# Germany's Next Topmodel season 17

The seventeenth season of Germany's Next Topmodel aired on ProSieben from February to May 2022.
The winner of this season was 18-year-old Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey from Klosterneuburg, Austria, who is notably the first model in Top Model history to compete against her mother. Her prizes include a cover and spread in the German edition of Harper's Bazaar, a €100,000 cash prize, and a campaign with MAC Cosmetics.
The international destinations of this cycle are Athens, Mykonos, Los Angeles and Ibiza. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, this season is filmed under strict COVID-19 regulations like travel restrictions. Nevertheless, this was the first cycle to film abroad since the fifteenth cycle since the previous cycle was filmed entirely in Germany.
This is the first season where the maximum age limit was removed, allowing contestants of all ages (lowest age limit still being 18) to enter the contest.
68-year-old Barbara Radtke is currently the oldest contestant to enter the entire Top Model franchise.

## Contestants

Ages stated are as of the beginning of the contest
| Contestant | Age | Hometown | Finish | Place |
| Emilie Clement | 19 | Tafers, Switzerland | Episode 1 | 31-29 |
| Meline Kermut | 20 | Bergisch Gladbach | Episode 1 | 31-29 |
| Pauline Schäfer | 18 | Schwerte | Episode 1 | 31-29 |
| Kim Bieder | 20 | Rheine | Episode 2 | 28-27 |
| Martha 'Wiebke' Schwartau | 22 | Berlin | Episode 2 | 28-27 |
| Kristina Ber | 20 | Lübeck | Episode 3 | 26-25 |
| Lisa-Marie Cordt | 22 | Hannover | Episode 3 | 26-25 |
| Lenara Klawitter | 24 | Lingen | Episode 4 | 24 (quit) |
| Kashmira Maduwege | 20 | Winnenden | Episode 4 | 23 |
| Laura Wende | 19 | Günzach | Episode 5 | 22 |
| Barbara Radtke | 68 | Handewitt | Episode 6 | 21-20 |
| Jasmin Jägers | 23 | Düsseldorf | Episode 6 | 21-20 |
| Julia Weinhäupl | 21 | Surberg | Episode 7 | 19-18 |
| Laura Bittner | 20 | Großenhain | Episode 7 | 19-18 |
| Jessica Adwubi | 23 | Berlin | Episode 8 | 17-16 |
| Paulina Stępowska | 32 | Berlin | Episode 8 | 17-16 |
| Annalotta Bönninger | 20 | Schwerte | Episode 9 | 15 |
| Viola Schierenbeck | 21 | Dublin, Republic of Ireland | Episode 10 | 14-13 |
| Inka Ferbert | 19 | Nierstein | Episode 10 | 14-13 |
| Amaya Baker | 18 | Böblingen | Episode 11 | 12 |
| Vanessa Lealia Kunz | 20 | Metzingen | Episode 12 | 11 |
| Sophie Dräger | 18 | Harsewinkel | Episode 13 | 10-9 |
| Juliana Stürmer | 24 | Berlin | Episode 13 | 10-9 |
| Lena Krüger | 20 | Teltow | Episode 14 | 8 |
| Vivien Sterk | 21 | Prien am Chiemsee | Episode 15 | 7 |
| Lieselotte Reznicek | 66 | Berlin | Episode 16 | 6 |
| Anita Schaller | 20 | Neustadt an der Donau | Episode 17 | 5 |
| Noëlla Mbomba | 24 | Berlin | Episode 17 | 4 |
| Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey | 50 | Klosterneuburg, Austria | Episode 17 | 3 |
| Luca Lorenz | 19 | Munich | Episode 17 | 2 |
| Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey | 18 | Klosterneuburg, Austria | Episode 17 | 1 |

