# Next Top Model (Romanian TV series) season 3

The third season of Next Top Model by Cătălin Botezatu premiered on September 20, 2012, at 20:20 on Antena 1. All judges from the previous season returned, and the prize package remained the same, with contestants competing for a modeling contract with MRA Models valued at €70,000. The participation requirements, which included being between the ages of 14 to 25, over 170 cm tall, and holding a valid Romanian or Moldovan passport, also remained unchanged.
This season saw a record number of applicants, with over 20,000 women applying and attending castings from April to June 2012. Filming took place in Romania and later moved to locations in Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. Contestants unable to attend the castings were invited to participate in a four-week online photo contest to connect with potential clients and be considered for future projects.
Sixteen finalists were selected from a pool of 100 semifinalists, including a replacement for a dropout. The winner of the season was 22-year-old Ramona Popescu from Bucharest.
Season three marked the final installment of the series, as host Cătălin Botezatu stepped away from the project due to personal matters. In 2015, Botezatu launched Supermodels by Cătălin Botezatu on Kanal D, a similar competition featuring both male and female contestants, inspired by Naomi Campbell's The Face. It starred much of the same cast, crew, and guests that had been featured on Next Top Model.

## Cast
### Contestants

(Ages stated are at start of contest)
| Contestant | Age | Height | Hometown | Finish | Place |
| Veronica Cazac | 18 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Chișinău, Moldova | Episode 1 | 17 (quit) |
| Silvana Anghel | 15 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Onești | Episode 2 | 16 |
| Diana Luca | 15 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Piatra Neamț | Episode 3 | 15–14 |
| Bianca Taban | 20 | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | Bucharest | Episode 3 | 15–14 |
| Andreea Grecu | 19 | 1.79 m (5 ft 10+1⁄2 in) | Chișinău, Moldova | Episode 4 | 13 |
| Ruxandra Postatny | 18 | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) | Teiuș, Alba | Episode 5 | 12 |
| Victoria Cartiră | 14 | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | Chișinău, Moldova | Episode 7 | 11 |
| Diana Zamfir | 17 | 1.77 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) | Pitești | Episode 8 | 10–9 |
| Alexandra Urs | 21 | 1.76 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) | Alesd | Episode 8 | 10–9 |
| Sânziana Cozorici | 16 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Suceava | Episode 9 | 8 |
| Otilia Cioșă | 20 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Timișoara | Episode 11 | 7 |
| Lavinia Furtună | 17 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Botoșani | Episode 12 | 6 |
| Laura Iordache | 23 | 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) | Buzău | Episode 13 | 5–4 |
| Cristina Iordache | 23 | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | Buzău | Episode 13 | 5–4 |
| Denisa Ciocoiu | 19 | 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) | Turnu Măgurele | Episode 14 | 3–2 |
| Barbara Langellotti | 20 | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | Piatra Neamț | Episode 14 | 3–2 |
| Ramona Popescu | 22 | 1.76 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) | Bucharest | Episode 14 | 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 |
| 28 | 1 | "Episode 1" | 20 September 2012 (2012-9-20) |
| The Next Top Model caravan began its journey across Romania in search of the next batch of model hopefuls. Over 20,000 women showed up in an attempt to impress the judges and be chosen as one of the top 100 semifinalists. The top 100 were invited back to Bucharest for a final round of interviews, after which the top 16 finalists were chosen. Veronica Cazac from Moldova decided to drop out at the last minute, opening up a spot for her replacement, Bianca Taban. At the end of the week, the models moved into their hotel to get to know one another and prepare for the upcoming challenges. Special guest: Alina Pușcaș, Guido Dolci ||||
| 29 | 2 | "Episode 2" | 27 September 2012 (2012-9-27) |
