In the twelfth episode of "Germany's Next Topmodel" (GNTM) 2025, the competition heated up as contestants faced intense challenges and emotional confrontations. This season marks a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years of the popular modeling show hosted by Heidi Klum, who continues to guide aspiring models through a series of demanding castings and runway walks.
This episode kicked off with a casting for the prestigious magazine "Esquire," where 15 male models, including Kevin (24) and Moritz (19), were eager to impress. Despite forgetting their portfolios, both managed to secure spots in the upcoming campaign alongside Jannik (22) and Ethan (19). Meanwhile, Samuel (23) was unable to attend due to health issues stemming from a past knife attack, which has left him with ongoing complications.
The drama escalated during the casting for "Approved" magazine, where a comment made by the magazine's deputy editor, Oliver Rauh, sparked controversy. Faruk (21), who had worked hard to lose weight and gain confidence, reacted strongly to Rauh's suggestion that he needed to be more self-assured and fit. "You have no respect!" Faruk exclaimed, feeling discriminated against. This confrontation led to a collective decision among the six selected models to boycott the job in solidarity with Faruk, although Kevin, Moritz, and Pierre eventually changed their minds and participated in the shoot.
Guest juror Elias Becker, a successful model and the son of tennis legend Boris Becker, offered advice to the contestants, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and kindness in the industry. He stated, "It's important to be friendly to everyone on set. That's what people will remember about you." However, the runway challenge that followed proved to be a test of skill and endurance as the models navigated a catwalk littered with fabric scraps while balancing heavy rolls of denim.
As the episode progressed, the tension mounted. The decision walk resulted in three of the contestants—Lian (21), Mattes (38), and Tim (19)—being eliminated after failing to impress the judges. "I was really looking forward to this GNTM life with the villa and the girls. Now I'm out, and it's really disappointing," Tim lamented as he prepared to leave.
Faruk's emotional journey and the solidarity shown by his fellow contestants highlighted the underlying themes of self-acceptance and respect within the competitive environment. Despite the initial boycott, the decision to participate in the shoot reflected the complex dynamics of the modeling world, where personal convictions often clash with professional obligations.
In the next episode, viewers can expect a shoot-out between Faruk and Alex (24), where the stakes will be higher than ever, as the weaker contestant will be sent home immediately. The remaining twelve contestants will also move into the Model-Villa, where they will meet female contestants, adding another layer of competition to the mix.
As the show continues to capture the hearts of viewers, it also raises important discussions about body image, discrimination, and the pressures faced by models in the industry. With the next episodes airing on Thursdays following March 27, 2025, fans are eager to see how the drama unfolds and who will ultimately be crowned Germany's Next Topmodel.
In summary, episode 12 was not just about the glitz and glamour of modeling but also about the real-life challenges and emotional struggles that come with it. As Heidi Klum often reminds the contestants, "A model without a job is no model." This week, the journey to self-discovery and resilience took center stage, proving that behind the façade of beauty lies a deeper narrative.
