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 22-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 with 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 Schröder	19	Berlin		4
Olivia Hounkpati	22	Hamburg		3
Somajia Ali	21	Bielefeld		2
Vivien Blotzki	22	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] 29 models start their journey in Los Angeles. However, Heidi 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] They meet Heidi at a movie set and prepare for their first fashion show, where they walk for designer Peter Dundas. At panel, Heidi and guest judge Winnie Harlow watch the show and make decisions. Alina, Ana, Elisabeth, and Indira are the first models 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 remaining models move into their villa and face discussions about room-sharing. In duels, the models compete against each other, with winners of a pool shoot advancing automatically to the next round, shot by none other than Heidi Klum herself. Immune from elimination: 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 During the live walk, they must showcase the legendary jungle dress from Jennifer Lopez. Guest judge Elsa Hosk mentors them in a catwalk session before the walk. However, a thunderstorm postpones the beach walk until episode 9, resulting in no eliminations. Nonetheless, the 13 models who lost immunity during the photoshoot will participate in next week's shoot-out. Eliminated:None Featured photographer: Heidi Klum Special guests: Elsa Hosk
265	3	"Express Yourself"	2 March 2023 (2023-03-02)
The girls shoot a one-take introduction video directed by Rankin. After the shoot, Melissa and Slata are 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 This week's live walk theme features the four seasons on different difficult grounds, with the girls portraying different emotions in unusual outfits. Heidi participates in panel remotely due to testing positive for COVID-19, with Rankin being the only judge present. Juliette and Melina are sent home at panel. Eliminated: Melina Rath & Juliette Schulz Featured director/Special guest: Rankin
266	4	"Strike a pose!"	9 March 2023 (2023-03-09)
This week, the focus is on posing and transformation. Heidi and guest photographer Brian Bowen Smith challenge the girls to perform in an "Alice in Wonderland" themed photo shoot, with styling inspired by the mad hatter. The following day, Heidi and designer Yannik Zamboni provide catwalk training, emphasizing a masculine, fast, and confident walk. At elimination, the girls showcase Yannik's pieces at Los Angeles Union Station. Emilia, Eliz, and Zoey are ultimately eliminated for weak performances in both the photo shoot and the live 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 makeover week, and Heidi has some drastic changes in store for some of the models. Sarah decides to quit the competition after refusing her makeover. Quit: Sarah Benkhoff Following the makeovers, the models must present their new looks at a live walk where the runway transforms into a hair salon. Amidst the confusion, Anya, Coco, Elsa, Jülide, Katherine, Selma, and Tracy find themselves in the bottom seven. However, just before elimination, Tracy decides to quit the competition as well. With two girls quitting this week, Heidi decides to let all the remaining models advance but plans a shoot-out for the now bottom six girls in the 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 receiving makeovers, the models must embody confidence with their new looks in the sedcard shoot with photographer Vicky Lawton. Jülide is eliminated after the shoot. Shoot-out: Anya Elsner, Coco Clever, Elsa Latifaj, Jülide Beganovic, Katherine Markov & Selma Schröder Eliminated outside of judging panel: Jülide Beganovic Next, the first casting of the season pits the models against each other for a campaign job for the lingerie brand Intimissimi, with Ida landing the job. Booked for job: Ida Kulis At panel, season 6 contestant Rebecca Mir returns as a guest judge. The girls receive outfits representing different letters and must answer fashion-related questions while presenting confident walks and interesting poses. Elsa is eliminated for her lack of professionalism and boring facial expression. Eliminated: Elsa Latifaj Featured client:Intimissimi 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 the songs Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend and Material Girl 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)
This week, Heidi has arranged a special challenge for her wildcard models. Before officially joining the competition in Los Angeles, the six newcomers underwent intensive training in Munich with Thomas Hayo and Nikeata Thompson during a boot camp. This included shooting the sedcard and walking in lingerie and Yannik Zamboni's designs in front of the original Top 13. After the three challenges, Heidi decides to eliminate Charlene and Zuzel due to their lack of 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 coaches the new Top 17 in unusual walking styles. They showcase their unique walks in duels, with Ida, Leona, Mirella, Nicole, Nina, and Vivien ending up in the bottom six. Heidi then requests a final walk-off between Leona and Mirella, resulting in Leona's elimination. 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 remaining models face two challenging tasks: First, they must pose inside a giant toy machine for a photo shoot. Then, guest judge Nikeata Thompson trains them in three signature catwalk poses, which they must present at elimination at Huntington Beach. Mirella finds herself in the bottom for the second time, alongside Anya and Ina. Ultimately, Ina is eliminated due to her struggles both in the shoot and on the runway. 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 undergo interviews with Claudia von Brauchitsch, testing their professional skills, including their ability to handle difficult questions and topics. Cassy, Nicole, and Somajia are praised for performing the best. Challenge winners: Cassy Cassau, Nicole Reitbauer & Somajia Ali Season 16 winner Alex-Mariah Peter shares her experience during a coaching session on dealing with negative headlines and hateful comments, alongside psychologist Pia Kabitzsch. For the live walk, the models wear comic-themed outfits and must impress Heidi and guest judge Ashley Graham with a strong walk and poses that match speech bubbles beside the runway. Anna-Maria, Anya, and Mirella find themselves in the bottom three. Ultimately, Anya is eliminated, and the remaining models head to Berlin for a casting marathon. Booked for job: Selma Schröder Bottom three: Anna-Maria Fuhrmann, Anya Elsner & Mirella Janev Eliminated: Anya Elsner Featured client:Yeauty Special guest: Alex-Mariah Peter, Ashley Graham, Claudia von Brauchitsch & Pia Kabitzsch
