Germany's Next Topmodel (season 18)

Germany's Next Topmodel
Season 18
Judges	Heidi Klum
No. of contestants	35
Winner	Vivien Blotzki
No. of episodes	19
Release
Original network	ProSieben
Original release	16 February (2023-02-16) – 15 June 2023 (2023-06-15)
Season chronology
← Previous Season 17 Next → Season 19
List of episodes

The eighteenth season of Germany's Next Topmodel ^[1] aired on ProSieben from February to June 2023.

The winner of this season was 23-year-old Vivien Blotzki from Münstermaifeld who is notably the first plus size model to win Germany's Next Topmodel. Her prizes include a cover and spread in the German edition of Harper's Bazaar, a €100,000 cash prize, and a campaign with MAC Cosmetics. ^[2]

The international destinations of this cycle are Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Ibiza.

This is the last season to ever have an all-female cast, before including male contestants, starting from the following season.

Contestants

Ages stated are as of the beginning of the contest ^[3]

Contestant	Age	Hometown	Finish	Place
Alina Enns	20	Oberding	Episode 1	35-32
Elisaveta 'Elisabeth' Schmidt	21	Grasbrunn
Indira Mölle	20	Niedere Börde
Ana Lea Feddersen	22	Ostrohe
Slata Schneider	19	Leipzig	Episode 3	31-30
Melissa Stoebke Carbonel	19	Düsseldorf
Melina Rath	18	Linz, Austria		29-28
Juliette Schulz	19	Bad Sobernheim
Emilia Steitz	19	Kelkheim im Taunus	Episode 4	27-25
Elizabeth 'Eliz' Steingraf	21	München
Zoey Saflekou	26	Kornwestheim
Sarah Benkhoff	20	Osnabrück	Episode 5	24 (quit)
Tracy Baumgarten	25	Essen		23 (quit)
Jenita 'Jülide' Beganovic	23	Paderborn	Episode 6	22
Elsa Latifaj	19	Baden, Austria		21
Lara Ellen Rollhaus	19	Aschbach, Austria	Episode 7	20
Zuzel Palacio Calunga	50	Kissing	Episode 8	19-18
Charlene Christian	52	Georgensgmünd
Leona Kastrati	19	Großheubach		17
Ina Aufenberg	44	Neuss	Episode 9	16
Anya Elsner	19	Berlin	Episode 10	15
Anna Celina 'Cassy' Cassau	23	Hamburg	Episode 11	14-13
Marielena Aponte	52	Frankfurt
Maike Lea Nitsch	23	Hanau	Episode 12	12
Nina Kablitz	22	Wetter (Ruhr)	Episode 13	11
Mirella Janev	20	Berlin	Episode 14	10
Katherine 'Katja' Markov	20	Flensburg	Episode 15	9
Frideriki 'Ida' Kulis	23	Köln	Episode 16	8-7
Anna-Maria Fuhrmann	24	Bochum
Coco Clever	20	München	Episode 17	6
Nicole Reitbauer	49	Offenbach am Main	Episode 18	5
Selma May Schröder	19	Berlin		4
Olivia Therese Hounkpati	22	Hamburg		3
Somajia Ali	21	Bielefeld		2
Vivien Blotzki	23	Münstermaifeld		1