| The finalists headed to the salon for a round of makeovers, which included new hairstyles and wardrobe updates designed to enhance their individual new looks. They later took part in their first challenge, which was won by Andreea, in which they put their posing skills to the test as they attempted to cross a maze full of laser beams. The models ended their week with a sinful sultry photo shoot session on the riverbank of the Neajlov with a male model, where they had to portray Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden while posing with a snake. At judging, Denisa received best picture. Sânziana and Silvana landed in the bottom two, and Silvana was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Mihai Ștețcu ||||
| 30 | 3 | "Episode 3" | 4 October 2012 (2012-10-04) |
| The contestants were put through their paces with a slippery runway teach at the edge of a pool, before participating in a dominatrix-themed runway show at the FashionTV Summer Festival in Mamaia, showcasing designs by Mihai Albu and Cătălin Botezatu. After Sânziana was left feeling dejected from the events of the week prior, and having opened up about her story of growing up in an orphanage, the other models pooled together their money to make a heartfelt gesture. For their weekly photo shoot, the contestants posed nude behind a wall of ice. However, Laura was unable to take part due to feeling unwell, and her twin sister, Cristina, revealed that Laura was experiencing bouts of lightheadedness from crash dieting to fit the show's requirements. At the judging, Otilia was awarded best picture, while Bianca and Diana Luca found themselves in the bottom two; in a surprising twist, both were eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Andreea Retinschi ||||
| 31 | 4 | "Episode 4" | 11 October 2012 (2012-10-11) |
| The remaining thirteen models faced the challenge of a runway teach, where they had to balance various objects in their hands without dropping any. Later, they participated in a chilly underground runway show at the Salina Turda salt mine, styled in extraterrestrial metallic makeup and designs as they braved the frigid temperatures. To wrap up their week, the contestants visited a construction site for a risqué photo shoot, posing with male models among the machinery while showcasing their sex appeal. At judging, Victoria received best picture. Andreea and Lavinina landed in the bottom two, and Andreea was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Marta Popescu Special guest: Mircea Bărbulescu ||||
| 32 | 5 | "Episode 5" | 18 October 2012 (2012-10-18) |
| The remaining twelve models kicked off their week with an undercover visit from actor Gabriel Dutu for a stunt acting class, before being split into groups of angels and demons for a devilish photo shoot with a motorcycle gang of fire-breathing performers. Later, the models had a gymnastics lesson, after which they had to showcase their newfound skills in a challenge posing as living accessories. The challenge was conducted in teams, and the winning team — composed of Barbara, Cristina, Diana Z., Lavinia, Sânziana, and Victoria — was granted immunity from the upcoming elimination. Meanwhile, the losing team found themselves in a panic, as their chances of being eliminated suddenly doubled. At judging, Barbara received best picture. Alexandra and Ruxandra found themselves in the bottom two, and Ruxandra was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Zoltan Lorencz Special guests: Gabriel Dutu ||||
| 33 | 6 | "Episode 6" | 25 October 2012 (2012-10-25) |
| The contestants were flown to the island of Mykonos for the next leg of the competition, where they settled into their new hotel before participating in a photo challenge on the beach, requiring them to maintain composure while being tossed in the air. Later that evening, they enjoyed a party featuring traditional island delicacies. Tensions arose over cell phone usage, which was restricted to specific times, and intensified when Ramona's phone went missing, making Lavinia the prime suspect. The week concluded with the models being fitted in black gowns for a photo shoot in picturesque locations around the island. At judging, Christina received best picture, while Alexandra, Lavinia, Sânziana, and Victoria found themselves in the bottom four. In an unexpected twist, all four of them were allowed to remain in the competition. Featured photographer: Mihai Ștețcu ||||
| 34 | 7 | "Episode 7" | 1 November 2012 (2012-11-01) |
