# Next Top Model (Romanian TV series) season 2

The second season of Next Top Model by Cătălin Botezatu premiered on 15 September 2011 at 20:20 on Antena 1. All of the judging panel members from the previous season returned for season two, with the exception of photographer Gabriel Hennessey. There were a few key changes this season. The prize package, a contract with MRA Models, was now valued at 70,000 euros compared to the previous 50,000. The age requirement was lowered from 16 to 14, but the other participation requirements remained otherwise unchanged.
Contestants had to measure over 170 cm, be aged between 14-25 at the time of applying for the show, and hold valid Romanian or Moldovan passports. Castings began on 5 May 2011 in the city of Ploiesti at the Winmarkt Grand Center, and continued in over 30 cities before concluding in Bucharest on 12 June 2011. There were over 8,000 applicants, of which only 100 were selected for the semifinal round.
The number of finalists was increased from 12 to 16 when the contestants were selected during the semifinals. Filming for the show took place during the bulk of the summer and fall of that year, mainly in Romania, though the contestants traveled to several different locations in Iceland, Turkey, and Tunisia throughout the season.
The winner of the competition was 14-year-old Laura Giurcanu from Bucharest. Giurcanu was the youngest winner and contestant to compete and win the series.

## Cast
### Contestants

(Ages stated are at start of contest)
| Contestant | Age | Height | Hometown | Finish | Place |
| Miruna Iovan | 16 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Bucharest | Episode 2 | 16–15 |
| Iasmina Balamat | 18 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Drobeta-Turnu Severin | Episode 2 | 16–15 |
| Mădălina Goian | 16 | 1.72 m (5 ft 7+1⁄2 in) | Bacău | Episode 3 | 14 |
| Cristina Chiriac | 17 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Tecuci | Episode 4 | 13 |
| Denisa Hîncu | 19 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Craiova | Episode 5 | 12 |
| Claudia-Gina 'Gina' Tănasie | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Sfântu Gheorghe | Episode 6 | 11 |
| Elena 'Simona' Din | 19 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Râmnicu Vâlcea | Episode 8 | 10–9 |
| Aida Becheanu | 18 | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | Târgovişte | Episode 8 | 10–9 |
| Florentina 'Flori' Ciupu | 20 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Bucharest | Episode 9 | 8 |
| Iulia Micloș | 21 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Onești | Episode 10 | 7 |
| Diana Trofin | 16 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Bacău | Episode 11 | 6 |
| Irina Batrac | 17 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Mangalia | Episode 12 | 5 |
| Karin Arz | 19 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Sibiu | Episode 14 | 4 |
| Sandra Ciubotariu | 17 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Bacău | Episode 15 | 3 |
| Iuliana Mînza | 21 | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) | Chișinău, Moldova | Episode 15 | 2 |
| Laura Giurcanu | 14 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Bucharest | Episode 15 | 1 |

### Judges

* Cătălin Botezatu - Host
* Laurent Tourette - Hair stylist
* Liviu Ionescu - MRA Models
* Mirela Vescan - Makeup artist