Episode summaries

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original air date
263	1	"Welcome to Hollywood!"	16 February 2023 (2023-02-16)
The first 10 minutes of the episode, Heidi responds to the backlash the show has faced over the last few years. [4] She then informs the audience that this year, 35 contestants were invited to Los Angeles to participate in the show, however due to visa complications, 6 contestants will arrive later in the show. [5] At their first elimination challenge, the models are tasked to walk in a Peter Dundas fashion show. At panel Alina, Ana, Elisabeth and Indira are the first to be eliminated. Eliminated: Alina Enns, Ana Feddersen, Elisabeth Schmidt & Indira Mölle Special guests: Peter Dundas & Winnie Harlow
264	2	"Duell-Modus"	24 February 2023 (2023-02-24)
The models compete in duels against each other and whoever performs better at a pool shoot is automatically in the next round. Their first photographer is no other than Heidi Klum herself. At the live walk they then have to present the legendary jungle dress from Jennifer Lopez. Guest judge Elsa Hosk mentors them at a catwalk teaching before that. But due to a thunderstorm, the beach walk was postponed until episode 9, resulting in no one being eliminated. However, the 13 models who lost the immunity during the photoshoot are put into next week's shoot-out. Immune: Anna-Maria Fuhrmann, Anya Elsner, Coco Clever, Emilia Steitz, Ida Kulis, Jülide Beganovic, Juliette Schulz, Katherine Markov, Leona Kastrati, Sarah Benkhoff, Tracy Baumgarten & Zoey Saflekou Eliminated: None Featured photographer: Heidi Klum Special guests: Elsa Hosk
265	3	"Express Yourself"	2 March 2023 (2023-03-02)
In their first video shoot the models film their own individual introduction videos where it's all about coming out of their shells and showing their personality. After the shoot, Melissa and Slata were eliminated. Shoot-out: Cassy Cassau, Eliz Steingraf, Elsa Latifaj, Lara Rollhaus, Melina Rath, Melissa Stoebke Carbonel, Mirella Janev, Nina Kablitz, Olivia Hounkpati, Selma Schröder, Slata Schneider, Somajia Ali & Vivien Blotzki Eliminated outside of judging panel: Melissa Stoebke Carbonel & Slata Schneider At the live walk they then have to confidently walk through all four seasons within a few steps. Heidi is absent for the elimination walk due to having been tested positive for COVID-19 , but watches and judges from home. While Rankin assists this week as both video director and guest judge. In the end, Melina and Juliette were eliminated. Eliminated: Melina Rath & Juliette Schulz Featured director/Special guest: Rankin
266	4	"Strike a pose!"	9 March 2023 (2023-03-09)
This week is all about posing and transformation. At the photo shoot, Heidi and guest photographer Brian Bowen Smith expect the girls to perform in an "Alice in Wonderland" themed set, with their styling being all about the mad hatter from "Alice". The next day, Heidi and designer Yannik Zamboni visit the girls in the villa and have a catwalk training. Yannik requires a very masculine, fast and confident walk. At elimination day, the girls wear Yannik's pieces and present them at Los Angeles Union Station. In the end, Emilia, Eliz and Zoey are eliminated for performing weakly at both the photoshoot and the walk. Eliminated: Eliz Steingraf, Emilia Steitz & Zoey Saflekou Featured photographer: Brian Bowen Smith Special guest: Yannik Zamboni
267	5	"Das große GNTM Umstyling!"	16 March 2023 (2023-03-16)
It's makeovers day and Heidi has prepared drastic changes for some of the models. Sarah decided to quit the competition after refusing her makeover. Quit: Sarah Benkhoff Afterwards they have to present their new looks at the live walk when the runway transforms into a hair salon. Off with the hair dryers and on with the spotlights, it's showtime. A lot of confusion leads to Anya, Coco, Elsa, Jülide, Katherine, Selma and Tracy landing in the bottom seven. However, just before elimination, Tracy decides to quit the competition. Due to two girls having quit this week, Heidi lets all the remaining models advance, but puts the now bottom six girls in the shoot-out next week. Bottom seven: Anya Elsner, Coco Clever, Elsa Latifaj, Jülide Beganovic, Katherine Markov, Selma Schröder & Tracy Baumgarten Quit: Tracy Baumgarten Eliminated: None Special guests: Alessandra Ambrosio
268	6	"Sedcard-Shooting"	23 March 2023 (2023-03-23)
After having received makeovers the models have to embody confidence with their new looks in the sedcard shoot with photographer Vicky Lawton. After the shoot, Jülide was eliminated. Out of all the girls, Vivien performs best. Shoot-out: Anya Elsner, Coco Clever, Elsa Latifaj, Jülide Beganovic, Katherine Markov & Selma Schröder Eliminated outside of judging panel: Jülide Beganovic Afterwards, the first casting of the season makes them fight for a campaign job for the lingerie brand Intimissimi. Ida is booked for the job. At panel, season 6 contestant Rebecca Mir returns as a guest judge. The girls receive outfits which each demonstrate a letter and have to answer fashion-related questions while presenting a confident walk and interesting poses. Elsa is eliminated for her lack of professionalism and boring facial expression. Booked for job: Ida Kulis Eliminated: Elsa Latifaj Featured photographer: Vicky Lawton Special guests: Rebecca Mir