| The remaining eleven contestants were in introduced to prominent entrepreneur and hospitality executive Giannis Galatis for a brief history about tourism on the island. They were then challenged to star in a Greek-scripted mock advertisement for a new brand of olive oil, which proved difficult for many, as most struggled to deliver their lines effectively. Following this, they were interviewed by the press to promote the allure of tourism in Mykonos. Later that night, the models participated in a colorful swimsuit runway presentation in the streets of the island, showcasing their looks in front of the public. For their photo shoot, the models posed as mermaids entangled by fishermen. At judging, Otilia received best picture. Laura and Victoria landed in the bottom two, and Victoria was eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Mihai Ștețcu Specia guest: Giannis Galatis ||||
| 35 | 8 | "Episode 8" | 8 November 2012 (2012-11-08) |
| The remaining ten contestants gathered for a makeup lesson with judge Mirela Vescan, where they opened up about some of the more intimate dynamics within the group. This was followed by a runway presentation and accompanying shoot inspired by the legend of the love story between the fisherman Glaucus and the sea nymph Scylla, which took a dramatic turn when one of the props became loose and tumbled down the cliff, giving everyone on set a scare. Later that week, the models came together to celebrate Alexandra's 21st birthday. For their final challenge, the contestants were painted white and stripped bare for a photo shoot where they had to portray marble statues come to life, relying solely on their silhouettes. At judging, Barbara received best picture. Alexandra, Diana Z., and Ramona landed in the bottom three. Ramona was given a second chance, while Alexandra and Diana were eliminated from the competition. Featured photographer: Mihai Ștețcu ||||
| 36 | 9 | "Episode 9" | 15 November 2012 (2012-11-15) |
| The models returned to Romania for their next set of challenges. They began their week by being sat down for a conversation with actor Andrei Aradits, who discussed their experiences before they participated in an acting lesson that involved portraying exaggerated scenarios. Subsequently, they were styled for a runway show at the Sibiu Student Fashion Festival, highlighting the creations of emerging designers, and culminating in an autograph signing for the show’s fans. For their weekly photo shoot, they were taken to the Sinaia Casino and styled after the infamous Disney antagonist Cruella de Vil, posing with a variety of animals that were brought on set. At judging, Otilia received best picture. Denisa and Sânziana landed in the bottom two, and Sânziana was eliminated from the competition. Having been moved by her personal story and resilience, she was offered a makeup course from Intact Media Academy and the Mereu Aproape Foundation under the guidance of judge Mirela Vescan. Featured photographer: Oana Mihoc Special guest: Andrei Aradits ||||
| 37 | 10 | "Episode 10" | 22 November 2012 (2012-11-22) |
| In this episode, the remaining seven contestants traveled to Paphos, where they settled in for the week's challenges. Host Cătălin Botezatu took some contestants aside to discuss their performances in the competition, raising concerns about Lavinia's adherence to the show's requirements due to her noticeable weight gain. The models were fitted into sheer black gowns for a runway presentation at Paphos Harbour, where several contestants encountered difficulties on the rocky terrain. For the weekly photo shoot, the contestants visited the Adonis Baths waterfall, posing with a male model to depict the love story of Adonis and Aphrodite. At judging, Barbara received best picture. Cristina and Otilia landed in the bottom two, but were given a reprieve, as both of them were allowed to stay for one more week. Featured photographer: Ciprian Strugariu ||||
| 38 | 11 | "Episode 11" | 6 December 2012 (2012-12-06) |
| The contestants faced the challenge of making their best impression during a mock interview casting challenge conducted in English, where their goal was to sell themselves using only their wit and creativity, all while wearing the same unflattering potato sack. They also swapped genders for a runway presentation at the port, styled as men, and later embraced their playful feminine side during a colorful candy pinup swimwear-themed photo shoot on the beach. At judging, Ramona received best picture, while Denisa and Otilia found themselves in the bottom two. Denisa was given another chance, while Otilia's inconsistency cost her a place in the competition. Featured photographer: Ciprian Strugariu ||||
| 39 | 12 | "Episode 12" | 13 December 2012 (2012-12-13) |