## Episode summaries

| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original release date |
| 246 | 1 | "Auftakt in Athens" | 6 February 2022 (2022-02-06) |
| The new season starts with the arrival of the 31 finalists of Germany's Next Topmodel 2022 in Athens, Greece. Guest judge Kylie Minogue joins Heidi, in selecting who moves on in the hopes of becoming Germany's Next Top Model. Emilie, Meline and Pauline were eliminated at panel. The remainder of the girls were put through to next week where they were informed the competition will take place in Mykonos. Eliminated: Emilie Clement, Meline Kermut & Pauline Schäfer Special guests: Jasmin Erbas & Kylie Minogue ||||
| 247 | 2 | "Bootcamp Edition" | 10 February 2022 (2022-02-10) |
| Eat, sleep, model, repeat: The models are still at the beginning and have a lot to learn which is why they have to go through a bootcamp with a catwalk training by Heidi, a posing class with photographer and guest judge Yu Tsai, and a final judging to evaluate their progress. Immune from elimination: Amaya Baker, Anita Schaller, Luca Lorenz, Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey, Paulina Stępowska & Vivien Sterk Bottom four: Kim Bieder, Kristina Ber, Sophie Dräger, & Wiebke Schwartau Eliminated: Kim Bieder & Wiebke Schwartau Featured photographer: Yu Tsai Special guests: Yu Tsai ||||
| 248 | 3 | "Promo Edition" | 17 February 2022 (2022-02-17) |
| Without any make-up the models have to convince with their natural beauty at a photo shoot for the promo campaign in groups. The ones that impress Heidi and photographer Rankin the most get rewarded with filming the opening together with Heidi the next day. Christian Cowan joins Heidi and Rankin at the panel as guest judge. Immune from elimination: Amaya Baker, Annalotta Bönninger, Barbara Radtke, Jessica Adwubi, Kashmira Maduwege, Lena Krüger, Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey, Luca Lorenz, Paulina Stępowska & Sophie Dräger Eliminated: Kristina Ber & Lisa-Marie Cordt Featured photographer & director: Rankin Special guests: Christian Cowan, Miguel Zarate, & Rankin ||||
| 249 | 4 | "Action Edition" | 24 February 2022 (2022-02-24) |
| In a video shoot, the models are catapulted from a car into the air at the push of a button. In the decision walk, model Jasmine Sanders takes her seat next to Heidi Klum as a guest juror. Quit: Lenara Klawitter Bottom two: Kashmira Maduwege & Laura Wende Eliminated: Kashmira Maduwege Featured director: David Helmut Special guests: Jasmine Sanders ||||
| 250 | 5 | "Casting Edition" | 3 March 2022 (2022-03-03) |
| Heidi makes her models ready for their first casting marathon before they head back to Athens to convince as many clients as possible in order to book their first jobs. A sensual live walk in lingerie then is their final time to impress as their journey in Greece comes to end. Booked for job & immune from elimination: Amaya Baker, Barbara Radtke, Juliana Stürmer, Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey, & Sophie Dräger Bottom Three: Julia Weinhäupl, Laura Wende & Paulina Stępowska Eliminated: Laura Wende Special guests: Jean Paul Gaultier ||||
| 251 | 6 | "Das große GNTM Umstyling!" | 10 March 2022 (2022-03-10) |
| After receiving makeovers the models have to present their new looks in a fashion show in front of the judges Heidi and GNTM 4 contestant Sarina Nowak with their walk being a photo shoot at the same time. Who can impress with the best poses at the end of the runway? Best performer: Amaya Baker, Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey, Viola Schierenbeck & Vivien Sterk Bottom five: Anita Schaller, Barbara Radtke, Jasmin Jägers, Jessica Adwubi & Julia Weinhäupl Eliminated: Barbara Radtke & Jasmin Jägers Featured photographer: Richard Hübner Special guests: Sarina Novak & Wendy Iles ||||
| 252 | 7 | "Sedcard-Shooting" | 17 March 2022 (2022-03-17) |
| While the sedcard shoot has a surprise waiting for those models that impress the most, they transform into dark vintage dolls for the live walk. Who can convince Heidi and guest judge Coco Rocha with the most extraordinary poses? Best performer: Inka Ferbert, Luca Lorenz & Vanessa Kunz Bottom three: Julia Weinhäupl, Laura Bittner & Viola Schierenbeck Eliminated: Julia Weinhäupl & Laura Bittner Featured photographer: Sheryl Nields Special guests: Coco Rocha (in-person) & Stefanie Giesinger (online) ||||
| 253 | 8 | "Social Media Edition" | 24 March 2022 (2022-03-24) |
| In a video shoot the models have to sell a product like they would on social media. Then they have to show in an interview situation how strong their talking skills are, before they get transformed into aliens for the live walk. Best performer: Anita Schaller, Luca Lorenz, & Noëlla Mbomba Bottom three: Jessica Adwubi, Lieselotte Reznicek & Paulina Stępowska Eliminated: Jessica Adwubi & Paulina Stępowska Featured director: Mario Schmolka Special guests: Claudia von Brauchitsch & The Blonds ||||
| 254 | 9 | "Fantasy Edition" | 31 March 2022 (2022-03-31) |
| Welcome to the fantasy edition! In groups of three, the models turn into stuffed toys and have to pose for the shoot in a height of 10 meters. Dressed as living tongues they then have to walk like they would come out of a huge mouth at panel. Nikeata Thompson will be the guest judge. Booked for job: Inka Ferbert, Juliana Stürmer & Noëlla Mbomba Best performers: Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey & Vivien Sterk Bottom two: Annalotta Bönninger & Lieselotte Reznicek Eliminated: Annalotta Bönninger Featured photographer: Marc Baptiste Special guests: Pabllo Vittar & Nikeata Thompson ||||
| 255 | 10 | "Castingmarathon in L.A." | 7 April 2022 (2022-04-07) |
| The models go on a casting marathon in Los Angeles and hope to be booked for one of the jobs. Guest judge Jeremy Scott has a special surprise for them: They will walk in his outfits for the live walk which will also be a photo shoot. Who can present his designs the best? Booked for job: Anita Schaller, Luca Lorenz, Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey, Noëlla Mbomba & Vivien Sterk Bottom four: Inka Ferbert, Lena Krüger, Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey & Viola Schierenbeck Eliminated: Inka Ferbert & Viola Schierenbeck Featured photographer: Vijat Mohindra Special guests: Jeremy Scott ||||
