- "GNTM returns with no romance-focused format" or "Germany's Next Topmodel resumes without a dating-oriented concept"
Heidi Klum's long-running show, "Germany's Next Topmodel," celebrated its 20th anniversary with a shift in focus. Clarifying that her program isn't a dating show, Klum set the stage for the new season's purpose: discovering Germany's top models. With male models joining the competition for the first time, the show added a fresh twist. Initially, Klum separated the genders, broadcasting female contestants on Thursdays and male contestants on Wednesdays. This structure allowed for distinctive roles and built anticipation before the two groups would meet.
Heidi's daughter, Leni, debuted as a guest judge for the anniversary season, while her mother Erna continued as her constant companion. The influential fashion world sent renowned guests to the judging panel, including Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigová, and Lena Gercke. Famous actress Catherine Deneuve and style icon Twiggy also joined the panel. The male models' episode segments were not overlooked either, with Heidi’s husband Tom Kaulitz and his twin brother Bill from Tokio Hotel appearing later on.
Gender inclusivity, diversity, and contemporary beauty standards were at the forefront of this season, as evidenced by the variety of contestants, including those above the age of 40. The show embraced diversity, creating unique content for its 20th anniversary and making it especially appealing to modern audiences. With the increased frequency of episodes, viewers now had the chance to interact with the show twice a week, further boosting engagement and expanding the fan base.
The media widely covered Heidi Klum's decision to include male models in "Germany's Next Topmodel," hoping to see how they would compete against the female contestants. Klum, excited about the new twist, expressed her hope that this change would bring in a fresh wave of talent and appeal to a broader audience. On Thursdays, viewers eagerly tuned in to watch the topmodel and her guest judges critique the female contestants' performances.