## Episodes

| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original release date |
| 13 | 1 | "Episode 1" | 15 September 2011 (2011-9-15) |
| Castings began throughout Romania in the search of the next batch of model hopefuls. Contestants from the previous season made guest appearances throughout to inspire the applicants on their way to the crown. The judges invited a select group of 100 semifinalists from the castings back to Bucharest for a final round of interviews, and chose the final fifteen contestants. The finalists moved into the Rin Grand Hotel and were met by a surprise last minute addition to the cast in Sandra, who'd been eliminated during earlier during the week but was invited back into the competition. Special guests: Laura Dumitru, Roxana Cristian, Mădălina Barbu, Emma Dumitrescu, Guido Dolci (Major Model Management) ||||
| 14 | 2 | "Episode 2" | 22 September 2011 (2011-9-22) |
| The models were taken to the salon for their makeovers, and later received a training on all things top model, beginning with a catwalk teach where they had to walk on an extremely narrow platform while maintaining their balance. For their weekly challenge, the contestants took part in a runway show for designer Mihai Albu, and ended their week by having their photographs taken for the season's promotional material and opening sequence. Iasmina fell ill on set and had to be rushed to the hospital. At judging, Aida received best picture. Flori, Iasmina, and Miruna landed in the bottom three, and Iasmina and Miruna were eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Dragoș Trăistaru Special guest: Mădălina Barbu ||||
| 15 | 3 | "Episode 3" | 29 September 2011 (2011-9-29) |
| The contestants received an unannounced visit from host Cătălin Botezatu, and were berated about their excessive consumption of alcohol at the hotel. They later had an acting lesson with Carmina and Gabriel Montescu. The week's photo shoot took inspiration from season 6 of America's Next Top Model, as the models had to pose nude with bald caps while covered in crystals. The models also had to participate in a funerary bridal wear runway show at a cemetery before heading into elimination. At judging, Gina received best picture. Flori and Mădălina landed in the bottom two, and Mădălina was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Mihai Stecu Special guest: Carmina Montescu, Gabriel Montescu ||||
| 16 | 4 | "Episode 4" | 6 October 2011 (2011-10-06) |
| The contestants were taken to Arsenal Park for a boot camp themed training, and took part in a military fashion show for the parks guests. Some of the models took issue with Irina's poor attitude, after which Cătălin attempted to smooth over the tensions of the group. For the week's photo shoot the models had to pose around the grounds of the park, taking inspiration from the numerous decommissioned vehicles and equipment for an army themed session. At judging, Laura received best picture. Cristina and Irina landed in the bottom two, and Cristina was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Oltin Dogaru ||||
| 17 | 5 | "Episode 5" | 13 October 2011 (2011-10-13) |
| The remaining twelve contestants were taken to the beauty salon and for a round of treatments to groom their hair, skin, and nails. They then traveled to the city of Reykjavik in Iceland, where they had a runway teach on the side of the road before promptly boarding a tour boat for an edgy icy photo shoot session wearing avant garde lingerie among the glacial landscapes as they battled against the frigid weather. They continued their stay with a sightseeing trip of Geysir Hot Springs, and later took part in a runway show for Iceland Fashion Week 2011 wearing designs by Bo Karter, Sushma Patel and Cătălin Botezatu. At judging, Irina received best picture. Denisa and Gina landed in the bottom two, and Denisa was eliminated from the competition. Special guest: Mădălina Valahe, Bo Karter, Sushma Patel ||||
| 18 | 6 | "Episode 6" | 20 October 2011 (2011-10-20) |
| The remaining eleven contestants were back in Romania for their next week in the competition, and were introduced to model Elena Baguci for some serious catwalk training in light of the disappointing performances of some of the previous episodes. Irina once again became the focus of conversation, as some of the other contestants began to voice their animosity towards her. The models traveled to the Danube Delta, where Iuliana and Flori played a very distasteful prank on Irina. For their challenge, the contestants were covered in body paint for an Avatar inspired role-playing exercise. They were later treated to a night out before ending their week by boarding a pontoon boat for a photo shoot on the riverbank where they had to pose with male models. At judging, Irina received best picture. Gina and Iulia landed in the bottom two, and Gina was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Ciprian Strugariu Special guest: Elena Baguci, Claudiu Palita ||||
| 19 | 7 | "Episode 7" | 27 October 2011 (2011-10-27) |
