Cologne, Germany – The 21st season of Germany’s Next Topmodel (GNTM) is underway, with casting events drawing hundreds of hopefuls seeking to launch their modeling careers. This year’s competition features a notable departure from tradition, embracing greater diversity and challenging conventional beauty standards, as evidenced by the participation of Ildikó von Kürthy, a celebrated author, among the candidates.
ProSieben’s open casting call in Cologne saw a large turnout of aspiring models, eager to impress Heidi Klum and guest judge Jean Paul Gaultier. Klum, the show’s long-standing host, expressed her enthusiasm for the new season, stating, “Finally, the women are up!”
according to reports from the event.
A Bestselling Author Takes on the Catwalk
Von Kürthy, known for her bestselling novels such as “Mondscheintarif” (Moonlight Tariff) and “Eine halbe Ewigkeit” (A Half Eternity), is participating as a “Best Ager” model, representing a growing trend within the show to include contestants over the age of 40. She publicly announced her application on Instagram in June 2025, stating her intention to encourage other women to challenge societal norms and embrace opportunities regardless of age. “Since I often talk about how important This proves that women over 50 do not disappear into invisibility and, above all, do not fall silent, I thought now is a good time for me to do something about it personally,”
she wrote on her social media account.
Von Kürthy’s presence at the casting call generated considerable attention. She approached the audition with a relaxed and confident demeanor, even questioning the necessity of another catwalk walk after already making an impression. “Maybe that’s true,”
she conceded when asked if her casual attitude might suggest a lack of seriousness. “But I’m old enough not to take myself and many other things so seriously anymore. That helps me get through life. Where I end up with that? We’ll see!”
Despite initially expressing reservations about a prolonged commitment, Von Kürthy progressed through the initial stages of the competition. However, she has since announced on Instagram that she will not be continuing in the show beyond the casting phase, citing time constraints and “certain concerns.”
She emphasized that her participation had already achieved a significant goal: inspiring other women to pursue their dreams.
The casting process also highlighted the story of Anja Kossiwakis, a 57-year-old model with a history in the fashion industry in East Germany. Kossiwakis revealed that she had previously worked with both Klum and Gaultier, adding another layer of experience to the diverse group of contestants.
A Shift in Format and a New Location for the Finale
This season of GNTM marks several changes to the show’s established format. Following a season where Vivien became the first plus-size model to win in 2023, the competition has opened its doors to all genders and height or weight are no longer considered factors in the selection process. This reflects a broader industry trend towards inclusivity and body positivity.
the finale of GNTM 2026 will be held in Los Angeles, a departure from the show’s traditional German location. This move signals an ambition to broaden the show’s international reach and provide the winner with opportunities within the American fashion market.
The competition continues with separate episodes focusing on male and female contestants, airing on Wednesdays and Thursdays respectively. The show’s theme song, newly recorded by Heidi Klum and DJ Tiesto, aims to capture the energy and spirit of this evolving competition. The casting process has already sparked conversations about ageism and representation within the modeling industry, and the coming weeks promise to reveal how these themes will unfold throughout the season.
– The initial casting events have set the stage for a season that appears poised to challenge conventions and celebrate diversity within the world of high fashion.
