Heidi Klum starts secret GNTM casting in Cologne: All information!

Heidi Klum starts secret GNTM casting in Cologne: All information!

Heidi Klum has become active again! Just four days after the brilliant finale of the anniversary season Germany's Next Top Model (GNTM) in Cologne, the well-known presenter ushered in the first secret castings for the next season. True to their motto of always staying on the move, around 300 aspiring models gathered at the MMC Studios in Cologne-Ossendorf on Monday afternoon to try their luck and present themselves to the jury.

The atmosphere during the castings was one of nervousness and excitement. In order to take part, applicants had to register online in advance and follow strict guidelines, including a declaration of consent and bringing a complete travel ID. Accompanying persons and electronic devices were strictly prohibited. One participant said anonymously that her performance only lasted ten minutes, but that she hopes to be there again next year and do better. For many, this is an important step in gaining a foothold in the modeling business.

A highlight in reality TV

The finale of the current season of GNTM was a real highlight of the TV year, allowing both women and men to fight for the coveted title. Heidi Klum, who has hosted the show since 2005 and also serves as the main judge, brings her extensive experience in the modeling world, which she has gained over two decades.

GNTM is not only the longest adaptation of the Top model format, it is also under intensive observation. Trends in the German reality TV landscape show that formats like GNTM are popular, but are also confronted with considerable criticism. The program has been subject to frequent criticism since it was first broadcast 20 years ago, particularly fraud and abuse of power. A recently released documentary has exposed the manipulative nature of this reality show, while previous participants have reported mental health issues and poor conditions during filming.

Reality TV on German television

Reality TV has established itself as an integral part of the German television landscape. In 2023, formats on channels such as Sat.1, RTL and VOX made up almost 40 percent of the program. The channel ProSieben, on which GNTM is broadcast, has seen a jump in the popularity of its reality formats in recent years, also due to the increasing presence of streaming services that also produce such formats. Statista shows that viewer numbers fluctuate for different formats, but shows like “Let’s Dance” and “The Masked Singer” regularly generate high ratings.

After the castings, Heidi Klum is planning a four-week break with her husband Tom Kaulitz and will certainly start the new season with renewed vigor. Curiosity about the coming episodes has been piqued, and it remains to be seen what new faces and stories GNTM will present in the next few months. One thing is certain: the competition for the title of “Germany’s Next Top Model” remains exciting!