Heidi Klum Celebrates 20 Years of Germany’s Next Topmodel
Lineup shows past GNTM champions from Lena Gercke to Steffi Giesinger and other star faces
Image: Instagram
On a milestone Monday, Heidi Klum marked two decades of Germany’s Next Topmodel with a heartfelt Instagram tribute. The supermodel, whose career launched her to global fame, shared a powerful group shot featuring past champions who have walked the show’s iconic runway since its debut in 2006. In her caption, she wrote in German “So sehen 20 Jahre Germany’s Next Topmodel aus ❤️” alongside tags for winners ranging from cycle 1’s Lena Gercke to cycle 19’s Lou-Anne Finney.
A Two-decade Retrospective
The image brings together a diverse roster of titleholders whose victories have shaped the series. Lena Gercke, the original champion, stands beside Steffi Giesinger (cycle 9) and Barbara Meier (2), each representing formative chapters in the show’s evolution. Also featured are Jennifer Hof (3), Alisar Labuni (4), Luisa Hartema (5), Kim Hnizdo (8) and Céline Bethmann (12). The collage continues with Simi Kowalski (14), Jacky Wruck (15), Lovelyn Enebechi (10) and Vivien Blot (11), before closing with newer faces like Alex Maria (16), Jasmin Järryd (17) and Lou-Anne Finney (19). Each look captures the shifting fashion trends—from high-glamour editorials to commercial campaigns—underscoring how GNTM balances artistry with mainstream appeal.
Fans quickly responded, flooding the comments with nostalgia and congratulations. One wrote, “This crew built an empire,” while another noted, “I’ve watched every cycle—so proud of how far you’ve taken modeling in Germany.” To date, the post has amassed over 250,000 likes, demonstrating the format’s enduring resonance.
Remembering The Recent Finale
Earlier this year, Klum celebrated the cycle 20 winners in a similarly affectionate post. Captioned “Herzlichen Glückwunsch an meine Gewinnerin @danidjokic und an meinen Gewinner @moritz.rud 🥳😍 #GNTM20,” the message translates to “Congratulations to my winner @danidjokic and to my winner @moritz.rud 🥳😍 #GNTM20.” That finale made history by crowning both a female and a male model, reflecting the show’s evolution toward greater inclusivity. Dani Djokic and Moritz Rudert now join the montage of champions, celebrated for their runway presence and social media savvy.
Behind The Scenes Of A Modeling Phenomenon
Since its premiere in January 2006, Germany’s Next Topmodel has aired more than 300 episodes, with Klum at the helm as host, judge and executive producer. Drawing on her experience as an international cover model and Victoria’s Secret Angel, she has guided the series through format innovations—adding male contestants in cycle 16, integrating digital voting and partnering with luxury brands for high-stakes photo shoots. The judging panel has included fashion insiders like Thomas Hayo, Peyman Amin and guest mentors from top design houses.
Contestants travel across Europe for on-location shoots—from Milan’s runways to the Greek islands—facing tests that mirror real-world fashion work. The show’s social media channels boast millions of followers, turning key moments into viral highlights and launching contestants as influencers with global reach.
Looking Ahead To Cycle 21
As GNTM prepares for cycle 21, producers promise fresh challenges designed to test adaptability, creativity and authenticity. While official casting calls are typically announced on the show’s website and social feeds, insiders suggest scouting will extend beyond major German cities to emerging talent hubs. Viewers can expect the same blend of high fashion, reality-TV drama and personal growth arcs that have kept the series at the forefront of German pop culture.
Klum’s latest group photo is more than a nostalgic glance back—it’s a testament to a franchise that has launched careers, sparked conversations and redefined modeling in the digital age. Two decades on, Germany’s Next Topmodel continues to ask the industry’s biggest question: who will be the next face of fashion?
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