In the latest episode of "Germany's Next Topmodel", tensions among the male contestants were palpable as they faced a rigorous challenge and unexpected critiques from the judges.
Heidi Klum, 51, guided her hopefuls through a series of intense situations, kicking off with a visit to the Hofbräuhaus, where the contestants enjoyed a taste of Bavarian culture.
The light-hearted outing quickly turned competitive as the mood shifted when the male models, fresh from a demanding workout, were directed to participate in a Sedcard shooting with the merciless photographer Yu Tsai. Klum remarked, "There’s no time to shower; you’ll be sweating soon anyway” as she put them through their paces, using her training style that blends work with elements of showbiz.
Contestants Ethan, 19, and Keanu, 24, were particularly vocal about the uncomfortable task. Ethan lamented, "This feels like torture instead of collaboration,” expressing discomfort about having to shoot in a sweaty state. Keanu echoed these sentiments, complaining about their disheveled looks during the shoot.
During the shoot, Yu Tsai didn't hold back his opinions, criticizing 24-year-old Kevin for his lackluster expressions: "You look bored," he remarked dismissively. Tsai further chastised 25-year-old John by saying, "You keep giving me the same facial expression,” contributing to a high-stress atmosphere that left contestants feeling overwhelmed.
Heidi Klum also faced controversies during the episode, calling out 19-year-old Tim for being under the weather, questioning why he didn’t take better care of himself, and insisting that it’s the models’ responsibility to declare if they’re unfit to partake in a shoot. To balance the harsh environment, Klum praised a few of the models, including Ethan and Moritz, 19, who demonstrated formidable potential in the process.
Adding to the drama, Pierre, a bank clerk, stirred tensions when he accused Kevin of having "narcissistic traits" during a confrontation in the smoking area. Kevin dismissed this accusation, stating his behavior was only selfish, not narcissistic, leaving viewers wondering how the relationship between the two would unfold.
As the episode progressed, the contestants faced a unique Challenge involving a catwalk installed in a pool, where they donned bathing suits and boots to strut their stuff. Observing them were not only Klum but also famous guest judges Tom and Bill Kaulitz, who couldn’t help but inject humor into the serious proceedings.
Bill Kaulitz joked while observing the candidates, saying, "I find it funny that my brother Tom has such bad taste in men,” referencing his sibling's penchant for understated fashion. Amid the contest, he declared a crush on Samuel, a 23-year-old contestant, remarking, "I’ve kind of fallen for him; that was hot!”
Meanwhile, candidates struggled under the pressure to impress not just the judges but also the female contestants who viewed their performance from the sidelines. Some participants, like Nawin, 27, drew comparisons from Bill to his brother, making for memorable and light-hearted moments amidst the competition.
However, not everyone felt the excitement. Contestants Ryan, 22, John, and Felix, 30, received disappointing news as Klum decided they would not be joining the group for the next leg of the show, painful eliminations as the competition grows more intense.
As the contestants prepared to venture onward, Klum revealed that the next stop would be Los Angeles, heightening the stakes for those who remain. With the pressure mounting, who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short as they continue their grand journey in the world of modeling?
The twisting drama brought out both the competitive spirit and the raw emotions, leaving the audience brimming with anticipation for what will happen next in the byzantine world of "Germany's Next Topmodel".