| The remaining ten models were flown to the Aqua Fantasy Aquapark Hotel & Spa in Turkey, for an opportunity to kick back and relax. For their challenge, they were gathered by the beach and made advertise a variety of common household products. Early the next morning the contestants traveled to the location of their next photo shoot, where they had to model metallic swimsuits on the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. They ended their week with a nymph goddess inspired runway presentation in a pond, after which Flori revealed some troubling information about her past. At judging, Karin received best picture. Flori, Iulia, and Simona landed in the bottom three, but were all allowed to remain in the competition for one more week. Featured photographer: Ciprian Strugariu Special guest: Sushma Patel ||||
| 20 | 8 | "Episode 8" | 3 November 2011 (2011-11-03) |
| The models began their week with an outdoor Bollywood dance and choreography lesson from designer Sushma Patel, and later had to put their knowledge to the test in a runway challenge on a boardwalk while fitted in her traditional designs, wearing colorful saris and jewels. For the week's photo shoot the contestants traveled to the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and had to pose as contemporary stylish philosophers among the temple ruins. At judging, Sandra received best picture. Aida, Iulia, and Simona landed in the bottom three, and Aida and Simona were eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Ciprian Strugariu Special guest: Sushma Patel ||||
| 21 | 9 | "Episode 9" | 10 November 2011 (2011-11-10) |
| The remaining eight models took a ballroom dance lesson from choreographer Iuno Band to prepare for an upcoming bridal runway show featuring gowns designed by Laura Olteanu. Later, they participated in a second runway show for the grand opening of the new Bamboo Club nightclub, showcasing their talents in front of an audience of over 6,000 guests. For their weekly photo shoot, the contestants posed as goddesses representing the four seasons while modeling flowing dresses at a wind farm. At judging, Karin received best picture. Flori and Iulia landed in the bottom two, and Flori was eliminated from the competition. Special guest: Iuno Band, Laura Olteanu ||||
| 22 | 10 | "Episode 10" | 17 November 2011 (2011-11-17) |
| The models traveled to Brașov, where they showcased designs by George Hojbota during an unconventional fashion show held at an insane asylum. Following the event, they enjoyed a day at the spa that included aromatic baths, massages, and various other treatments, before being taken to the town market to explore some of the local shopping delights. For their weekly photo shoot, the contestants were required to pose underwater among a variety of props. Despite receiving on-set scuba training, most models, with the exception of Karin, struggled to maintain grace underwater. At judging, Karin received best picture. Iulia and Iuliana landed in the bottom two, and Iulia was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Mihai Stetcu Special guest: George Hojbota ||||
| 23 | 11 | "Episode 11" | 24 November 2011 (2011-11-24) |
| The remaining six contestants were invited to a lavish dinner featuring an abundance of unhealthy foods as part of a lesson designed to test their nutrition habits. Dr. Nicoleta Mândrescu attended to offer advice and tips on improving their diets. Following this, the models participated in a denim campaign photo shoot session, where they were later presented with an assortment of buckets, each containing an unpleasant surprise that had to be incorporated into their ongoing shoot. Their week continued with a runway presentation inspired by Norse mythology, in which they dressed as woodland elves and fairies. For their final challenge, they showcased their skills in a runway show at the Maritimo Shopping Center. At judging, Karin received best picture. Diana and Iuliana landed in the bottom two, and Diana was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Sebastian Enache Special guest: Nicoleta Mândrescu, Oana Ciclovan ||||
| 24 | 12 | "Episode 12" | 1 December 2011 (2011-12-01) |
| The final three contestants were taken to the photo studio of photographer Marius Baragan to begin building their professional modeling portfolios. Afterward, they participated in a series of runway shows at Bucharest Fashion Week, performing alongside contestants from the previous season, including the winner, Emma Dumitrescu. Following the event, they attended the after-party before heading to their photo shoot, where they were assigned the task of portraying iconic Hollywood film actresses Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe. For their final challenge, the models arrived at the Sinaia Casino, where they reunited with some previously eliminated contestants for a choreographed couture fashion presentation inspired by the 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut. At the end of the night, Laura was declared the winner. Featured photographer: Marius Baragan, Valentin Călinescu Special guest: Anca Vasile, Inga Ojog, Mădălina Barbu, Emma Dumitrescu ||||

