Germany's Next Topmodel 2025 has officially kicked off its 20th season, bringing with it both excitement and controversy as male models take center stage.
With the show's new format featuring dedicated episodes for male contestants, viewers can expect fresh dynamics as the male competitors strut their stuff on Wednesday nights, leaving Thursdays exclusively for the female models. This switch is part of the celebration for the show's 20th anniversary and highlights Heidi Klum's continued commitment to diversifying the modeling industry.
The first episode of the male-focused segment aired on February 19, 2025, boasting hundreds of applicants from which only the most promising male models were selected to compete for the coveted title of "Germany's Next Topmodel". Following rigorous screenings, about 100 candidates were whittled down to 25, showcasing the diversity Klum aims to highlight this season.
Among contestants, age diversity is notable, with the youngest model being 18-year-old Moritz from Berlin and the oldest participant, 68-year-old Josef from Pfreimd. This aligns with Klum's vision of beauty transcending traditional boundaries.
The competition has gotten fierce, focusing on displaying unique styles for the fashion audience; some contestants, like Felix S., known for his eye-catching bright hair, have quickly gained traction along with attention thanks to their unique personalities.
Due to the split format, episodes are now filled with rich commentary and feedback from guest judges. For the male contestants, fashion industry veteran Eva Herzigová joined Klum, providing insights and critiques throughout the season. Herzigová's presence adds prestige and depth to the judging panel, as she emphasizes the importance of adaptability and charm on stage for the male competitors.
This week’s episode, which aired on February 26, 2025, served as the first official fashion show for the male contestants, where designs from the iconic brand Karl Lagerfeld were featured. The stakes were high as models fought for spots to progress within the competition. Herzigová and Klum’s critiques were as sharp as ever, igniting lively discussions among viewers.
"I had done previous work with Karl Lagerfeld, so I have very specific insights about what works on the runway," Herzigová commented during the episode. She shared her excitement not only to be part of the judging process but also about seeing new talents evolve through the show.
Despite the thrill, not all contestants were able to shine. Already, controversy has brewed over eliminations. For example, Marcel, who opened the Lagerfeld showcase, was unexpectedly sent home, leaving fans outraged on social media. Televised eliminations have always stirred conversations among viewers, and this season is proving to be no different.
Heidi Klum, reflecting on the nature of the competition, reassured contestants saying, "A departure from the show doesn't mean the end of your modeling career. Keep pushing forward!" Her words resonate strongly as aspirants face the cut-throat nature of the world of modeling.
Further emphasizing the season's diversity focus, Klum expressed her intention to incorporate plus-size and older models, encouraging the notion of beauty being subjective. Despite the goal to highlight various appearances, there have been concerns expressed about representation, with several hopefuls feeling overlooked.
Fans were also treated to glimpses of behind-the-scenes moments showcasing the camaraderie forming among the contestants. With budding friendships, the engaging dynamics have made for entertaining television, contrasting the typical cut-throat portrayals often associated with reality modeling shows.
For viewers wanting to catch up with the series, GNTM episodes are available for streaming through Joyn, with repeat airings scheduled on the network’s sister channel, Sixx. This flexibility allows fans to follow their favorite models and highlights from each episode even if they miss the initial broadcast.
Germany’s Next Topmodel continues to push boundaries and redefine modeling standards, cementing its status as a staple of modern German television. The mix of age, style, and diversity ensures its audience remains engaged as they await the battle between male and female contestants over the upcoming weeks.
Looking onward to future episodes, viewers can anticipate even more unexpected twists and turns, along with Klum’s iconic catchphrases. With the competition heating up, only time will reveal which aspiring models will succeed and who will be crowned top of their respective categories.