# Germany's Next Topmodel season 16

The sixteenth season of Germany's Next Topmodel aired on ProSieben in February to May 2021 under the catch phrase We are GNTM.
The winner of this season was 23-year-old Alex-Mariah Peter from Cologne, who is notably the first trans woman to win Germany's Next Topmodel. Her prizes include a cover and spread in the German edition of Harper's Bazaar, a €100,000 cash prize, and an Opel Mokka.
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the season was filmed under strict COVID-19 regulations like travel restrictions. As a result, the sixteenth season was the first and only season to be filmed entirely in Germany.

## Contestants

Ages stated are as of the beginning of the contest
| Contestant | Age | Hometown | Finish | Place |
| Franziska Bergander | 24 | Nürnberg | Episode 1 | 31-26 |
| Maria-Sophie Damiano | 19 | Konstanz | Episode 1 | 31-26 |
| Vanessa Gros | 21 | Munich | Episode 1 | 31-26 |
| Alexandra Reinke | 21 | Köln | Episode 1 | 31-26 |
| Samantha Herbst | 21 | Hamburg | Episode 1 | 31-26 |
| Lena Schreiber | 21 | Main-Spessart | Episode 1 | 31-26 |
| Ricarda Häschke | 21 | Pinneberg | Episode 2 | 25 (quit) |
| Anna-Maria 'Maria' Schimanski | 21 | Flensburg | Episode 2 | 24 |
| Sara Ullmann | 20 | Aichtal | Episode 3 | 23 (quit) |
| Nana Fofana | 19 | Hamburg | Episode 3 | 22 |
| Mira Folster | 19 | Bordesholm | Episode 4 | 21 (quit) |
| Sarah Ahrend | 22 | Kaiserslautern | Episode 4 | 20 |
| Amina Hotait | 21 | Berlin | Episode 5 | 19 |
| Miriam Rautert | 25 | Berlin | Episode 6 | 18 |
| Chanel Silberberg | 21 | Oer-Erkenschwick | Episode 7 | 17 |
| Jasmine Jüttner | 21 | Vienna, Austria | Episode 8 | 16 (quit) |
| Alysha Hübner | 19 | Berlin | Episode 8 | 15 |
| Linda Braunberger | 20 | Niederelbert | Episode 9 | 14 |
| Mareike Müller | 26 | Halle | Episode 9 | 13 |
| Romy Wolf | 19 | Zittau | Episode 10 | 12 (quit) |
| Larissa Onac | 22 | Achim | Episode 11 | 11 |
| Elisa Schattenberg | 20 | Dortmund | Episode 12 | 10 |
| Ana Martinovic | 20 | Neu-Ulm | Episode 13 | 9 |
| Angelina 'Luca' Vanak | 19 | Bitterfeld-Wolfen | Episode 14 | 8 |
| Liliana Maxwell | 21 | Rheda-Wiedenbrück | Episode 15 | 7 |
| Yasmin Boulaghmal | 19 | Braunschweig | Episode 16 | 6 |
| Ashley Amegan | 23 | Fürstenfeldbruck | Episode 16 | 5 (quit) |
| Romina Palm | 21 | Köln | Episode 17 | 4 |
| Soulin Omar | 20 | Hamburg | Episode 17 | 3 |
| Dascha Carriero | 21 | Solingen | Episode 17 | 2 |
| Alex-Mariah Peter | 23 | Köln | Episode 17 | 1 |

