Heidi Klum and Seal's Relationship Timeline: A Look Back

Despite being known as one of the most romantic singer-songwriters of all time, Seal (born Henry Samuel) didn't catch the attention of supermodel and television host Heidi Klum with his love songs — at least not initially. In fact, some would call the former husband and wife's first meeting in 2004 a classic case of love (or perhaps more aptly, lust) at first sight. 

Still, there was much more to Klum and Seal's relationship than what meets the eye. Getting engaged, tying the knot in Mexico, renewing their vows, and raising their four children (Seal adopted Klum's eldest daughter, Leni, when she was 5 years old) were just a few events the timeless beauty and the "Kiss from a Rose" singer experienced together before filing for divorce in 2012. 

After finalizing their divorce in 2014, Klum began dating German musician Tom Kaulitz in 2018; the couple wed in 2019. Seal has been romantically linked to his former personal assistant, Laura Strayer, since 2021. 

Here's a look back at Heidi Klum and Seal's relationship.

2004: Heidi Klum and Seal first meet

Klum and Seal first laid eyes on each other in a New York City hotel lobby in 2004. The supermodel was sitting with a mutual friend when Seal walked through the door wearing tight-fitting bike shorts.

"He came in just from the gym, and I was sitting there, and I was, like, 'wow,'" she told Oprah Winfrey, according to People, during the TV host's "Superstar Couples" episode in 2007. "And I pretty much saw everything. The whole package."

Seal was also impressed by Klum and revealed that he was first attracted to the "kindness in her smile — that prompted me to feel that I hadn't seen anyone more beautiful," he told People in 2005.

2004: Heidi Klum and Seal are first spotted together

Five weeks after they met, the two went on their first date. However, the timing was less than ideal: Klum had just found out she was pregnant with daughter Leni, whose biological father is Italian businessman Flavio Briartore.

The America's Got Talent judge broke the news after they spent the night together. 

"I laughed and said, 'Already? That's amazing!' She said, 'Not with you stupid,'" Seal told The Mirror in 2008.

He continued, "There was a pause of about 10 seconds, and I said, 'It doesn't change the way I feel about you because the fact that you are here tells me that you think a lot about me.' "

People have said I was such a good person, so courageous," Seal added. "I honestly don't see it like that. I was the lucky one. We didn't have time for the usual pre-marital dance that couples get into. For the first time in my life, I had total clarity in a relationship, and I knew exactly what I had to do."

December 23, 2004: Heidi Klum and Seal get engaged

Throughout their relationship, the couple showed their affection with grand gestures. Seal set the bar high when he proposed to Klum in an igloo, per E! Online, which he had specially built for the occasion, on top of a "secluded natural glacier" in Canada two days before Christmas. From there, it was a competition of one-upmanship. Whenever Seal was away on tour or promoting a new album, Klum would pack love notes in his suitcase.

May 10, 2005: Heidi Klum and Seal get married

A year after Leni's arrival (born May 4, 2004), the pair, who were also expecting their first child together, sealed the deal during a low-key beach wedding ceremony in Mexico. Over the course of their marriage, Klum told The Sunday Times, as reported by People, that they orchestrated eight weddings (each with their own theme on their anniversary).

"It's so special to us, something we love and something our children have gotten accustomed to," Heidi previously told People of the tradition. "It's like, 'Hey, Mom and Dad love each other, and they get married every year!'"

The couple then welcomed three more children — sons Henry Günther Ademola Dashtu in 2005 and Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo in 2006, as well as daughter Lou Sulola in 2009, with Seal officially adopting Leni in 2009.

"It's everything, and it has always been like that from the day I met her mother," Seal told Entertainment Tonight of his connection with the teen model. "She was two weeks pregnant with this beautiful lady. We have always had that bond."

November 16, 2007: Heidi Klum and Seal perform a duet together

For the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the former Angel and her Grammy-winning husband performed their iconic duet "Wedding Day." Best of all? Not only were their voices in sync, but also their outfits. Klum wore a backless, purple sequined minidress, while Seal opted for a crystal-studded silver suit.

April 2012: Heidi Klum and Seal file for divorce

After announcing their separation in January 2012, Klum bid "Auf Wiedersehen" to Seal three months later and filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences — though it wasn't finalized until October 14, 2014, per CBS News.

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal, and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate," the pair said in a joint statement to People. "We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart."

The statement continued: "This is an amicable process, and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition. We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy."

Following their suprising split, Klum revealed that her marriage wasn't always blissful but refused to offer details about what went wrong. "People don't need to know who did what," she told Elle in March 2012. "I don't want to talk positive or negatively about the ups and downs that we had. Every couple goes through things." 

She added, "Unfortunately, we're in the public, so the highs are out there. But I don't think it's necessary for — especially for our children — to have the lows being printed in magazines and talked about."