| The remaining six contestants were quizzed on their fashion knowledge, or lack thereof, before facing the results of the exam. They were then coached for a choreographed cabaret dance number and fashion presentation inspired by the 2002 musical film Chicago, after which the other contestants celebrated Barbara's birthday. At the end of the week, the models were taken to the Eléa Golf Club for an elegant photo shoot inspired by the sport. On set, Lavinia was critiqued once again for being unable to fit into the wardrobe, raising concerns about her longevity in the competition. At judging, Denisa received best picture, while Laura and Lavinia landed in the bottom two, resulting in Lavinia's elimination. Featured photographer: Ciprian Strugariu ||||
| 40 | 13 | "Episode 13" | 20 December 2012 (2012-12-20) |
| The models returned to Romania for the semi-final round of the competition. With the holidays fast approaching, they were visited by Botezatu, who arrived with Christmas gifts and decorations to create a festive atmosphere. They met with nutritionist Gianluca Ech for guidance on improving their diets, and later sat down for dinner to reminisce about some of the competition’s most memorable moments. They also took part in a winter-themed runway presentation before heading to their photo shoot, inspired by the German fairy tale Snow White. At judging, Ramona received best picture, while Barbara, Cristina, and Laura landed in the bottom three. Barbara secured a spot in the finale alongside Denisa and Ramona, while twin sisters Cristina and Laura were eliminated. Featured photographer: Marta Popescu Special guest: Gianluca Ech ||||
| 41 | 14 | "Episode 14" | 27 December 2012 (2012-12-27) |
| The final three were flown to Cappadocia for the final week of the competition. They participated in a whimsical runway presentation and completed two sets of photo shoots among the region's rock architecture and iconic fairy chimneys, drawing inspiration from J. R. R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. During the final deliberation, the judges reviewed their overall body of work, but the final decision was put on hold as a special surprise was arranged for the finalists. At the end of the week, they were taken to the region’s hot air balloon fields, where host Cătălin Botezatu announced Ramona as the winner, and treated her to a birds eye view of the scenic rock formations. Featured photographer: Gabriel Hennessey ||||

## Results

| Order | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes | Episodes |
| Order | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 1 | Victoria | Denisa | Otilia | Victoria | Barbara | Cristina | Otilia | Barbara | Otilia | Barbara | Ramona | Denisa | Ramona | Ramona |
| 2 | Silvana | Ramona | Lavinia | Laura | Sânziana | Ramona | Denisa | Sânziana | Barbara | Laura | Barbara | Ramona | Denisa | Barbara Denisa |
| 3 | Ruxandra | Alexandra | Cristina | Ruxandra | Victoria | Laura | Ramona | Laura | Ramona | Ramona | Laura | Barbara | Barbara | Barbara Denisa |
| 4 | Ramona | Lavinia | Ramona | Ramona | Diana Z. | Otilia | Diana Z. | Denisa | Laura | Lavinia | Cristina | Cristina | Cristina Laura | |
| 5 | Lavinia | Diana Z. | Andreea | Alexandra | Lavinia | Diana Z. | Lavinia | Cristina | Lavinia | Denisa | Lavinia | Laura | Cristina Laura | |
| 6 | Diana L. | Otilia | Diana Z. | Denisa | Cristina | Denisa | Cristina | Otilia | Cristina | Cristina Otilia | Denisa | Lavinia | | |
| 7 | Cristina | Diana L. | Barbara | Otilia | Laura | Barbara | Barbara | Lavinia | Denisa | Cristina Otilia | Otilia | | | |
| 8 | Laura | Cristina | Denisa | Diana Z. | Ramona | Alexandra Lavinia Sânziana Victoria | Sânziana | Ramona | Sânziana | | | | | |
| 9 | Diana Z. | Bianca | Sânziana | Sânziana | Denisa | Alexandra Lavinia Sânziana Victoria | Alexandra | Alexandra Diana Z. | | | | | | |
| 10 | Alexandra | Victoria | Alexandra | Barbara | Otilia | Alexandra Lavinia Sânziana Victoria | Laura | Alexandra Diana Z. | | | | | | |
| 11 | Sânziana | Ruxandra | Ruxandra | Cristina | Alexandra | Alexandra Lavinia Sânziana Victoria | Victoria | | | | | | | |
| 12 | Denisa | Andreea | Laura | Lavinia | Ruxandra | | | | | | | | | |
| 13 | Barbara | Barbara | Victoria | Andreea | | | | | | | | | | |
| 14 | Veronica | Laura | Bianca Diana L. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 15 | Otilia | Sânziana | Bianca Diana L. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 16 | Andreea | Silvana | | | | | | | | | | | | |
    The contestant quit the competition.