269	7	"Iconic!"	30 March 2023 (2023-03-30)
At the video shoot the models step into the iconic footsteps of Marilyn Monroe . They have to perform and dance to songs like Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend in front of the camera. As an additional challenge, after performing the choreography to the music, they have to improvise alongside the Elevator Boys. At the elimination walk, the girls present outfits by Christian Cowan and have to walk across LED squares. Coco and Lara land in the bottom two; in the end, Lara is eliminated. Bottom two: Coco Clever & Lara Rollhaus Eliminated: Lara Rollhaus Featured director: Lance Drake Special guests: Christian Cowan, Elevator Boys & Micky Kurz
270	8	"Surprise!"	6 April 2023 (2023-04-06)
Heidi has prepared a very special challenge for her models. Six models, including five best-agers, enter the competition. Before entering the competition in Los Angeles, the six newcomers received a special training in Munich with Thomas Hayo and Nikeata Thompson. However, Heidi puts the six newcomers through a bootcamp, which includes shooting the sedcard and walking in both lingerie and in Yannik Zamboni's designs in front of the original Top 15. After the three challenges, Heidi decides to eliminate Charlene and Zuzel because of them not showing enough versatility. Wildcard: Charlene Christian, Ina Aufenberg, Maike Nitsch, Marielena Aponte, Nicole Reitbauer & Zuzel Palacio Calunga Eliminated outside of judging panel: Charlene Christian & Zuzel Palacio Calunga Coco Rocha returns as a guest judge and practices unusual walking styles with the new Top 19. They each present their crazy walks in duels; Ida, Leona, Mirella, Nicole, Nina and Vivien land in the bottom six. Heidi then requests Leona and Mirella to have a final walk-off. Leona is eliminated. Bottom six: Ida Kulis, Leona Kastrati, Mirella Janev, Nicole Reitbauer, Nina Kablitz & Vivien Blotzki Walk-off: Leona Kastrati & Mirella Janev Eliminated: Leona Kastrati Featured photographers: Heidi Klum & Thomas Hayo Special guests: Coco Rocha & Nikeata Thompson
271	9	"Kuscheltier-Shooting"	13 April 2023 (2023-04-13)
The models get tested in two tough challenges this week: First, they have to pose in a giant toy machine for a photo shoot. Then, guest judge Nikeata Thompson teaches them in a catwalk training three signature poses which they have to present at elimination at Huntington Beach. Anya, Ina and Mirella landed in the bottom three; in the end, Ina is eliminated for her struggles at both shooting and walk. Bottom three: Anya Elsner, Ina Aufenberg & Mirella Janev Eliminated: Ina Aufenberg Featured photographer: Sheryl Nields Special guest: Nikeata Thompson
272	10	"Knallharte Interviews und Tränen"	20 April 2023 (2023-04-20)
The models get interviewed by Claudia von Brauchitsch who wants to test their professional skills like reacting to difficult questions and topics. She deems Cassy, Nicole and Somajia as those who performed best. Challenge winners: Cassy Cassau, Nicole Reitbauer & Somajia Ali Afterwards, Season 16 winner Alex-Mariah Peter brings in her own experience when she does a coaching about dealing with negative headlines and hateful comments alongside psychologist Pia Kabitzsch. For this week's live walk, the models are put into comic-themed outfits and have to convince Heidi and guest judge Ashley Graham with a strong walk and poses that have to match speech bubbles beside the runway. Anna-Maria, Anya and Mirella land in the bottom three. In the end, Anya is eliminated and the remaining models fly to Berlin to compete for more castings. Booked for job: Selma Schröder Bottom three: Anna-Maria Fuhrmann, Anya Elsner & Mirella Janev Eliminated: Anya Elsner Special guest: Alex-Mariah Peter, Ashley Graham, Claudia von Brauchitsch & Pia Kabitzsch
273	11	"Casting-Marathon in Berlin"	27 April 2023 (2023-04-27)
Casting-time! The models make a stop in Berlin and have the chance to book a runway job at fashion week if they impress designer Kilian Kerner. Nicole and Nina were later booked for his show. Olivia persuades at a casting for NÉONAILS and books this job. Back in L.A., Ida is booked by the handbag label ZOÉ LU for her second job. At elimination, guest judges Kilian Kerner and Anna Dello Russo judge the girls' walks in a sea of balls. Cassy and Marielena are eliminated after landing in the bottom three with Maike. Booked for job: Ida Kulis, Nicole Reitbauer, Nina Kablitz & Olivia Hounkpati Bottom three: Cassy Cassau, Maike Nitsch & Marielena Aponte Eliminated: Cassy Cassau & Marielena Aponte Special guest: Anna Dello Russo, Kilian Kerner & Martina Gleißeneibner Teskey
274	12	"Let's Rock!"	4 May 2023 (2023-05-04)
Turn up the music! The models portray legendary songs of past decades like "We are Family" or slip into the roles of the Beatles in order to get a good photo. Guest judge Thomas Hayo is present for the whole week. Selma is booked for her second job by Emmi Caffé Latte. At the live walk, the models present outfits by The Blonds to Rock'n'Roll music. Maike is eliminated. Booked for job: Selma Schröder Eliminated: Maike Nitsch Featured photographer: Derek Kettela Special guest: Thomas Hayo
275	13	"Überraschung!"	13 May 2023 (2023-05-13)
