GNTM 2024 Episode 17: Armin is out – these models are in the semi-finals

GNTM2024
A favorite has to go: Heidi Klum shocks with expulsion shortly before the semi-finals

The GNTM candidates have to prove their athletic talent in a photo shoot. The men, of all people, have a problem with this. This leads to a surprising decision.

GNTM 2024: What happened?

The last casting of the season is about to take place. The sportswear manufacturer Fila is looking for a male and a female model for a large Europe-wide campaign. With Xenia, Lea, Grace, Luka, Jermaine and Armin, six candidates have a chance of winning the job. They are to present the label’s products in a test shoot. In the end, the choice falls on Lea and Jermaine. Those responsible for the brand rave: “Lea has a very special look. She had a lot of great photos.” And they say of Jermaine: “He is someone special. He didn’t try to be cool. He just was.” A surprise awaits all participants in the model loft: friends and family members have flown to Los Angeles to see their loved ones again after several months. For Grace, however, the campaign is disappointing: no one from her Syrian family could enter the USA because they were not granted a visa. “I somehow knew that no one could come. I always hoped, but apparently it didn’t work out,” says the 25-year-old in tears. She has to make do with a video message from her sister and mother.

Excitement of the week

During the photo shoot on the beach, the candidates face several challenges. As a team of two, they are to stage a fencing situation. To do this, they are attached to a huge metal structure with a belt and a bungee cord. The aim is to jump as high as possible and aim the sword at the other person. To make matters worse, the women wear voluminous dresses with hoop skirts and corsets. The men are put in trousers that are tied together at the bottom. During the shoot, Fabienne and Jermaine experience health problems. The 21-year-old complains of dizziness and shortness of breath because the corset is tied too tightly. Jermaine is constricted by the tight belt. “I can’t feel my legs anymore,” he shouts. The whole team rushes over to help Fabienne and Jermaine. After a short break, both are able to continue the shoot.

The guest judges

They are a must in every GNTM season: creative director Thomas Hayo and photographer Kristian Schuller. They have been regular guests on the format for many years. Hayo and Schuller stage the photo shoot together and assess the models’ performances with Klum. Both are positive about the fact that male candidates are also taking part in the show for the first time. “I think it’s great that men are taking part this year. I really enjoy working with men. It’s just like a bouquet that is now complete!” says Schuller. During the shoot, however, the women outperform the men. Lea and Grace are chosen as the best, but many men struggle with the task. Jumping up on the bungee rope causes some problems, they lack strength and stamina. After a few minutes they are completely out of breath. Armin and Linus therefore have to endure a lot of criticism from the jury trio. “The spark didn’t fly,” says Hayo. Schuller complains: “There was a lack of dynamism and convincing body language.” Klum calls Armin’s performance “listless.” Linus is told that he wasn’t relaxed and focused. “I think you approached the matter too casually,” says Klum.

Who has to go?

This eviction will come as a surprise to many: After he performed poorly during the photo shoot, Heidi Klum sent Armin home. “I saw you 100 percent in the final. That’s why I’m shocked at myself for having to say this: Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo for you,” said the 51-year-old when making the decision. She had previously criticized a lack of fighting spirit and commitment. “That was a bit of a back burner for you. I only want to let models into the semi-finals who really want it,” said Klum. These words hit Armin almost harder than his elimination.

Klum quote of the week

“Don’t give up so close to the finish line” (Heidi Klum to candidate Linus)