“GNTM” starts in February. Now the broadcaster has announced the candidates. Five of them introduced themselves in the interview.
On February 3, 2022, the time has finally come: The 17th season “Germany’s next top model” starts at 8:15 pm on ProSieben. While last year the film was shot exclusively in Germany due to Corona, the new episodes start in Greece. After the opening show in Athens, the candidates will continue to the dreamy island of Mykonos. 31 models are fighting for the title this time, as ProSieben announced on Wednesday (January 12).
What immediately catches the eye: Diversity will be written even bigger in 2022 than in previous years. “There are small, very large, curvy, slim, young and older participants,” Heidi Klum (48) announced in the fall of the news agency spot on news when filming on Mykonos. Three more mature women made it into the cast: At 68 years old, Barbara is the oldest candidate in “GNTM” history – followed by Lieselotte (66) and Martina (50).
The 68 year old Barbara
What made 68-year-old Barbara take part in the show? “I’ve always wanted to model and now older people are finally allowed to apply. So I thought it might be something now,” explains the cheerful, cheerful nature spot on news in the model villa on Mykonos. “I sat down straight away, applied and was invited to the casting. I was very happy about it.”
The new model doesn’t seem to have a problem with her age – she hasn’t colored her hair for a long time. “I had dark brown hair and you could always see the approach. It was a disaster. When I was 55, I said: ‘Now I’ll stop'”. The family fully supports the 68-year-old: “My grandchildren are delighted. They say: ‘Grandma, I think it’s great and you can do it.’ You gave me courage. ” In a way, she also sees herself as a role model: “I am definitely setting an example for all older women. There are so many beautiful women who just don’t dare to do one another.”
A mother-daughter duo from Austria
Another premiere: 50-year-old Martina started with her daughter Lou-Anne (18). “We registered separately,” said the Austrian spot on news on the Greek island. On her birthday, she made it through to register. “I then pushed my daughter to do it, but I didn’t tell her that I had signed up too.” In the end, both were invited. The show does not want to steal the 50-year-old from her daughter. “I want her to be strengthened and to go out of here with a lot of confidence.”
The tall Austrian can already show first model experience: “I’ve spent a few years on the catwalk and that’s why I can give useful tips.” Model mom Heidi Klum has already explained a lot to the candidates. “You keep hearing that she doesn’t spend a lot of time with the models. But we can’t confirm that at all,” explained Martina. Klum took a lot of time and gave everyone helpful tips.
Paulina and Lenara: role models for the season
Candidate Paulina also stands out: “I’m 32 years old – which is a very atypical model age,” she said in an interview. After all, many models would retire at the age of 30. At the age of 26 she started modeling “and tasted blood”. With her participation she wanted to spread a message: “I want to show people that life is not over just because you’re 30.” Many are afraid of starting a new career at that age – “but I love the challenge and the adventure”. Paulina also sees herself as a role model: “You always need someone to act as a pioneer. At ‘Germany’s next top model’ there has never been anyone who is 68 or 32 years old.”
As in previous years, curvy models again have the chance to become “Germany’s next top model”. One of them is the tattooed Lenara (24), who is particularly looking forward to a shoot: “The nude shoot,” she admits with a laugh. The 24-year-old also wants to spread a message on “GNTM”: “I think everyone should love each other for who they are and you don’t have to conform to any ideals of beauty to do so.” Therefore, she is looking forward to dropping the covers in front of the camera. “Then I can show how comfortable and good I feel.”
The ambitious Sophie
Sophie (18) is one of the younger candidates. The 18-year-old has always wanted to be in public: “I don’t want to do a manual trade or an office job. Because I want to present myself – both as a model and on social media.” How ambitious is the high school graduate on a scale from one to ten? “Eleven. If something is really important to me, I give 100 percent.” She sees this competition as an opportunity and therefore takes it very seriously.
When they first met, Sophie immediately noticed that diversity is even more of a focus this year – which she personally finds “totally beautiful”. “Because anyone can become a model as long as the person brings something special with them.” In addition to “GNTM” boss Heidi Klum, the blonde beauty has another role model: “Barbie, I’m really serious.” Because the doll conveys “good moral values” and shows little girls “that they can do anything as long as they believe in themselves”.
Other candidates
In addition to the five models, Amaya (18), Anita (20), Annalotta (20), Emilie (19), Inka (19), Jasmin (23), Jessica (21), Julia (21), Juliana (24), Kashmira (20), Kim (20), Kristina (20), Laura B. (20), Laura W. (19), Lena (21), Lieselotte (66), Lisa-Marie (22), Lou-Anne ( 18), Luca (19), Meline (20), Noella (24), Pauline (18), Vanessa (20), Viola (21), Vivien (21) and Wiebke (20) won the title “Germany’s next top model” to take home.