The models get a surprise visit from their loved ones at home who then get to watch the contestants in action at the "rich girl" photo shoot in a luxurious penthouse with photographer Yu Tsai. The visitors from home can also witness the live walk where the girls have to walk with expansive wedding gowns through the crowd. Nina, Olivia and Somajia land in the bottom three; in the end, Nina fails to make it into the top 10 and is eliminated. Bottom three: Nina Kablitz, Olivia Hounkpati & Somajia Ali Eliminated: Nina Kablitz Featured photographer: Yu Tsai Special guest: Angelina Jordan & Sofia Vergara
276	14	"Ab in die Wüste"	18 May 2023 (2023-05-18)
Welcome to the desert! Kristian Schuller shoots the models in the middle of nowhere with giant balls and blowing fabric. Olivia and Mirella struggle. Selma is flown to Cologne for her third job. At the live walk, the girls model looks by designer Esther Perbrandt in the middle of the desert. Katherine, Mirella, Olivia and Selma land in the bottom four, Olivia and Mirella even in the bottom two. In the end, Mirella is eliminated for her overall weak performance this week. Booked for job: Selma Schröder Bottom four: Katherine Markov, Mirella Janev, Olivia Hounkpati & Selma Schröder Eliminated: Mirella Janev Featured photographer: Kristian Schuller Special guest: Esther Perbandt & Karolina Kurkova
277	15	"Viva Las Vegas"	25 May 2023 (2023-05-25)
Vegas Baby! The road trip of the models ends with a memorable party night in Las Vegas alongside Heidi. Drama surges due to Coco, Selma and Katherine being underaged to attend a club in the United States. This week's shoot is an underwater shoot which proves especially challenging for Nicole, Katherine and Selma. At elimination, they have to deliver a live walk on the roof of a driving truck. Most of the walks do not work out which results into all models repeating their walks on the ground. Heidi receives help with her decision by her GNTM season 9 winner Stefanie Giesinger. In the end, they decide to eliminate Katherine. Bottom two: Katherine Markov & Selma Schröder Eliminated: Katherine Markov Featured photographer: Russell James Special guest: Stefanie Giesinger & Tiesto
278–279	16–17	"Happy Birthday Heidi Klum / Das Cover-Shooting für die Harper's Bazaar"	1 June 2023 (2023-06-01)
The Cover is yours! The important Harper's Bazaar cover shoot is here and everything has to be on point to convince Heidi and guest judge Kerstin Schneider. The cover shoot takes place in the desert. Anna-Maria, Ida and Olivia struggle, while Kerstin chooses Somajia, Selma and Vivien to have performed best. At elimination, the girls are transformed into drag queens at Vegas' famous Drag Brunch. In pairs, they have to perform in front of a live audience and lip-sync, as well as deliver their best and most exaggerated walk. Olivia performs best, while Nicole, Somajia, Anna-Maria and Ida struggle. Heidi therefore chooses to eliminate Anna-Maria and Ida. Meanwhile, all the other girls advance to the semi-finals. To celebrate Heidi's 50th birthday the episode will be preluded by a one-hour special that summarizes Heidi's life. And that's not enough: Throughout the day the three most memorable makeovers episodes in GNTM history will be repeated starting with Season 3, followed by Season 4 and ending with Season 11. Bottom three: Anna-Maria Fuhrmann, Ida Kulis & Nicole Reitbauer Eliminated: Anna-Maria Fuhrmann & Ida Kulis Featured photographer: Regan Cameron Special guest: DeJa Skye, Kahanna Montrese, Kerstin Schneider, Shannel & Yara Sofia
280	18	"Halbfinale"	8 June 2023 (2023-06-08)
The last few remaining models have a final photo shoot to prove themselves: They step into the challenging world of 'Cirque du Soleil' and have to pose at a dizzying height on a trapeze. Coco struggles and Vivien falls into the water way too early. New in this year: The girls already shoot the Mac Cosmetics campaign which is part of the prizes the winner gets. All girls perform well. Philipp Plein fits the girls for their final walk into the finale. Again, Coco struggles to perform on the runway and is eliminated, which makes Nicole, Olivia, Selma, Somajia and Vivien the five finalists. Bottom two: Coco Clever & Vivien Blotzki Eliminated: Coco Clever Featured photographer: Max Montgomery Special guest: Drew Elliott, Elle Macpherson & Philipp Plein
281	19	"Das große Finale"	15 June 2023 (2023-06-15)
Final five: Nicole Reitbauer, Olivia Hounkpati, Selma Schröder, Somajia Ali & Vivien Blotzki Eliminated: Nicole Reitbauer Final four: Olivia Hounkpati, Selma Schröder, Somajia Ali & Vivien Blotzki Bottom two: Selma Schröder & Vivien Blotzki Eliminated: Selma Schröder Season 19 wildcard: Tracy Baumgarten Final three: Olivia Hounkpati, Somajia Ali & Vivien Blotzki Bottom two: Olivia Hounkpati & Vivien Blotzki Eliminated: Olivia Hounkpati Final two: Somajia Ali & Vivien Blotzki Germany's Next Topmodel: Vivien Blotzki Special guests: Alex-Mariah Peter, Anita Schaller, Christian Cowan, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jennifer Lawrence, Kim Petras, Leni Klum, Lieselotte Reznicek, Lou-Anne Gleißeneibner Teskey, Loreen, Luca Lorenz, Luca Vanak, Majnoon, Martina Gleißeneibner Teskey, Nikeata Thompson, Noëlla Mbomba, Scorpions, Thomas Hayo, Vanessa Kunz, Vivien Sterk & Yannik Zamboni