## Episode summaries

| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original release date |
| 229 | 1 | "High Fashion in Berlin" | 4 February 2021 (2021-02-04) |
| The new season starts with the arrival of the 31 finalists of Germany's Next Topmodel 2021 in Berlin, Germany. Host Heidi Klum immediately to move on in the hopes of becoming Germany's Next Top Model. This time they start with a Runway Show wearing dresses of designer Thierry Mugler. In the seasons before, Heidi selected out of the semifinalist the final cast after a runway show, but for this season the final cast to prove in a runway show as the first mission. Heidi takes 25 girls to the next round and let them move into a model loft. Eliminated: Alexandra Reinke, Franziska Bergander, Lena Schreiber, Maria-Sophie Damiano, Samantha Herbst & Vanessa Gros Special guests: Thierry Mugler ||||
| 230 | 2 | "Willkommen im Modelloft!" | 11 February 2021 (2021-02-11) |
| The girls moved in to their loft in Berlin. After that, Ricarda decided to quit the competition. Later that day, the girls had a catwalk training with host Heidi Klum. On the next day, the girls had their very first photoshoot. The girls did a promo shoot in groups of six plus opening credits with Heidi Klum. At elimination, the girls had a fashion show wearing Marina Hoermanseder gowns. Larissa and Maria landed in the bottom two. In the end, Maria was eliminated. Quit: Ricarda Häschke Bottom two: Larissa Onac & Maria Schimanski Eliminated: Maria Schimanski Featured photographer: Rankin Special guests: Marina Hoermanseder & Rankin ||||
| 231 | 3 | "Primaballerina" | 18 February 2021 (2021-02-18) |
| The week started with a ballet training for the girls. On the next day, the girls had their second big photoshoot in Berlin. Before the shoot, Sara decided to quit the competition. Quit: Sara Ullmann The girls had to shoot in pairs while portraying ballet dancers. The pairs seemed to have been decided based on the girls' performance at the training. Alex, Alysha, Amina, Ashley, Chanel, Elisa, Larissa, Linda, Luca, Romy and Soulin were the best in their pair and won immunity for the next elimination. They got to watch the other girls' live walk on TV. At elimination, the remaining eleven girls had to battle it out on the catwalk, which was nightmare-themed. In the end, Nana was eliminated. Immune: Alex-Mariah Peter, Alysha Hübner, Amina Hotait, Ashley Amegan, Chanel Silberberg, Elisa Schattenberg, Larissa Onac, Linda Braunberger, Luca Vanak, Romy Wolf & Soulin Omar Eliminated: Nana Fofana Featured photographer: Markus Schäfer Special guests: Nikeata Thompson ||||
| 232 | 4 | "Fashion Divas und Roller Girls" | 25 February 2021 (2021-02-25) |
| The week started with a roller skating training for the girls with Oumi Janta. On the next day, the girls had their next big photoshoot in Berlin. The girls had to shoot in front of a hotel, posing with dogs and portraying a luxurious woman. Ellen von Unwerth photographed them. At elimination, the girls had to walk nude while being covered in foam. Drama emerged especially from Amina and Ana. Before the catwalk, Mira decided to quit the competition. In the end, Sarah was eliminated. Mareike was also criticized for not showing enough seriousness. Soulin was selected to distribute the photos to all the girls who had made it to the next round. Quit: Mira Folster Eliminated: Sarah Ahrend Featured photographer: Ellen von Unwerth Special guests: Ellen von Unwerth & Oumi Janta ||||
| 233 | 5 | "Das große #GNTM-Umstyling!" | 4 March 2021 (2021-03-04) |
| The week started with the big makeover. Huge optical changes included Romina, Ana, Larissa and Mareike. At elimination, Heidi had prepared a "2 in 1" challenge: First, the girls had to walk in a fashion show in Christian Cowan's gowns and at the end of the runway, they had five seconds to pose for photographer Mato Johannik. In the end, Amina was eliminated. Eliminated: Amina Hotait Featured photographer: Mato Johannik Special guests: Christian Cowan ||||
| 234 | 6 | "Sedcard-Shooting" | 11 March 2021 (2021-03-11) |
| The week started with a winter wonderland inspired runway show. Jasmine and Linda especially struggled, with Linda even slipping on the runway. Surprisingly, Alex and Dascha were criticized as well, while others like Romina, Soulin or Elisa performed flawlessly. On the next day, Dascha, Liliana, Romina and Soulin were invited to a casting for Levi's, and Soulin was booked for the job. Later on, the girls had their sedcard photoshoot. After the shoot, Alysha, Ana, Ashley, Dascha, Elisa, Luca, Romy and Soulin got immunity for the following elimination and got to watch Heidi's decision from home. Jasmine, Liliana, Linda and Miriam landed in the bottom four. In the end, Miriam was eliminated. Booked for job: Soulin Omar Immune: Alysha Hübner, Ana Martinovic, Ashley Amegan, Dascha Carriero, Elisa Schattenberg, Luca Vanak, Romy Wolf & Soulin Omar Bottom four: Jasmine Jüttner, Liliana Maxwell, Linda Braunberger & Miriam Rautert Eliminated: Miriam Rautert Featured photographer / special guest: Christian Anwander ||||
