The 20th season of 'Germany's Next Topmodel' (GNTM) has kicked off with exciting changes and noteworthy contestants from various regions, ready to compete for the prestigious title under the watchful eye of Heidi Klum. This season marks a significant milestone as the competition not only includes female models but also invites male contestants, reflecting the growing demand for diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry.
Among the contestants, viewers will find Luca from Norderstedt and Jannik from Bad Segeberg, who are eager to make their mark. The new format has been introduced as part of the show's celebration of its 20th anniversary, leading to the inclusion of nearly 100 male models, adding fresh competition and dynamics to the established structure. The show aims to present male models embracing various looks—from traditional to unconventional, showcasing the spectrum of modern masculinity.
On the opening day, February 13, 2025, the female contestants will take the stage first with 100 aspiring models fighting for their chance to shine. Among them are Safia from Dortmund and Eileen from Bottrop, representing the Ruhr region, along with many others from North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Following this, on February 18, the male contestants, including Mark from Dortmund, will be introduced, giving each gender their own spotlight in the show.
Heidi Klum continues her role as host, fiercely selecting participants who will move on to the coveted model villa, along with her daughter Leni Klum acting as a guest judge during the first episodes. This intergenerational approach is expected to resonate well with viewers as it bridges the gap between new and familiar faces.
Further advancing the narrative of diversity, GNTM 2025 has been structured to feature roles for both genders distinctly, including dynamic tasks such as photoshoots, runway walks, and the ever-compelling challenge of transforming personal styles, particularly during dramatic makeover episodes. Klaas Heufer-Umlauf is also slated to join during one of the makeover challenges, bringing his expertise as trained hairstylist to assist the contestants.
Noteworthy, too, is the presence of famous figures from the fashion world joining the judging panel this season. Naomi Campbell, who has dominated the runway for years, is slated to help Klum evaluate contestants' performances, alongside other recognized personalities like Peter Dundas, Lena Gercke, and even the likes of acting legend Catherine Deneuve and style icon Twiggy. The diverse panel aims to provide holistic feedback, ensuring contestants receive multifaceted critiques to advance their modeling skills.
With each episode weekly now airing on both Tuesdays and Thursdays, fans of GNTM can expect more frequent engagements with their favorite contestants. This added frequency could bolster viewer engagement and significantly expand the fan base by catering to both traditional model enthusiasts and those intrigued by the new male models. The decision to split the showcase also allows for more dedicated storylines for each set of contestants, featuring their journeys and personal challenges.
Winning the competition this year doesn't merely involve gaining the title of 'Germany's Next Topmodel.' Both the male and female winners will be rewarded with modeling contracts worth 100,000 euros and will also grace the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. They will simultaneously represent the campaign titled 'Wir sind es uns wert' by L'Oréal Paris, ensuring their visibility within the industry.
Jonathan from Berlin, widely recognized from his reality television stints, and other exciting contestants like Ethan from Düsseldorf and Chris from Wipperfürth are part of this unique assembly showcasing talent from diverse regions. The importance of representing distinct backgrounds, sizes, and ages is central to this year's season, and the casting team seems to have succeeded incredibly well, with four contestants above the age of 40 competing alongside their younger peers.
With all these exciting transformations and occurrences within GNTM, the show's momentum is poised to be significant. The new strategy to actively promote diversity and gender inclusivity ensures it remains relevant and resonates with contemporary audiences, reflecting the shifting paradigms of the beauty and fashion industries.
The 20th season of GNTM looks to not only crown the next top model but also champion diversity and modern standards of beauty, making it one to watch closely as both genders compete not just for titles but for the representation of authenticity within the modeling world.