Summaries

Results table

Place	Model	Episodes
		1	2 [lower-alpha 1]	3 [lower-alpha 2]	4	5 [lower-alpha 3]	6 [lower-alpha 4]	7	8 [lower-alpha 5]	9	10 [lower-alpha 6]	11 [lower-alpha 7]	12	13	14 [lower-alpha 8]	15 [lower-alpha 9]	16	17	18 [lower-alpha 10]
1	Vivien	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	LOW	LOW	WIN
2	Somajia	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
3	Olivia	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
4	Selma	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
5	Nicole	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	OUT
6	Coco	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	LOW	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
7-8	Anna-Maria	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
	Ida	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
9	Katherine	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	OUT
10	Mirella	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	LOW	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
11	Nina	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
12	Maike	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	OUT
13-14	Cassy	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
	Marielena	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
15	Anya	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	OUT
16	Ina	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	SAFE	OUT
17	Leona	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
18-19	Charlene	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	OUT
	Zuzel	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	OUT
20	Lara	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	OUT
21	Elsa	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	OUT
22	Jülide	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	LOW	OUT
23	Tracy	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	QUIT
24	Sarah	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	SAFE	QUIT
25-27	Eliz	SAFE	LOW	SAFE	OUT
	Emilia	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	OUT
	Zoey	SAFE	IMM	SAFE	OUT
28-29	Juliette	SAFE	IMM	OUT
	Melina	SAFE	LOW	OUT
30-31	Melissa	SAFE	LOW	OUT
	Slata	SAFE	LOW	OUT
32-35	Alina	OUT
	Ana	OUT
	Elisabeth	OUT
	Indira	OUT

  The contestant won best performance

  The contestant was immune from elimination

  The contestant withdrew from the competition

  The contestant was absent from panel but was declared safe

  The contestant was eliminated

  The contestant was eliminated outside of judging panel

  The contestant was in danger of elimination

  The contestant won the competition

1. In episode 2, no one was eliminated because of the main panel being canceled due to a thunderstorm. Nevertheless, the 13 models who lost immunity during the photoshoot were put into the shoot-out.
2. In episode 3, Melissa and Slata were eliminated outside of judging panel after losing the shoot-out.
3. In episode 5, Sarah refused her makeover and decided to quit the competition. Anya, Coco, Elsa, Jülide, Katherine, Selma and Tracy landed in the bottom seven but the latter model decided to quit the competition during panel. Nevertheless, the other six models were put into the shoot-out. Furthermore, there was no photoshoot or video shoot besides the makeovers.
4. In episode 6, Jülide was eliminated outside of judging panel after losing the shoot-out.
5. In episode 8, Charlene, Ina, Maike, Marielena, Nicole and Zuzel joined the competition. Charlene and Zuzel were eliminated outside of judging panel after performing poorly during bootcamp.
6. In episode 10, there was no photoshoot or video shoot besides the interview training.
7. In episode 11, there was no photoshoot or video shoot besides the go-sees.
8. In Episode 14, Somajia tested positive for COVID-19 and was put into quarantine. Therefore, she could not participate in this week's elimination walk at panel.
9. In Episode 15, Somajia was still in quarantine and could not participate in this week's photoshoot. She would eventually return from quarantine during panel.
10. In episode 11, there was no photoshoot or video shoot during the live finale.