| 256 | 11 | "Bodypainting-Shooting" | 14 April 2022 (2022-04-14) |
| Covered in golden body paint the models have to prove they can shine with their poses too when they have to embody different times in a giant clock at the photo shoot. Guest judge Maye Musk then helps Heidi in deciding who impressed enough this week in order to advance into the next round. Booked for job: Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey Best performer: Vivien Sterk Bottom three: Amaya Baker, Anita Schaller & Sophie Dräger Eliminated: Amaya Baker Featured photographer: Brian Bowen Smith Special guests: Maye Musk & Soulin Omar ||||
| 257 | 12 | "Der Einzug in die Top 10" | 21 April 2022 (2022-04-21) |
| Confidence is key. Not every model is yet able to come out of themselves and radiate self-confidence. That's why Nikeata Thompson comes to the villa and teaches the models about self-confidence and self-love. The models can apply the new findings directly in the shoot - there they have to jump on a trampoline surrounded by glitter and look as elegant as possible. In the decision, designer Peter Dundas sits next to Heidi Klum. Bottom three: Anita Schaller, Noëlla Mbomba & Vanessa Kunz Eliminated: Vanessa Kunz Featured photographer: Yu Tsai Special guests: Nikeata Thompson & Peter Dundas ||||
| 258 | 13 | "Dream Edition" | 28 April 2022 (2022-04-28) |
| Acting talent is in demand this week. In the video shoot, the models reenact a visit to prison during the 1980s. Shooting partner and prisoner is none other than Hollywood star Brigitte Nielsen. During the shoot, the models have to present their self-imagined scene using a telephone receiver and react authentically to Brigitte's improv parts. Who is spontaneous and can thus collect plus points for the subsequent decision walk? Booked for job: Vivien Sterk Best performer: Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey Eliminated: Juliana Stürmer & Sophie Dräger Featured director: Lance Drake Special guests: Brigitte Nielsen & Kim Petras ||||
| 259 | 14 | "Sportsfest" | 5 May 2022 (2022-05-05) |
| It's duel week for the remaining models: At the casting it's all about their personalities and they have to each portray their own super power with an outfit and accessory. At the photo shoot they meanwhile have to convince with their fitness when they have to play a match of tennis in elegant gowns. Thomas Hayo assists as guest judge this week. Booked for job & best performer: Noëlla Mbomba Bottom three: Lena Krüger, Luca Lorenz & Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey Eliminated: Lena Krüger Featured photographer: Max Montgomery Special guests: Thomas Hayo ||||
| 260 | 15 | "Cover-shooting für die Harper’s Bazaar" | 12 May 2022 (2022-05-12) |
| Every pose, look and move has to be on point when the remaining models shoot the cover for Harper's Bazaar with a robot being their unexpected shooting partner. For the live walk they have to learn an energetic dance choreography and have to present it with confidence. Singer Ava Max helps Heidi as guest judge with the decision. Best performer: Lieselotte Reznicek, Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey & Luca Lorenz Eliminated: Vivien Sterk Featured photographer: Regan Cameron Special guests: Ava Max & Kerstin Schneider ||||
| 261 | 16 | "Skyline Shooting" | 19 May 2022 (2022-05-19) |
| The final photo shoot challenges the remaining models once more when they have to pose on a 5m-high swinging platform. Constant body tension and an expressive face are what's needed today. After that they also have to impress Heidi and her guest judge at the live walk as she has to make the difficult decision which models deserve to make it into the finale. Best performer: Anita Schaller Bottom two: Lieselotte Reznicek & Noëlla Mbomba Eliminated: Lieselotte Reznicek Featured photographer: Kristian Schuller Special guests: Leni Klum ||||
| 262 | 17 | "Das große Finale" | 26 May 2022 (2022-05-26) |
| In the live season finale of Germany's Next Topmodel cycle 17, Heidi performed the title song with the Top 21 models. Sophie assisted as backstage host and was eventually given this season's personality award. Designers provided outfits for the finalists. Anita and Noëlla were eliminated in fifth and fourth place, respectively. The Top 3 took a break while eliminated models highlighted diversity. The Top 2, Lou-Anne and Luca, had a final showdown with an upside-down walk, resulting in Lou-Anne winning and appearing on the Harper’s Bazaar cover, with Luca as the runner-up. Final five: Anita Schaller, Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey, Luca Lorenz, Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey and Noëlla Mbomba Bottom two: Anita Schaller and Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey Eliminated: Anita Schaller Final four: Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey, Luca Lorenz, Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey and Noëlla Mbomba Bottom two: Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey and Noëlla Mbomba Eliminated: Noëlla Mbomba Personality Award: Sophie Dräger Final three: Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey, Luca Lorenz and Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey Bottom two: Lou-Anne and Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey Eliminated: Martina Gleißenebner-Teskey Final two: Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey and Luca Lorenz Germany's Next Topmodel: Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey Featured photographer: Ellen von Unwerth Special guests: Alex-Mariah Peter, Dascha Carriero, Jeremy Scott, Julian Macdonald, Killian Kerner, Liliana Maxwell, Måneskin, Marina Hoermanseder, Nikeata Thompson, Romina Palm, Soulin Omar & Tom Kaulitz ||||