| 235 | 7 | "Back to the 80's" | 18 March 2021 (2021-03-18) |
| The week started with an interview training with boulevard journalist Christian Düren. Many girls received criticism for the way they portrayed themselves on social media platforms or for how they behaved when talking to him. Düren chose Soulin and Dascha as the models who handled the situation very professionally. After that, the girls mastered in a press conference in front of real journalists. The next day, the girls participated in a video shoot shot by David Helmut, creating an 80's themed TV spot while posing as gymnasts and selling a product. At elimination, they walked in inflatable emoji costumes. Heidi chose Alex, Ana and Dascha as the ones having performed most flawlessly this week, while Ashley, Chanel and Mareike landed in the bottom three. In the end, Chanel was eliminated. Furthermore, Romina and Lina/Soulin received a headline from the press conference. Bottom three: Ashley Amegan, Chanel Silberberg & Mareike Müller Eliminated: Chanel Silberberg Featured director: David Helmut Special guests: Christian Düren, Stefanie Giesinger & Marcus Butler ||||
| 236 | 8 | "Strike A Pose!" | 25 March 2021 (2021-03-25) |
| The week started with a photoshoot. The girls had to pose in groups of four in a huge, rotating cube. The best girl in each group received a Flaconi box and coupon over 1,000€. Before the shoot, Jasmine decided to quit the competition due to health problems. She was replaced by Soulin in her initial group. Quit: Jasmine Jüttner The next day, the girls were taught a sexy dance routine on high heels by choreographer Sonia Bartucelli. At elimination, water was poured over them as an additional challenge. Heidi called Dascha the best of the day and noted that Elisa had also found her way to the top. In the end, Alysha was eliminated. Eliminated: Alysha Hübner Featured photographer: Pamela Hanson Special guests: Sonia Bartucelli & Valentina Sampaio ||||
| 237 | 9 | "And Action!" | 1 April 2021 (2021-04-01) |
| The week started with the girls being tasked to set up a ranking of their performances and personalities. The next day, they had another big photoshoot. The girls had to pose as fairies at a height of 122 meters. After the photoshoot, Linda was eliminated, because she couldn't overcome her fear of heights. Eliminated outside of judging panel: Linda Braunberger At elimination, they were challenged with absolving an action parcour elegantly. Luca and Mareike landed in the bottom two. In the end, Mareike was eliminated. Bottom two: Luca Vanak & Mareike Müller Eliminated: Mareike Müller Featured photographer: Rasmus Kaessmann Special guests: Jochen Schweizer, Katy Bähm & Rebecca Mir ||||
| 238 | 10 | "Berlin is Calling!" | 8 April 2021 (2021 -04-08) |
| The week started with a video shoot. The girls each had to act out the same scene with a different emotion (mad, sad, euphoric) with German comedian Otto Waalkes. Romy decided to quit the competition due to personal reasons. Elisa and Ashley did not persuade Heidi with their takes. Later, Ana, Ashley, Dascha, Elisa and Romina attended a casting for Opel, where Ashley was booked for the job. At elimination, the girls were transformed into Berlin night club dancers with fashion by designer Esther Perbrandt; they first danced to techno music and then delivered a cool walk. Every girl got to move on except for Elisa, who received some criticism, but was ultimately saved due to her excellent performance on the dancefloor and runway. Quit: Romy Wolf Booked for job: Ashley Amegan Eliminated: None Featured director: Reza Norifarahani Special guests: Esther Perbandt & Otto Waalkes ||||
| 239 | 11 | "Art Edition" | 15 April 2021 (2021-04-15) |
| The week started with a casting for Bauer; Ana was booked for the job. On the next day, the girls had their next photo shoot; they posed as artistic butterflies in an abandoned ruin in front of brightly painted wooden walls, being photographed by Kristian Schuller. Most girls performed well, although Heidi noted that Ashley, Larissa and Liliana had some issues with meeting Kristian's requirements. At elimination, the girls walked a Haute Couture catwalk dressed in costumes inspired by real art pieces after being briefed by Miss Fame. Heidi especially praised Soulin and Luca for their performances. Ashley and Larissa landed in the bottom two. In the end, Larissa was eliminated. Booked for job: Ana Martinovic Bottom two: Ashley Amegan & Larissa Onac Eliminated: Larissa Onac Featured photographer: Kristian Schuller Special guests: Miss Fame ||||
| 240 | 12 | "Casting Edition" | 22 April 2021 (2021-04-22) |
