Heidi Klum admits she was in awe of daughter Leni’s runway debut at Berlin Fashion Week

Heidi Klum admits that she was in awe of her 16-year-old daughter Leni as she made her long awaited runway debut during Berlin Fashion Week in January.

‘I’ve seen her walk in heels around the house, but never professionally,’ the 47-year-old explained to E! News on Wednesday, while promoting the upcoming season of America’s Got Talent.

‘It’s kind of different when all of a sudden you look at your child like that and you’re like, “Wow, who is this?”‘

Heidi told the outlet that Leni, whose full name is Helena, has been ‘begging [her] for years’ to let her delve into the modeling world. 

‘Her being 16, almost 17, I said, “fine,”‘ recalled Klum, which led to Leni opening Berlin Fashion Week. 

Leni has been frequently accompanying her mother in recent months as she hosts Germany’s Next Top Model.

The up and coming model also recently did a black-and-white photoshoot for Hunger Magazine, where she served as covergirl for the mag’s February covergirl.

In her blood: Heidi told the outlet that Leni, whose full name is Helena, has been ‘begging [her] for years’ to let her delve into the modeling world; Heidi and Leni on the cover of Vogue Germany’s January/February issue

The teenager’s impressive runway debut occurred just weeks after her and her mother appeared on the cover of Vogue Germany, which Heidi proudly shared with her Instagram following.

‘I am sure that an exciting time is waiting for you,’ wrote the America’s Got Talent judge, before reminding her daughter that ‘Vogue is the best way to start the career you dream of.

‘And even if it is a little difficult for me to let go of you into this world, I will always do everything so that you are happy and that your dreams come true. I am proud to be your mom!’ concluded Klum. 

Collaboration: The teenager’s impressive runway debut occurred just weeks after her and her mother appeared on the cover of Vogue Germany, which Heidi proudly shared with her Instagram following

Just the beginning: ‘I am sure that an exciting time is waiting for you,’ wrote the America’s Got Talent judge, before reminding her daughter that ‘Vogue is the best way to start the career you dream of

Klum, who started her modeling career in the early 90s, hit her stride in 1998 when she appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

She would then go on to become the first German model to be named a Victoria’s Secret Angel, which required her to walk the annual runways show for the popular lingerie brand.

Although Heidi biologically shares her stunning daughter with ex Flavio Briatore, Leni was adopted and raised by Heidi’s ex husband Seal.

Learning the ropes: Leni has been frequently accompanying her mother in recent months as she hosts Germany’s Next Top Model; Leni and Heidi pictured in 2020

Full house: Heidi and Seal, who were famously married from 2005 until their finalized divorce in 2014, welcomed three children during the span of their relationship: sons Henry, 15, Johan, 14, and 11-year-old daughter Lou

Heidi and Seal, who were famously married from 2005 until their finalized divorce in 2014, welcomed three children during the span of their relationship: sons Henry, 15, Johan, 14, and 11-year-old daughter Lou.

Klum is currently married to Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz, whom she tied the knot with in 2019.

It was recently announced that Heidi, as well as her fellow judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, and Howie Mandel, would be returning for season 16 of America’s Got Talent.

NBC also revealed on Tuesday that Terry Crews will be returning as the show’s host, with the Last Chance Audition happening Saturday, March 6.

Throwback: Klum, who started her modeling career in the early 90s, hit her stride in 1998 when she appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Quarantine partner: Klum is currently married to Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz, whom she tied the knot with in 2019; Klum and Kaulitz pictured

Those interested in the Last Chance Audition can go to AGTAuditions.com to sign up for a virtual audition slot for the show’s producers.

The best acts that are discovered during the Last Chance Audition will then move on to perform for the AGT judges.

The Season 16 premiere date will be announced at a later time, with most of the premieres in past years happening in the last week in May. 

AGT: It was recently announced that Heidi, as well as her fellow judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, and Howie Mandel, would be returning for season 16 of America’s Got Talent; Howie Mandel, Alesha Dixon, Terry Crews, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell pictured