273	11	"Casting-Marathon in Berlin"	27 April 2023 (2023-04-27)
The models visit Berlin and have the opportunity to book runway jobs at fashion week by impressing designer Kilian Kerner. Nicole and Nina are later booked for his show. Olivia succeeds at a casting for Néonails and secures the job. While back in Los Angeles, Ida lands her second job with the handbag label Zoé Lu. Booked for job: Ida Kulis, Nicole Reitbauer, Nina Kablitz & Olivia Hounkpati At elimination, guest judges Kilian Kerner and Anna Dello Russo assess the girls' walks in a sea of balls. Cassy and Marielena are eliminated after landing in the bottom three with Maike. Bottom three: Cassy Cassau, Maike Nitsch & Marielena Aponte Eliminated: Cassy Cassau & Marielena Aponte Featured clients: Kilian Kerner, Néonail & Zoé Lu Special guest: Anna Dello Russo, Kilian Kerner & Martina Gleißeneibner Teskey
274	12	"Let's Rock!"	4 May 2023 (2023-05-04)
The models channel legendary songs from past decades for a photo shoot, with guest judge and this week's photographer, Thomas Hayo, overseeing the process, while Selma secures her second job for Emmi Caffé Latte. Booked for job: Selma Schröder During the live walk, the models showcase outfits by The Blonds to Rock'n'Roll music. In the end, Maike is eliminated. Eliminated: Maike Nitsch Featured client:Emmi Caffè Latte Featured photographer: Derek Kettela Special guest: Thomas Hayo
275	13	"Überraschung!"	13 May 2023 (2023-05-13)
The models receive a surprise visit from their loved ones at home, who then watch the contestants in action at the "rich girl" photo shoot in a luxurious penthouse with photographer Yu Tsai. The visitors from home also witness the live walk, where the girls must walk with expensive wedding gowns through the crowd with guest judge Sofia Vergara. Nina, Olivia, and Somajia land in the bottom three; ultimately, 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)
Kristian Schuller photographs the models in the middle of nowhere with giant balls and blowing fabric, but Olivia and Mirella struggle. Selma is flown to Cologne for her third job. Booked for job: Selma Schröder At the live walk, the girls model looks by designer Esther Perbandt in the middle of the desert. Katherine, Olivia, and Selma are at risk of elimination, with Mirella landing in the bottom for the fourth time. Olivia and Mirella end up in the bottom two, and ultimately, Mirella is eliminated for her overall weak performance this week. Bottom four: Katherine Markov, Mirella Janev, Olivia Hounkpati & Selma Schröder Eliminated: Mirella Janev Featured client:Peek & Cloppenburg Düsseldorf Featured photographer: Kristian Schuller Special guest: Esther Perbandt & Karolina Kurkova
277	15	"Viva Las Vegas"	25 May 2023 (2023-05-25)
The models' road trip concludes with a memorable party night in Las Vegas alongside Heidi. 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 moving truck. However, most of the walks do not work out, resulting in all models repeating their walks on the ground. Heidi receives help with her decision from season 9 winner Stefanie Giesinger. Ultimately, 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 highly anticipated Harper's Bazaar cover shoot is here, and everything must be perfect to impress Heidi and guest judge Kerstin Schneider. The shoot takes place in the desert, where Anna-Maria, Ida, and Olivia struggle, while Kerstin selects Somajia, Selma, and Vivien as the best performers. At elimination, the girls are transformed into drag queens at Vegas' famous Drag Brunch. Paired up, they must perform in front of a live audience, lip-sync, and deliver their best and most exaggerated walk. Olivia shines, while Nicole, Somajia, Anna-Maria, and Ida face challenges. Heidi decides 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 preceded by a one-hour special summarizing Heidi's life. Additionally, throughout the day, the three most memorable makeover episodes in the series' history will be replayed, starting from season 3 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 remaining models face two final photo shoots to prove themselves. First, they enter the challenging world of 'Cirque du Soleil' and pose at a dizzying height on a trapeze. Coco struggles, and Vivien falls into the water too early. In a new twist this year, the girls also shoot the Mac Cosmetics campaign, which is part of the winner's prizes. All the girls perform well. Guest judge Philipp Plein fits the girls for their final walk into the finale, with Elle Macpherson joining this week's panel. Once again, Coco struggles on the runway and is eliminated, leaving Nicole, Olivia, Selma, Somajia, and Vivien as 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)
In the live finale of Germany's Next Topmodel cycle 18, the top 5 contestants performed an opening routine with the Friedrichstadt-Palast ensemble and Leni Klum in Jean Paul Gaultier outfits. Nicole was eliminated first. The Top 4 had a quick change walk, and Selma was eliminated. The Top 3, were determined by a walk at a train station, with Olivia finishing third. Tracy received a wildcard for Season 19. Vivien won the title after a final walk with assistance from the Scorpions and the Friedrichstadt-Palast ensemble, wearing Marina Hoermanseder outfits. 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, Friedrichstadt-Palast ensemble, 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 [a]	3 [b]	4	5 [c]	6 [d]	7	8 [e]	9	10 [f]	11 [g]	12	13	14 [h]	15 [i]	16	17	18 [j]
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 elimination walk at 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 the 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 Tracy 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 the 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 the judging panel for their poor performance at bootcamp. Furthermore, only the wildcard contestants participated in the photo shoots.
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: Styling 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 (for wildcards only)
• 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 Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick 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