## Results

| Order | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode | Episode |
| Order | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 1 | Aida | Aida | Gina | Laura | Irina | Irina | Karin | Sandra | Karin | Karin | Karin | Karin | Iuliana | Laura | Laura |
| 2 | Flori | Laura | Diana | Iulia | Laura | Simona | Irina | Karin | Iuliana | Laura | Laura | Sandra | Sandra | Iuliana | Iuliana |
| 3 | Karin | Iuliana | Karin | Diana | Aida | Karin | Laura | Laura | Laura | Sandra | Irina | Laura | Karin Laura | Sandra | Sandra |
| 4 | Irina | Denisa | Aida | Iuliana | Karin | Laura | Aida | Irina | Irina | Irina | Sandra | Iuliana | Karin Laura | Karin | |
| 5 | Mădălina | Irina | Laura | Denisa | Sandra | Aida | Sandra | Iuliana | Sandra | Diana | Iuliana | Irina | | | |
| 6 | Miruna | Simona | Simona | Gina | Diana | Diana | Iuliana | Diana | Diana | Iuliana | Diana | | | | |
| 7 | Iasmina | Diana | Sandra | Karin | Simona | Flori | Diana | Flori | Iulia | Iulia | | | | | |
| 8 | Iulia | Cristina | Irina | Aida | Iulia | Sandra | Flori Iulia Simona | Iulia | Flori | | | | | | |
| 9 | Simona | Iulia | Cristina | Flori | Flori | Iuliana | Flori Iulia Simona | Aida Simona | | | | | | | |
| 10 | Denisa | Karin | Iulia | Sandra | Iuliana | Iulia | Flori Iulia Simona | Aida Simona | | | | | | | |
| 11 | Diana | Mădălina | Denisa | Simona | Gina | Gina | | | | | | | | | |
| 12 | Gina | Gina | Iuliana | Irina | Denisa | | | | | | | | | | |
| 13 | Cristina | Sandra | Flori | Cristina | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 14 | Laura | Flori | Mădălina | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 15 | Iuliana | Iasmina Miruna | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 16 | Sandra | Iasmina Miruna | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
    The contestant was a separate addition later added to the cast.
    The contestant was eliminated.
    The contestant was part of a non-elimination.
    The contestant won the competition.