Photo shoot guide

• Episode 2 photoshoot: Personal styling in beachwear in pairs
• Episode 3 video shoot: One-take self introduction videos
• Episode 4 photoshoot:Mad Hatter from Alice In Wonderland
• Episode 6 photoshoot: Sedcard
• Episode 7 video shoot: Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with the Elevator Boys
• Episode 8 photoshoots: Black and White test shots & Sedcard (wildcards)
• Episode 9 photoshoot: Posing in a giant toy machine for Skechers
• Episode 12 photoshoot: Portraying legendary songs of past decades in groups
• Episode 13 photoshoot: Rich girls in a luxurious penthouse
• Episode 14 photoshoot: Posing in the desert with colorful balls and fabric
• Episode 15 photoshoot: Underwater action on the streets of Las Vegas
• Episode 16 photo shoot: Harper's Bazaar cover-try
• Episode 17 photo shoots: Cirque du Soleil on a trapeze and MAC Cosmetics campaign

Controversies

In February 2023, at the beginning of the 18th season, Heidi Klum gave a 10-minute speech in which she denied all allegations against her and the show and blamed the candidates themselves. This was once again heavily criticized by both the viewers and the media across Germany. The Berliner Morgenpost wrote: "Everything is wrong, says Klum. She emphasized that 'everything is real' on her show. There is no text or storyline for the models. That's why it's not her fault if a young model feels misrepresented after the broadcast. 'We can only portray a person as they are,' philosophizes Klum. Whether this is true remains questionable. On the one hand, because a story can be cobbled together afterwards that doesn't have to have anything to do with reality. On the other hand, because in the show very young girls in absolutely exceptional and stressful situations meet experienced editors who know exactly what the viewers later want to see on television." ^[6] Die Welt called Heidi Klum's statement "bizarre". ^[7] Frankfurter Allgemeine called it a "Catwalk of Shame". ^[8] Web.de headlined: "Why Heidi Klum's statement is dishonest". ^[9] Annabelle (magazine) (Switzerland) headlined: "Heidi Klum, this justification went wrong". ^[10] In an article, Puls24 (Austria) asked whether Heidi Klum practiced perpetrator-victim reversal and Gaslighting. ^[11] Frankfurter Allgemeine headlined: "This woman only has dollar signs in her eyes" and also assumed that Heidi Klum was doing a perpetrator-victim reversal. ^[12] BILD asked: "How evil is Heidi Klum really?". ^[13]

In February 2023, Der Spiegel gives a glimpse into the notorious gag contracts that candidates have to sign in order to be able to take part in the Heidi Klum show. According to the Hamburg lawyer Jörg Nabert, these are "illegal gag contracts". The contract binds the women to an agency for two years. A regulation that, according to Nabert, is not customary in the industry. The participants also agree that the recordings "present them in a way that they don't like themselves". According to Der Spiegel, the contracts say: "The contributors are aware of any burdens that may result for them". If necessary, “substantive suggestions” would be made and enforced by the show management. Germany's Next Topmodel can thus stylize people like Tessa Bergmeier (Season 4) as "bitches" without them being able to defend themselves effectively afterwards. Heidi Klum's casting show goes further than similar formats with this practice. ^{[14] [15]}

In February 2023, the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung wrote that Germany's Next Topmodel is one of the worst trash TV programs on German television. And: "anyone who watches Heidi Klum is just as bad as she is." ^[16]

In February 2023, the German InTouch wrote: "The willingness to use violence among girls is increasing. They form gangs, bully, hit. Heidi is also partly responsible for the fact that, at least on TV, such behavior should not lead to extra airtime..." The article goes on to say: "With Germany’s Next Topmodel absolutely wrong values are conveyed. It gives the impression that bullying is a legitimate means of dealing with each other." ^[17]

In February 2023, the Berliner Zeitung published an article about the show with the headline: "Why isn't Germany’s Next Topmodel actually canceled?" ^[18]

In February 2023, the former judge Peyman Armin criticized the show and Heidi Klum as well. He said: "It has become a pure self-portrayal by Heidi. Heidi comes first. Then Heidi and Heidi again. When Heidi Klum is in the foreground and takes care of the slapstick, for sensational shootings and catfights." Part of the episodes are therefore always scenes in which Heidi Klum would blaspheme with jurors about the contestants. ^[19]

Also in February 2023, former judge Wolfgang Joop criticized the show and Heidi Klum again when he said he had no say in the decisions. "Heidi does that. Nobody can help there." Not even the producers were allowed to have a say, apart from the timing of the direction. Joop: "Then they say something like: 'Don't let her go yet, the boyfriend will come, that'll bring a lot of tears of joy, we'll take that with us.'" He added: "I wouldn't have been surprised if the show had been discontinued." ^[20]