## Summaries
### Results table

| Place | Model | Episodes | 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 | 17 |
| 1 | Lou-Anne | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | IMM | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | WIN |
| 2 | Luca | SAFE | IMM | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT |
| 3 | Martina | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | LOW | OUT | |
| 4 | Noëlla | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | OUT | | |
| 5 | Anita | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | OUT | | | |
| 6 | Lieselotte | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | OUT | | | | |
| 7 | Vivien | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | |
| 8 | Lena | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | |
| 9-10 | Juliana | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | |
| 9-10 | Sophie | SAFE | LOW | IMM | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | |
| 11 | Vanessa | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | |
| 12 | Amaya | SAFE | IMM | IMM | SAFE | IMM | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | |
| 13-14 | Inka | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | — | HIGH | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | |
| 13-14 | Viola | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | HIGH | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | |
| 15 | Annalotta | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 16-17 | Jessica | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 16-17 | Paulina | SAFE | IMM | IMM | SAFE | LOW | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 18-19 | Julia | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | LOW | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 18-19 | Laura B. | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 20-21 | Barbara | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | SAFE | IMM | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 20-21 | Jasmin | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 22 | Laura W. | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | LOW | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 23 | Kashmira | SAFE | SAFE | IMM | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 24 | Lenara | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | QUIT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 25-26 | Kristina | SAFE | LOW | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 25-26 | Lisa-Marie | SAFE | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 27-28 | Kim | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 27-28 | Wiebke | SAFE | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 29-31 | Emilie | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 29-31 | Meline | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 29-31 | Pauline | OUT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
    The contestant won best performance
    The contestant was immune from elimination
    The contestant withdrew from the competition
    The contestant was eliminated
    The contestant was in danger of elimination
    The contestant won the competition
* ↑ In Episode 4, Lenara decided to quit the competition.
* ↑ In Episode 5, Amaya, Barbara, Juliana, Lou-Anne and Sophie were booked for the job and got immunity. Furthermore, there was no photoshoot or video shoot besides the go-sees.
* ↑ In Episode 6, Inka tested positive for COVID-19 and was put into quarantine. Therefore, she was absent in this week's episode.