## Post–Top Model careers

* Iasmina Balamat has taken a couple of test shots and modeled for Alexandra Calafeteanu. She retired from modeling in 2017.
* Miruna Iovan signed with MRA Models. She has taken a couple of test shots and walked the runway for Romanitza Fashion House. She has modeled for Roxana Porumbacu, Adrian Oianu, Mihaela Drafta, Ruslan Tatyanin, Henna Journey, and appeared on magazine editorials for All Hollow #4 Summer 2013, Glamour December 2013, După Afaceri Premium ZF April 2014. Iovan retired from modeling in 2019.
* Cristina Chiriac signed with MRA Models. She has taken a couple of test shots until retired from modeling in 2016.
* Gina Tănasie has taken a couple of test shots, modeled for Enjoy Prana by Diana, Etiquette Boutique, and walked the runway for several designers of Feeric Fashion Days 2015 such as Iulia Manciulea, Sarah Jessy Jones. She retired from modeling in 2017.
* Aida Becheanu signed with MRA Models, Mandaria Models, Heroes Model Management in New York City, Special Management in Milan, Kult Models in Hamburg, Scoop Models in Copenhagen, GFI Models in Shenzhen, Jill Models Management in Brussels, Sight Management Studio in Barcelona, Milk Management in London and Silent Models in Paris. She has walked the runway of Zeynep Tosun FW14, Matthew Miller SS15, Osman SS16, Diesel Black Gold SS16, Thomas Tait SS16, Edun SS16, Tory Burch SS16, Wanda Nylon SS16, Rodarte FW16, Ashley Williams FW16, Yigal Azrouel FW16, Simon Miller SS17, Christopher Kane SS20. She has appeared on many magazine cover and editorials including Elle March 2012, Glamour December 2012, Marie Claire Thailand January 2013, Harper's Bazaar China July 2015, L'Officiel México May 2016, Marie Claire France April 2017, Vogue China April 2019, Marie Claire Netherlands July 2019, Vogue Ukraine September 2019, Revue F/W 2019, Numéro Tokyo June 2020, Vogue Portugal July 2021. Becheanu has also modeled for Topshop, Hugo Boss, Christopher Kane, MAC Cosmetics, Charles & Keith, Stella McCartney, Christopher John Rogers, Urban Outfitters, Hillier Bartley, Charlie May, Les Girls Les Boys, DSM Jewellery, Justine Clenquet, Barbara Bui pre-Fall 2017, Pringle of Scotland S/S 2019, Vivienne Westwood A/W 2020, Carmen March S/S 2020.
* Simona Din signed with MRA Models, Ice Model Management in Istanbul, M&A Model Agency and Chicface Models in Shenzhen. She has taken a couple of test shots and walked the runway of Kinga Varga, Irina Schrotter, Stephan Pelger, Lena Criveanu, Cătălin Botezatu, Beijing Fashion Week 2015. She has appeared on magazine editorials for Make-Up, Luxury November 2011, The One December 2011, Unica December 2011, Tabu March 2012, Marie Claire May 2012, Femeia March 2013, Glamour February 2014, iMute #5 February 2014, Cosmopolitan October 2014, Beau Monde January 2016, Elle September 2019. Din has modeled for Pepsi, Bone Jewellery, Cezarina Boghinciuc Jewelry, India Bijoux, Fashion Days, Tex Romania Fall 2014, Lee Cooper S/S 2016, Modagram Turkey, Ciuc Radler, Honda Livo.
* Iulia Micloș signed with MRA Models. She has taken a couple of test shots and featured in magazine editorials for CSID January 2012, Luxury January 2012. She has modeled for Tina R S/S 2012, Azzara Fashion House, Ma Dame Stil, and walked the runway of Mengotti, Dorin Negrau A/W 2012. Micloș retired from modeling in 2014.
* Diana Trofin signed with MRA Models and was modeling in Milan. She retired from modeling in 2014.
* Irina Batrac signed with MRA Models. She has taken a couple of test shots and modeled for Carmen Emanuela Popa SS14, Meli Melo Paris PreSpring 2014, Corina Tudor Makeup, Karine Reptile Bracelet. She was featured in magazine editorials for British Vogue December 2013, Scorpio Jin US #9 January 2017, Estela US January 2017, Elléments US March 2017, Trend Privé US March 2017, Switch Italia April 2017, Stell Australia May 2017, One Coast Thailand May–June 2017. Batrac retired from modeling in 2020.
* Karin Arz signed with MRA Models. She has taken a couple of test shots and modeled for L'Oreal, Atelier Eugenia Enciu, Raluca Mihalceanu, Elena Perseil, Ersa Atelier, Meli Melo Paris, Avon, Maritimo Shopping Center, Beauty District Salon, Fashion Days, Matrix Essentials, Simona Semen. She has appeared on magazine cover and editorials for Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Cockaigne, Beau Monde Mirese, Hair Style, Sun Time #4 Winter 2011, Tabu February 2012, Look! March 2012, The One March 2012, Harper's Bazaar December 2012, Unica Beauty March 2013, Joy September 2013, Make-Up #4 June 2013, Marie Claire November 2013, Unica December 2014, Jute #21 May 2015. She retired from modeling in 2016.
* Sandra Ciubotariu signed with MRA Models. She has taken a couple of test shots and appeared on magazine editorials for Tabu, CSID. She has modeled and shooting campaigns for Sun Plaza Mall, Lidl, Resident Evil: Revelations, Iiana, Manurí Store, BeAware Mask, and walked the runway of Cătălin Botezatu Fall 2012, Sushma Patel, Elie Esper.
* Iuliana Mînza signed with MRA Models. She has taken a couple of test shots and walked the runway of Escada, Mihai Albu, Kinga Varga. She retired from modeling in 2014.
* Laura Giurcanu has collected her prizes and signed with MRA Models. She is also signed with Awesome Models in Shenzhen, MP Management in Paris and Major Model Management in New York City, Milan & Paris. She has walked the runway of Mirela Diaconu, Lashez, Daniela Gregis FW12, and modeled for About You, Coca-Cola, Silvia Serban, Rhea Costa, Sincolors by Andreea, PNK Casual, Diva Charms, Carmen Emanuela Popa SS13, Mirela Stelea SS13, Venera Arapu FW 14/15, Cristallini, Ümit Ünal Design, Malvensky Paris, Ena Stan Fashion, Lana Dumitru, Retro Future Babe, Penti Turkey. Giurcanu has appeared on magazine cover and editorials for Elle, Unica, Bravo Girl! #26 December 2011, Marie Claire April 2012, Noblesse Korea May 2012, Glamour June 2012, 1V1Y Turkey July 2012, Vogue Türkiye September 2012, Grazia Italia October 2012, Beau Monde November 2012, iMute #2 2013, Cosmopolitan April 2013, British Vogue April 2013, Tatler UK May 2013, Joy June 2013, The One August 2013, Miasto Kobiet Poland #1 2014, Șapte Seri February 2018, Șapte Seri Trends Summer 2019. Beside modeling, she appeared in the music video for Twenty Eight by The Weeknd and featuring on "Fanele" by Liviu Teodorescu & Dorian Popa, and as a contestant on Survivor România 2022.

## Controversy

Controversy arose surrounding 17-year-old contestant Irina Batrac early in the competition. The conflict began in the fourth episode when several contestants expressed concerns about Batrac’s perceived inconsiderate attitude. This led to a heated exchange involving 21-year-old Iuliana Mînza after the runway show, which required host Cătălin Botezatu to intervene. The situation escalated in episode 6 when Batrac became visibly distressed after Mînza and fellow contestant Flori Ciupu played pranks on her, including pouring chocolate sauce into her hair while she was asleep, tampering with her toothbrush, and replacing her makeup remover with shampoo. When Botezatu addressed the contestants regarding the incident, Mînza and Ciupu were seen suppressing laughter. Despite this, neither Botezatu nor the production staff took further action to assist Batrac. Tensions eventually subsided, but Batrac was eliminated several weeks later after landing in the bottom two alongside Mînza, who had at that point been in the bottom two for three consecutive weeks. Mînza ultimately advanced to the finale, finishing as the runner-up.