In March 2023, former judge Peyman Armin apologized to Lijana Kaggwa for what she had experienced in Germany's Next Topmodel. He also apologized for being part of Germany's Next Topmodel and promised to never take part in the show again. All of this was broadcast in the format "13 questions" on ZDF. ^[21]

In March 2023, BILD published the following message: "If the contestants get along too well, they will receive instructions from the crew to argue and produce beef." The participating contestants are also too young and inexperienced and cannot assess the extent of the show. ^[22]

In April 2023, Heidi Klum said about everything that happens at Germany's Next Topmodel: "At the end of the day I'm the boss and I make the rules!" ^[23]

In April 2023, former contestant Lijana Kaggwa (from season 14) criticized the way broadcaster Pro7, the production company, and Heidi Klum dealt with 19-year old contestant Anya Elsner. She was presented in an exaggeratedly negative and very one-sided negative way in season 18 and subsequently received countless hateful comments on the Internet. Even some tabloid media such as Focus (German magazine), ^[24] Berliner Kurier ^[25] or DASDING ^[26] spread the hate and cyberbullying about the young contestant in a low-level and anti-social way. Lijana Kaggwa criticized the fact that Germany's Next Topmodel repeatedly produced cyberbullying and hatred by misrepresenting a young contestant and takes the risk of destroying a young woman's life for ratings. ^[27] A month earlier, viewers were horrified by the bullying of other season 18 contestants towards Anya Elsner. ^[28]

In April 2023, founder and CEO of one of the largest modeling agencies in Europe, MGM Models, Marco Sinervo, said that not a single one of the contestants from the 18th season has any chance as a model. He also said that Germany's Next Topmodel is shameful for the entire fashion industry. ^[29]

In April 2023, the well-known German influencer Kayla Shyx said about Germany's Next Topmodel: "Even if you're super self-confident, you can quickly lose that on the show. The girls who take part in it will never get rid of their trauma and are traumatized for years. In addition, the broadcaster always ensures that one or two participants are portrayed as the bad guys." Shyx sees three effects of the show: "Suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression.". According to a study by the "International Central Institute for Youth and Educational Television", a third of all girls surveyed with eating disorders named Germany's Next Topmodel as a trigger of it. Shyx also finds Heidi Klum problematic on the show and hopes the show will be cancelled. ^[30]

In May 2023, ninth placer Katherine Markov said that she was misrepresented on Germany's Next Topmodel. She is nowhere near as religious as shown on the show. ^[31]

Also in May 2023, 10th placer Mirella Janev said about Germany's Next Topmodel, that the show is not about modeling, but about cringe walks and shock value to get the ratings. "I don't know if it's because the viewership has lost its level or the production itself and to what extent that is mutually dependent, but I have the feeling that simply watching 'Germany's Next Top Model' over the time, the show has lost respect.", Janev added. In addition, she continued, if the contestants quarreled, the production would also fuel them. ^[32]

In June 2023, Berliner Zeitung headlined: "The finale of Germany's Next Topmodel is the most embarrassing show on German TV." ^[33]

In June 2023, the German TV broadcaster ZDF released a 70-minute investigative documentary about the machinations of the makers of Germany's Next Topmodel titled "Pressure, hatred, manipulation: How sick does Germany's Next Topmodel make you?". For this documentary, around 50 former contestants, judges, and members of the show's crew were interviewed, some anonymously. The makers of the documentary admitted that they are familiar with difficult investigations, but they have never experienced it before that so many people were afraid to talk about what happened as these former participants and employees of Germany's Next Topmodel. A crew member of the show who wished to remain anonymous is quoted as saying: "If you film a young woman from morning to night, you'll get every sectional image you want. So you can cut and tell what you want. A lot of things are cut together wildly. The jobs depend on it. It's about ratings." In addition, former contestants report how the show's editors deliberately foment manipulation, lies and discord among the contestants behind the scenes. The contestants are shielded from the outside world so they lose their nerve and argue. So 20 candidates have to sleep together in one room without contact to the outside world. The statements by Heidi Klum, the broadcasting TV station Pro7 and the production company are presented as hypocrisy. Pro7 is said to have earned 87 million euros with the Season 18, and Heidi Klum 10 million euros, while the contestants receive no money. Germany's Next Topmodel has driven some contestants into depression and suicidal thoughts. ^{[34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39]}

