Germany's Top Model Competition Will Return in 2024 - Lea and Jermaine triumph.
Last Thursday evening (June 13th), Heidi Klum (51) held the crowning ceremony for the winners of the 19th season of "Germany's Next Topmodel." In a surprising turn of events, both a female and a male model clinched the title. Lea (24), Xenia (24), and Fabienne (21) competed alongside Jermaine (20), Linus (25), and the twins Luca and Julian (24), who were considered a team. Lea and Jermaine managed to secure the title as "Germany's Next Topmodel 2024."
Two musical entrances
The show kicked off with an abundance of music but not from Heidi Klum, who vowed not to sing that night. Instead, Robin S. (62) serenaded the audience with her hit "Show Me Love," while the Top 20 models walked the runway decked out in love-inspired outfits courtesy of Marina Hoermanseder. A notable moment: the twins, each adorned with a broken heart on their chests.
Popstar Sabrina Carpenter (25) and her song "Espresso" took over, with only the finalists and finalists strutting their stuff on the runway in looks by Wolfgang Joop (79). The designer, a spectator in the audience, heaped the models with generous praises - even though he admitted to having only watched one episode of the season. "He's honest, at least," noted Heidi Klum.
Bastian Schweinsteiger challenges the models in goal
The initial - and only - photo challenge unfolded, featuring none other than Bastian Schweinsteiger (39): the 2014 World Cup winner addressed the audience, confessing his lack of familiarity with the show. Nonetheless, he took on the task and let Heidi Klum dress him in a soccer uniform. He then shot at a goal while Lea, Xenia, Fabienne, Jermaine, Linus, and the twins took turns posing as goalkeepers. The chief judge saluted the submissions, evaluating them carefully through photographer Rankin (58) and sending Fabienne and the twins home first.
Elaborate outfits and heartwarming declarations
Next up, Elizabeth Hurley (59) and her son Damian Hurley (22) joined the lineup of judges for the Top 20's walk down the runway. This time, they strutted their stuff under a shower of glitter amidst glittering attires. The romantic aspect of the "GNTM" finals shone through when semi-finalists Armin and Grace confessed their relationship to the audience.
As for the finale, the remaining candidates and contestants showcased their talents in a live performance by Sofi Tukker. These looks were more complicated, featuring significant moving pieces from designer Jack Irving that weighed around 25 kilos and cost roughly 15,000 Euros. Lydwine and Marvin, current season backstage moderators, provided insight on the elaborate attire.
Lea wins for the women
Eventually, Lea was crowned as the winner among the women.
Sofi Tukker had to perform their song "Spiral" once more: the last four finalists performed alongside a dance routine, amusing the prominent judges. Heidi Klum, in particular, expressed her love for both Lea and Jermaine, paving the way for the decisive determination. "Lea is just the one," confirmed Rankin. Heidi Klum concurred and picked Lea, a business developer from Düsseldorf, as the women's victor. Her prize included the cover of the German "Harper's Bazaar" and a hefty sum of 100,000 Euros. "I never imagined this would happen," she exclaimed, with a possible trip to South Africa for her mother and a promising career in her mind.
Jermaine's historic male victory
And finally, an unprecedented event in the show's 19-year history: the crowning of the first male winner. Heidi Klum set the stage by hinting at a significant milestone: "One of you two will make history today." Eventually, Content Creator Jermaine took home the title and received the same rewards as Lea. The crowd roared as he basked in his victory.