| This week started with an expression training with Thomas Hayo. This week, the girls had the chance to attend many different castings. Alex was booked for Galvan London, Dascha for Invisibobble, Liliana for InStyle and Soulin for Flaconi. Notably, Ashley and Luca did not receive any casting invitations. At the end of the week, all ten girls attended Kilian Kerner's casting, where he booked Dascha. Heidi and Thomas Hayo secretly observed the girls absolving Kerner's casting. After that, Elisa was eliminated. Booked for job: Alex-Mariah Peter, Dascha Carriero (2x), Liliana Maxwell & Soulin Omar Eliminated: Elisa Schattenberg Featured photographer: Thomas Hayo Special guests: Kilian Kerner ||||
| 241 | 13 | "Nacktshooting" | 29 April 2021 (2021-04-29) |
| This week started with a photoshoot. The girls had to style themselves, then pose nude and create a montage from three pictures. Many struggled, including Ana, Dascha, Liliana and Yasmin. The next day, Alex, Dascha, Romina and Soulin attended a casting for Dyson, where Romina was booked. At elimination, the girls walked a runway located twenty metres above the ground. Additionally, they had to reveal an outfit change midway through their performance. Surprisingly, guest Jochen Schweizer, who alongside season 15 winner Jacky Wruck briefed and supported the girls, booked Yasmin for a job. Ana, Dascha and Liliana landed in the bottom three; in the end, Ana was eliminated. Booked for job: Romina Palm & Yasmin Boulaghmal Bottom three: Ana Martinovic, Dascha Carriero & Liliana Maxwell Eliminated: Ana Martinovic Featured photographer: Markus Jans Special guests: Bill Kaulitz, Jacky Wruck, Jochen Schweizer & Tom Kaulitz ||||
| 242 | 14 | "It's Fashion Week!" | 6 May 2021 (2021-05-06) |
| This week the girls didn't have a photo or video shoot again. Instead, they attended to Berlin Fashion Week and again got the opportunity to prove their skills at many castings. Romina was booked for Eli by Elias Rumelis, Soulin was booked for Lala Berlin, Liliana for Nylon magazine and Dascha for Andmetics. At elimination, the girls walked in the cool and edgy About You fashion show with German female rapper Loredana. After the show, guest judge and season 1 winner Lena Gercke booked Alex for her label LeGer. Ashley and Luca landed in the bottom two; in the end, Luca was eliminated. Booked for job: Alex-Mariah Peter, Dascha Carriero, Liliana Maxwell, Romina Palm & Soulin Omar Bottom two: Ashley Amegan & Luca Vanak Eliminated: Luca Vanak Special guests: Kilian Kerner, Loredana & Lena Gercke ||||
| 243 | 15 | "Boys Edition" | 13 May 2021 (2021-05-13) |
| The week started with a dance lesson with dancers from the show Magic Mike Live. On the next day, the girls had their next big photoshoot. In a set made of pure ice, the top model contestants had to pose in the freezing cold with male models. Wolfgang Joop then invited all girls except Alex (who attended her job at Lena Gercke's label LeGer) to a casting where he booked Soulin. At elimination, the girls float as angels on the catwalk and then performed with the dancers from the Magic Mike Live crew. In the end, Liliana was eliminated. Booked for job: Soulin Omar Eliminated: Liliana Maxwell Featured photographer: Max Montgomery Special guests: Magic Mike Live crew & Wolfgang Joop ||||
| 244 | 16 | "Halbfinale" | 20 May 2021 (2021-05-20) |
| Only six girls are still in the running for the title of Germany's Next Top Model. This week, the girls had their most important photoshoot, the Harper's Bazaar cover-try. At elimination, the girls had their last fashion show before the final and the opportunity to express clearly why they belong in the final. In the end, Yasmin was eliminated plus Ashley decided to quit the competition - making Alex-Mariah, Dascha, Romina and Soulin the top four of the sixteenth season of Germany's Next Top Model 2021. Eliminated: Yasmin Boulaghmal Quit: Ashley Amegan Featured photographer: Marcin Tyszka Special guests: Alessandra Ambrosio & Kerstin Schneider ||||
| 245 | 17 | "Das große Finale" | 27 May 2021 (2021-05-27) |
| After an exciting time in the fashion world, the top four of the sixteenth season of Germany's Next Top Model face their last challenge. The girls first had to walk as superheroes. After that, Romina was eliminated. Then, the final three girls had to walk a second time, showcasing their vibrant and big personalities. After that, Soulin was eliminated. Next, the final two shot a music video live with Tokio Hotel and stand on stage with singer Zoe Wees. In the end, Alex-Mariah was declared the winner. Final four: Alex-Mariah Peter, Dascha Carriero, Romina Palm & Soulin Omar Bottom two: Dascha Carriero & Romina Palm Eliminated: Romina Palm Final three: Alex-Mariah Peter, Dascha Carriero & Soulin Omar Bottom two: Alex-Mariah Peter & Soulin Omar Eliminated: Soulin Omar Personality Award: Liliana Maxwell Final two: Alex-Mariah Peter & Dascha Carriero Germany's Next Topmodel: Alex-Mariah Peter Special guests: Nikeata Thompson, Tokio Hotel, VIZE & Zoe Wees ||||