References

1. "Heute GNTM 2023 - Alles, was du wissen musst!". 30 March 2023.
2. "Von wegen Modelkarriere: GNTM-Siegerin bekommt 2023 keinen Vertrag mehr". 6 February 2023.
3. "Die Models der 18. Staffel stellen sich vor". 2023-02-20.
4. "Die Teilnehmerinnen ziehen in die Villa – und Heidi Klum ist entsetzt". Gala.de. 2023-02-21.
5. "Das sind die Kandidatinnen von Staffel 18". Südwest Presse. 2023-02-24.
6. "Neue Staffel GNTM: Heidi äußert sich zu Kritik an ihrer Show". 17 February 2023.
7. "GNTM 2023 - Heidi Klums skurrile Ansprache ans Publikum - WELT". 2 March 2023.
8. Benken, Marie von den. "GNTM 2023: Heidi Klums Catwalk of Shame hat wieder eröffnet!". Faz.net.
9. "Warum Heidi Klums Statement nicht ganz ehrlich ist". 17 February 2023.
10. "GNTM 2023: Heidi Klum, diese Rechtfertigung ging daneben". 17 February 2023.
11. "Vorwürfe gegen GNTM: Heidi Klum ist sich keiner Schuld bewusst".
12. Kaiser, Alfons. "Heidi Klum demütigt bei GNTM junge Mädchen und sieht sich als Opfer". Faz.net.
13. "Abrechnung bei GNTM: Wie böse ist Heidi wirklich?".
14. Backes, Laura; Gantenbrink, Nora; Hof, Elisa von; Padtberg, Carola; Rainer, Anton; Rützel, Anja (10 February 2023). "(S+) »Germany's Next Topmodel« mit Heidi Klum: Was ist dran an den Vorwürfen ehemaliger Kandidatinnen?". Der Spiegel.
15. ""Rechtswidrige Knebelverträge": So läuft es bei Heidi Klum und Germany's Next Topmodel wirklich hinter den Kulissen ab".
16. "GNTM 2023: Wer Heidi Klum zuschaut, ist genauso schlimm wie sie | NOZ". 13 February 2023.
17. "Heidi Klum: Schlimme Vorwürfe! Wird GNTM jetzt aus dem Programm geschmissen?". 11 February 2023.
18. ""Germany's Next Topmodel": Warum wird diese Show eigentlich nicht abgesetzt?". 12 February 2023.
19. "Peyman Amin über Heidi Klum: "Reine Selbstinszenierung" bei GNTM". 16 February 2023.
20. "GNTM 2023: Ex-Juror Wolfgang Joop lästert über Heidi Klum". 17 February 2023.
21. "GNTM | Nach Kritik: Überraschende Entschuldigung von Jury-Mitglied". 17 March 2023.
22. "Tracy schmeißt bei GNTM hin: So hart geht es in der Show wirklich zu".
23. ""Germany's Next Topmodel": "Am Ende des Tages bin ich der Boss und ich bestimme die Regeln!" - WELT". 15 April 2023.
24. https://www.focus.de/kultur/kino_tv/gntm-pannen-geburtstagskind-anya-ist-um-keine-ausrede-verlegen_id_189781502.html
25. "GNTM-Aufregung: Mufflige Anya kommt weiter und wird Twitter-Trend". 14 April 2023.
26. ""Germanys Next Topmodel": Warum Anya alle nervt". 14 April 2023.
27. "Ex-"GNTM"-Kandidatin nimmt Anya vehement in Schutz: "Ich bin stinksauer"".
28. "GNTM-Zuschauer entsetzt: Acht Models werfen Außenseiterin Anya aus dem Zimmer". 10 March 2023.
29. "Modelagent Marco Sinervo: Die GNTM-Kandidatinnen haben keine Chance als Model". 25 April 2023.
30. "Bei Köln-Besuch: Influencerin Kayla Shyx mit harter Kritik an "Germany's Next Topmodel"". 30 April 2023.
31. "Gar nicht so religiös: GNTM-Katherine falsch dargestellt?". 26 May 2023.
32. "Nach "GNTM"-Rauswurf: Transgender-Model Mirella schießt knallhart gegen Heidis Show".
33. "Heute ist GNTM-Finale 2023 mit Heidi Klum, die schlimmste Show im deutschen TV". 15 June 2023.
34. ""Druck, Hass, Manipulation" bei GNTM: Models packen über Klum-Show aus". 28 June 2023.
35. "Schwere Vorwürfe gegen GNTM? Neue Doku deckt über Heidi Klums Show auf!". 3 July 2023.
36. ""STRG _F» berichtet über "Druck, Hass, Manipulation" bei «GNTM"". 28 June 2023.
37. ""STRG_F": GNTM-Models packen über die Zustände hinter den Kulissen aus". 28 June 2023.
38. "Germany's Next Topmodel". 17 July 2023.
39. "Druck, Hass, Manipulation: Wie kaputt macht Germany's Next Topmodel? - STRG_F EPIC".

External links

• Official Website