Final Sprint at Germany’s next Topmodel: Checking Out the Finalist Models
This Thursday is the big day: The grand finale of “Germany’s next Topmodel” is approaching (8:15 PM on ProSieben and Joyn). In the 20th and thus anniversary season of Heidi Klum’s (52) casting show, six models have qualified for the decision, two of whom will win. Three women and three men are competing for the coveted titles, the Harper’s Bazaar cover, and a prize money of 100,000 euros each.
The tension is palpable, as a “GNTM” finale has rarely been this evenly matched. However, a look at the previous jobs of the finalist models reveals some differences: While some candidates have already convinced multiple clients, others are just at the beginning of their modeling career.
Moritz Leads the Job Rankings
The undisputed leader in terms of jobs is Moritz with an impressive five bookings. The 19-year-old, as the youngest contestant, developed into the top favorite week by week and made the competition look old with his cool poses. Designer Christian Cowan even certified: “You look like a billion dollars. You could be booked for any fashion show.”
After graduating from school, he actually just wanted to “travel a bit” and could perfectly combine this wish with “GNTM”, as Moritz explained at a press event last Friday. He hadn’t given much thought to participating, just kept advancing, and now stands in the finale. Around 37,000 followers want to follow his journey on Instagram so far.
He’s approaching the finale “very relaxed” – and that’s how Moritz had acted throughout the episodes. Some might even say he was listless at times. He shocked designer Marina Hoermanseder, for instance, because he didn’t want to walk for her, and he also complained about various outfits. During interview week, he showed an unusually vulnerable side when he revealed that he was completely inexperienced when it comes to women.
Daniela Scores with Three Jobs
With three jobs, Daniela ranks second. The 20-year-old delivered week after week, convinced three out of four clients during casting week, and also impressed with her good mood. Due to her years of modeling experience, she quickly saw herself as a clear favorite – until she had to admit that the others had caught up with her. The obstacle walk then almost literally broke her neck: Daniela wanted to quit out of panic fear of injury and could barely be persuaded to stay.
She was also often labeled as lacking depth. Her over 70,000 Instagram followers apparently see it differently. This makes her clearly leading in terms of online fans among all finalists. Looking to the future, Daniela remains realistic. The teaching student wants to stick to her original plan even after “GNTM”: “English and German are my subjects. I’ve done some modeling on the side. And that all stays the same, I plan to continue combining both.”
Pierre Takes on a Complete Fresh Start
Pierre secured two jobs – and above all, he has won Heidi Klum’s heart, as he is probably her favorite candidate. With over 44,000 followers, he also leads among the male contestants on Instagram. The 22-year-old from Vienna has definitely used his chance for a complete fresh start in the show. “For me, this has been the best phase of my life so far”, the former bank clerk raved. Through “GNTM”, he discovered his great passion “and that’s modeling. I have since quit my job”.
Although he had no modeling experience, Pierre impressed Klum and company week after week with strong looks, professionalism, and above all enthusiasm and passion for the job. He became, for example, guest judge Hailey Hasselhoff’s male favorite.
Jannik Impresses as a Petit Model
Jannik has also secured two jobs. The 22-year-old was awarded best picture in several shoots and also shined on the runway, despite being considered a petite model at under 1.80 meters. This doesn’t affect his self-confidence though: Jannik wants to be a role model for others, showing that you don’t have to conform to stereotypical masculine behavior.
Not because of his height, but due to his undramatic nature, he somehow flew under the radar in the show – major airtime was lacking due to the absence of drama. Only when dancing did “Senorita Jannik” really come alive. Regarding the accusation that candidates are misrepresented on “GNTM”, he has a clear opinion: “If you’re unhappy with how you’re portrayed on TV, you need to look at yourself. Production can only work with what you give them. If you let yourself get annoyed, there will be annoying footage.” Around 35,000 Instagram followers agree with him.
Radical Makeover for Zoe
At the bottom of the job statistics are Zoe and Magdalena with one job each. And the two finalists have something else in common: they received the most radical makeovers of the season. Zoe got a pixie cut from Heidi Klum, while Magdalena had to trade her long brown hair for a black pageboy cut with an extra straight bangs.
“I think the hair helps me a lot in the industry. It makes you stand out”, Zoe is convinced today. “It has made me into a type, I’m no longer the nice girl next door”. The time at “GNTM” was “better than I had imagined. It’s the best thing I could have done for my personal journey.”
The 19-year-old scored points in the episodes with her confident manner and has gathered about 19,000 fans. In the show, Zoe consistently demonstrated her abilities on the runway and during shoots, often making it to the shortlist for jobs. In the villa, however, she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind to the other models.
Magdalena Loves Her New Look
Magdalena, who studied law before “GNTM”, is now also excited about her transformation: “At first, I obviously didn’t think I would ever say this, but now I’ve gotten so used to it and I love it.” She wants to combine her studies with modeling even after the show and has become “self-confident” through her time at “GNTM”.
Indeed, Magdalena often appeared shy and preferred not to get into conflicts with her fellow contestants, instead focusing on modeling. Although the 21-year-old had a panic attack during a height shooting, she was determined to go back up. With approximately 15,000 followers, she currently has the fewest fans online.
In the end, as always, Heidi Klum will decide between victory and defeat. Who will support her as guest judges in the grand finale of “Germany’s next Topmodel” and what else awaits the models – and the viewers – is not yet known.