### Photo shoot guide

* Episode 2 photo shoot: Tug of war in pairs
* Episode 3 photo shoot and video shoot: Promo shoot in groups + opening credits with Heidi Klum
* Episode 4 video shoot: Old timers while acting out an argument scene
* Episode 6 photo shoot: Posing at the runway in velvet catsuits
* Episode 7 photo shoot: Sedcard & yeswecan!cer 2022/2023 Calendar Campaign
* Episode 8 video shoot: Social media influencers selling a product
* Episode 9 photo shoot: Plush Couture in mid-air in groups
* Episode 10 photo shoot: Retro housewives dressed in Moschino
* Episode 11 photo shoot: Nude covered in gold body paint on a big clock
* Episode 12 photo shoot: Jumping on a trampoline in Los Angeles
* Episode 13 video shoot: Visitors in a jail phone booth with Brigitte Nielsen
* Episode 14 photo shoot: Playing tennis showcasing white fashion gowns
* Episode 15 photo shoot: Harper's Bazaar cover-try
* Episode 16 photo shoot: Posing in heights & couture dresses
* Episode 17 photo shoot: Jumping on a pink giant bed dressed in Moschino

## Controversies

Jasmin Jägers boycotted the live finale of season 17. Due to the bad experiences of former participants, she no longer wants to be associated with Germany's Next Topmodel.
During the live finale Heidi Klum said towards the criticism of the show: "Dear critics, unfortunately I have to disappoint you. We're going on as before." This was condemned in the strongest terms by both the German media and viewers and caused outrage in Germany. Der Spiegel headlined: "Final in Heidi's torture cellar". Stern (magazine) headlined "Stupid instead of diversity - how Heidi Klum doesn't want to change anything" and T-Online said: "The ego show of the GNTM deadbeat mom". The well-known German comedian Carolin Kebekus said "Germany's Next Topmodel made many great: eating disorders, self-loathing, cyberbullying" and "this year they went crazy for diversity because every woman has the right to be humiliated by Heidi Klum."
In August 2022 in the wake of allegations by former participants against Germany's Next Topmodel, the winner of the 14th season, Simone Kowalski, also spoke up as she said: "Top Model is very dangerous for today's and the previous generations! Many young women have mental trauma! Heidi says she's just being the hostess, but she has a responsibility to at least face the pain and trauma that has been inflicted on many girls!". Kowalski also teamed up with America's Next Top Model contestant Lisa D'Amato to talk about her traumatic experiences with Germany's Next Topmodel. She said during the interview, that Germany’s Next Topmodel made her sick: "They took everything from me, I almost lost my family, my friends, all my money. It was inhuman - they broke me mentally. I came on the show healthy and got sick." She also said that after the show she was forced against her will to work for Heidi Klum's father. To former contestants defending the show, she says: "Good for you, but not for everyone". In her opinion, Germany's Next Topmodel should be discontinued.
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 Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung wrote that Germany’s Next Topmodel is one of the worst trash TV programs on German television. And: "anyone who watches Heidi Klum is just as bad as she is."
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."
In February 2023 at the beginning of the 18th season, Heidi Klum gave a 10-minute speech in which she denied all allegations against her and the show and blamed the candidates themselves. This was once again heavily criticized by both the viewers and the media in Germany. The Berliner Morgenpost wrote: "Everything is wrong, says Klum. She emphasized that 'everything is real' on her show. There is no text or storyline for the models. That's why it's not her fault if a young model feels misrepresented after the broadcast. 'We can only portray a person as they are,' philosophizes Klum. Whether this is true remains questionable. On the one hand, because a story can be cobbled together afterwards that doesn't have to have anything to do with reality. On the other hand, because in the show very young girls in absolutely exceptional and stressful situations meet experienced editors who know exactly what the viewers later want to see on television." Die Welt called Heidi Klum's statement "bizarre". Frankfurter Allgemeine called it a "Catwalk of Shame". 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.