## Summaries
### Results table

| Place | Model | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes |
| Place | Model | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| 1 | Alex-Mariah | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | WIN |
| 2 | Dascha | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | OUT |
| 3 | Soulin | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | |
| 4 | Romina | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | |
| 5 | Ashley | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | LOW | QUIT | | | |
| 6 | Yasmin | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | |
| 7 | Liliana | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | OUT | | | | |
| 8 | Luca | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | |
| 9 | Ana | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | |
| 10 | Elisa | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | |
| 11 | Larissa | SAFE | LOW | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | |
| 12 | Romy | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | QUIT | | | | | | | | | |
| 13 | Mareike | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | |
| 14 | Linda | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | |
| 15 | Alysha | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 16 | Jasmine | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | — | QUIT | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 17 | Chanel | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 18 | Miriam | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 19 | Amina | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 20 | Sarah | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 21 | Mira | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | QUIT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 22 | Nana | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 23 | Sara | SAFE | SAFE | QUIT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 24 | Maria | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 25 | Ricarda | SAFE | QUIT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 26-31 | Alexandra | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 26-31 | Franziska | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 26-31 | Lena | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 26-31 | Maria-Sophie | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 26-31 | Samantha | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 26-31 | Vanessa | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
    The contestant withdrew from the competition
    The contestant was eliminated
    The contestant was eliminated outside of the judging panel
    The contestant was in danger of elimination
    The contestant won the competition
* ↑ In Episode 2, Ricarda decided to quit the competition.
* ↑ In Episode 3, Sara decided to quit the competition.
* ↑ In Episode 4, Mira decided to quit the competition.
* ↑ In Episode 7, Jasmine was absent, because she felt sick, and was therefore taken to the hospital.
* ↑ In Episode 8, Jasmine decided to quit the competition.
* ↑ In episode 9, Linda was eliminated outside of judging panel after refusing to do the photoshoot.
* ↑ In Episode 10, Romy decided to quit the competition. Furthermore, no one was eliminated.
* ↑ In Episode 14, there was no photoshoot or video shoot besides the go-sees.
* ↑ In Episode 16, Ashley decided to quit the competition - making Alex, Dascha, Romina and Soulin the top 4.

### Photo shoot guide

* Episode 2 photo shoot and video shoot: Promo shoot in groups and opening credits with Heidi Klum
* Episode 3 photo shoot: Ballet dancers in pairs
* Episode 4 photo shoot: Luxurious women in front of a hotel with dogs
* Episode 5 photo shoot: Posing at the end of the runway in Christian Cowan gowns
* Episode 6 photo shoot: Sedcard
* Episode 7 video shoot: 80's themed TV spots
* Episode 8 photo shoot: Posing in a large, vertical, rotating square in groups of four
* Episode 9 photo shoot: Fairies at a height of 122 meters
* Episode 10 video shoot: Emotions with Otto Waalkes
* Episode 11 photo shoot: Artistic butterflies in an abandoned ruin
* Episode 12 photo shoot: Polaroid test shots
* Episode 13 photo shoot: Composite nude shots
* Episode 15 photo shoot: Ice queens with the Magic Mike Crew
* Episode 16 photo shoot: Harper's Bazaar cover-try
* Episode 17 music video: Behind Blue Eyes by Tokio Hotel & VIZE