    The contestant was eliminated.
    The contestant was immune from elimination.
    The contestant was part of a non-elimination.
    The contestant won the competition.

## Post–Top Model careers

* Silvana Anghel signed with MRA Models. She took a number of test shots and appeared on magazine editorials for Make-Up #1 November 2012. She retired from modeling in 2013.
* Bianca Taban signed with MRA Models and Mandarina Models. She took a number of test shots and modeled for Anca Irina Lefter, Jaisse Boutique, Kan Brand. She retired from modeling in 2019.
* Diana Luca signed with MRA Models. She took a number of test shots, before retired from modeling in 2014.
* Andreea Grecu signed with MRA Models, Motto Entertainment in Seoul, Fashion Model Management in Chișinău and Major Model Management in Milan & Munich. She took a number of test shots and walked in fashion shows for Wilhelmina Arz, Lorenzo Riva, Kathleen Kye F/W 13/14. She has modeled for Beauty-Make up Academy, Black&White Whiteline S/S 13. She retired from modeling in 2014.
* Ruxandra Postatny signed with MRA Models. She took a number of test shots and modeled for La Mode Toujours S/S 2013, Elena Anne-Marie, Enjoy Prana by Diana. She has walked in fashion shows for Enjoy Prana by Diana, several designers of Feeric Fashion Days 2014 such as Gabriela Atanasov, Evgheni Hudorojcov, Claudia Castrase, Giuka by Georgiana Nicolaescu, Casa de Modă Lany's. Postatny retired from modeling in 2016.
* Victoria Cartiră signed with MRA Models. She took a number of test shots and featured on Revista Mireasa #5 September–October 2015. She has modeled for My London Shop, Tagaer Ajouré, Piotr Alii, Feodora Fashion, and walked in fashion shows for Nikita Rinadi Haute Couture, Liudmila Storojuc, O'Blanc Memories. Beside modeling, she is also one of the 26 Briefcase Model of Deal or No Deal Moldova.
* Alexandra Urs signed with MRA Models and Major Model Management in Milan & Munich. She took a number of test shots and walked in fashion shows for Garnier, Cristian Samfira, Mirela Diaconu, Liza Panait, Sofiaman FW14, Andrei Spiridon SS15. She appeared on magazine cover and editorials for Unica October 2013, Elléments, Mani di Fata Italy, L'attirance France, Vigour Canada, Fashiox Canada #2 July 2023. Urs has modeled for Privalia Italy, Daizy Shely, Framesi S/S 2013, Compagnia Della Bellezza Italy S/S13, Meli Melo Paris, Bien Savvy, Styland, Malagoli Fabrics, Lee Cooper, Denis Shoes SS17, Larisa Dragna AW19.
* Diana Zamfir has taken a couple of test shots and walked in fashion shows for Cătălin Botezatu, Ermanno Scervino, Adam & Eve Swimwear, Laura Olteanu, Wanda's Dream, Alexandra Dobre, Diana Caramaci, Raluca Bădulescu. Beside modeling, she has also competed on Top Model România 2017 and placed 2nd. Zamfir retired from modeling in 2018.
* Sînziana Cozorici signed with MRA Models, City Models in Paris, Awesome Models and M&A Model Agency in Shenzhen. She took a number of test shots and walked in fashion shows for Cătălin Botezatu, Shopping City Suceava Fashion Show, Lena Criveanu A/W 13/14, Mengotti AW14. She appeared on magazine cover and editorials for Joy January 2013, Rumours March 2013, Glamour May 2013, Marie Claire June 2013, Dupa Afaceri Premium ZF, Femeia October 2013, Unica December 2013, Make-Up, HAIR Style, Beau Monde Mirese February 2015, Whisper #9, Beau Monde January 2017. Cozorici has modeled for Camiceria Italiana S/S 2013, Ludmila Corlateanu SS14, Alexandra Abraham S/S 2014, Ego Non A/W 13/14.
