gunn for ‘Making The Cut’ on Amazon Prime, where they scouted emerging global fashion talent. The series featured contestants vying for a chance to elevate their fashion brands on an international scale.
Heidi Klum’s versatility extends beyond reality TV; she has made guest appearances in popular series like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Desperate Housewives.’ Most recently, in 2023, she took on a guest role in the ZDF series ‘Die Bergretter,’ portraying an event manager who experiences a motorcycle accident while organizing a fashion show.