## Controversies and criticism

Throughout the season, six contestants quit the competition, breaking the record for most voluntary exits in the history of Germany's Next Topmodel. Most of them stated that during filming, they were feeling mentally and physically exhausted.
Contestant Ashley Amegan stated that the production team had bullied her into changing her personality for the show. That's why she left the show even though she made it to the live finale.
In February 2023 Der Spiegel gives a glimpse into the notorious gag contracts that candidates have to sign in order to be able to take part in the Heidi Klum show. According to the Hamburg lawyer Jörg Nabert, these are "illegal gag contracts". The contract binds the women to an agency for two years. A regulation that, according to Nabert, is not customary in the industry. The participants also agree that the recordings "present them in a way that they don't like themselves". According to Der Spiegel, the contracts say: "The contributors are aware of any burdens that may result for them". If necessary, “substantive suggestions” would be made and enforced by the show management. Germany's Next Topmodel can thus stylize people like Tessa Bergmeier (Season 4) as "bitches" without them being able to defend themselves effectively afterwards. Heidi Klum's casting show goes further than similar formats with this practice.
In February 2023, the Berliner Zeitung published an article about the show with the headline: "Why isn't Germany's Next Topmodel actually canceled?"
In February 2023, the German InTouch wrote: "The willingness to use violence among girls is increasing. They form gangs, bully, hit. Heidi is also partly responsible for the fact that, at least on TV, such behavior should not lead to extra airtime..." The article goes on to say: "With Germany's Next Topmodel absolutely wrong values are conveyed. It gives the impression that bullying is a legitimate means of dealing with each other."
In February 2023, the former judge Peyman Armin criticized the show and Heidi Klum as well. He said: "It has become a pure self-portrayal by Heidi. Heidi comes first. Then Heidi and Heidi again. When Heidi Klum is in the foreground and takes care of the slapstick, for sensational shootings and catfights." Part of the episodes are therefore always scenes in which Heidi Klum would blaspheme with jurors about the contestants.
Also in February 2023, former judge Wolfgang Joop criticized the show and Heidi Klum again when he said he had no say in the decisions. "Heidi does that. Nobody can help there." Not even the producers were allowed to have a say, apart from the timing of the direction. Joop: "Then they say something like: 'Don't let her go yet, the boyfriend will come, that'll bring a lot of tears of joy, we'll take that with us.'" He added: "I wouldn't have been surprised if the show had been discontinued." Web.de headlined: "Why Heidi Klum's statement is dishonest". Annabelle (magazine) (Switzerland) headlined: "Heidi Klum, this justification went wrong". In an article, Puls24 (Austria) asked whether Heidi Klum practiced perpetrator-victim reversal and Gaslighting. Frankfurter Allgemeine headlined: "This woman only has dollar signs in her eyes" and also assumed that Heidi Klum was doing a perpetrator-victim reversal. BILD asked: "How evil is Heidi Klum really?".
In March 2023 former judge Peyman Armin apologized to Lijana Kaggwa for what she had to experience on Germany's Next Topmodel. He also apologized for being part of Germany's Next Topmodel and promised to never take part in the show again. All of this was broadcast in the format "13 questions" on ZDF.
In March 2023 BILD published the following message: "If the contestants get along too well, they will receive instructions from the crew to argue and produce beef." The participating contestants are also too young and inexperienced and cannot assess the extent of the show.
In April 2023, Heidi Klum said about everything that happens at Germany's Next Topmodel: "At the end of the day I'm the boss and I make the rules!"
In June 2023, the German TV broadcaster ZDF released a 70-minute investigative documentary about the machinations of the makers of Germany's Next Topmodel called "Pressure, hatred, manipulation: how sick does Germany's Next Topmodel make you?". For this documentary, around 50 former contestants, judges and members of the show's crew were interviewed, some anonymously. The makers of the documentary admitted that they are familiar with difficult investigations, but they have never experienced it before that so many people were afraid to talk about what happened as these former participants and employees of Germany's Next Topmodel. A crew member of the show who wished to remain anonymous is quoted as saying: "If you film a young woman from morning to night, you'll get every sectional image you want. So you can cut and tell what you want. A lot of things are cut together wildly. The jobs depend on it. It's about ratings." In addition, former contestants report how the show's editors deliberately foment manipulation, lies and discord among the contestants behind the scenes. The contestants are shielded from the outside world so they lose their nerve and argue. So 20 candidates have to sleep together in one room without contact to the outside world. The statements by Heidi Klum, the broadcasting TV station Pro7 and the production company are presented as hypocrisy. Pro7 is said to have earned 87 million euros with the Season 18, and Heidi Klum 10 million euros. The contestants receive no money. Germany's Next Topmodel has driven some contestants into depression and suicidal thoughts.