* Otilia Cioșă has taken a couple of test shots and appeared on magazine editorials for Altfel. She has modeled for Blugi Met, Ally Swimwear, Valerie Mariage, Nifty By Josephine, Tenue&Tenue de SAF, Carolina Design, Lara Selini, Euro Shopping Mall Caransebeș, Flight Festival, and walked the runway of Cătălin Botezatu, Valerie Mariage, Diana Caramaci, Alina Moza, Larisa Ivan. Beside modeling, she has also competed and won the Miss Timişoara 2013.
* Lavinia Furtună signed with MRA Models and President Models. She took a number of test shots and modeled for Atelier Aiurea, White Lady. Beside modeling, she has also competed on Miss Globe International 2014. Furtună retired from modeling in 2019.
* Cristina Iordache signed with MRA Models. She took a number of test shots and modeled for Fashion Fits, Marie Ollie. She retired from modeling in 2015.
* Laura Iordache signed with MRA Models. She took a number of test shots and appeared on magazine cover and editorials for Elegantine November 2013. She has modeled for Fashion Fits, Marie Ollie. Beside modeling, she has also competed on Miss Universe România 2013 and placed 2nd Runner-up. She retired from modeling in 2015.
* Barbara Langellotti has taken a couple of test shots, modeled for L'Armario Fashion and walked in fashion show of Glamour Street Fashion Show 2016. She is no longer modeling and currently a fashion designer, which she established the Barbara Langellotti Atelier.
* Denisa Ciocoiu signed with MRA Models, Genetics Model Management in New York City, Elite Model Management in Miami, One Management in Los Angeles, Body London in London, Castaway Model Management in Bali, MC2 Model Management in Tel Aviv, D Model Agency in Athens, D&A Model Management in Cape Town, MP Management in Paris, Major Model Management, The One Models, Boom Models Agency and Attitude Models in Milan.She took a number of test shots and walked in fashion shows for Lena Criveanu, Andra Andreescu, Stella McCartney, Armani, Seduzioni Jeans by Valeria Marini F/W 13/14, Celia Kritharioti Couture F/W 2018, Ashley Isham SS19, several designers of London Fashion Week such as PPQ London, Fei Fei Cicada, Richard Quinn F/W 18/19, Jiri Kalfar SS19, Starsica SS19, Marta Jakubovski FW19, Aadnevik SS20. She appeared on magazine cover and editorials for All Hollow #4 Summer Issue 2013, Joy, Unica June 2014, A List Winter 2017, Pump USA May 2018, Forbes Life August 2019, Cosmopolitan March 2020, Glamour Bulgaria May 2023, Harper's Bazaar Beauty Türkiye July 2023. Ciocoiu has modeled for Versace, La Mode Toujours S/S 2013, Zahrat Al Khaleej, Melkior Romania, Atelier Andrei Iordache, Foggi Jeans, Kiko Milano, Charlie Max Eyewear, Atelier Raluca Mihalceanu, Ruifier London. Beside modeling, she is also own of a swimwear line called Moon Swim.
* Ramona Popescu collected her prizes and signed with MRA Models. She took a number of test shots and appeared on magazine editorials for Glamour, Viva February 2013, Joy March 2013, Cockaigne #3 April 2013. She has modeled for Jolidon, Ruxandra Iosif, MIAU by Clara Rotescu, We Love Couture, Studio Cabal Spring 2018, Andree Salon, Roxana Butnaru, Esa Shop, Iris Serban, Alexandru Simedru, Atu Body Couture, Claudia Florentina, The Fitology Apparel, and walked in fashion shows for Laura Lazar, Iris Serban, Biancula Poppoupee, Cristina Batlan, Anca Negulescu, Lia Aram SS'17, Mineli Boutique.