In spring 2025, Heidi Klum is back on the hunt for "Germany's Next Topmodel" as the iconic show celebrates its 20th anniversary. The competition, which airs on ProSieben, is more intense than ever, with contestants facing weekly challenges and eliminations that test their mettle in the fashion industry.
The 16th episode, aired on April 17, 2025, saw a blend of high-stakes challenges and emotional moments. This week, the contestants participated in a casting call for the jewelry brand Pandora, where they were tasked with sharing personal stories related to their chosen charms. Eva, a 26-year-old from Berlin, stood out by discussing the loss of her mother the previous year, ultimately winning the job for a nationwide campaign. As Annemarie Besenthal, Pandora's Head of Marketing, emphasized, they were looking for "an authentic personality" to represent the brand.
Creative Director Thomas Hayo returned as a guest juror, bringing his expertise and charisma to the episode. He announced an exciting twist: a road trip to the California desert for a unique photoshoot inspired by the film series "Mad Max." The models, divided into groups, had to navigate both the challenges of the desert environment and the demands of high-fashion photography.
During the road trip, the contestants stopped at a retro diner, where they faced a challenge that determined who would have to set up their own tents for the night. Eliob, Jannik, and Kevin excelled in this task, earning the privilege of having their tents prepared for them, while others struggled with the camping experience. "Camping is not really my thing," Pierre admitted, highlighting the varied comfort levels of the contestants.
The photoshoot featured the contestants styled in a post-apocalyptic theme, with vehicles from the "Mad Max" films adding to the dramatic flair. Star photographer Mario Schmolka captured the models in action, aiming to reflect the energy and grit of the desert setting. Heidi Klum's expectations were clear: "You need to see the fire in their eyes! My boys and girls must prove they can thrive in this apocalyptic world while looking fabulous!"
However, the competition proved too fierce for some. At the end of the episode, Faruk, Felix L., and Svenja were eliminated after failing to impress the judges with their performances. Faruk, who had previously been a favorite of Heidi Klum, faced disappointment as he packed his bags alongside his fellow contestants.
As the show progresses, the remaining contestants are now gearing up for the next challenges. Eleven female candidates remain in the running for the title of "Germany's Next Topmodel," including Aaliyah (22, Hamburg), Canel (26, Essen), Daniela (20, Stuttgart), Eva (26, Berlin), Josy (19, München), Katharina (24, Wien), Lisa (19, Freistadt, Austria), Magdalena (21, Wien), Xenia (26, Cuxhaven), and Zoe (19, Köln). On the male side, eight contestants continue to vie for the title: Eliob (29, Tokyo), Jannik (22, Bad Segeberg), Kevin (24, Wetzlar), Moritz (18, Berlin), Nawin (27, Freiburg), Pierre (22, Wien), Ray (30, Hamburg), and Samuel (23, Köln).
For fans who missed the latest episode, a repeat of episode 16 will air on Sixx on April 18, 2025, at 20:15 Uhr. The next episode is scheduled for April 24, 2025, promising more exciting challenges and emotional moments as the competition heats up.
As "Germany's Next Topmodel" reaches its 20th anniversary, the stakes are higher than ever, with both male and female models showcasing their talents in a bid for the coveted title. With celebrity guests and a thrilling format, this season is set to deliver unforgettable moments in the world of fashion.
