Germany's Next Topmodel 2012

 

My Thursdays are going to be a lot more free now that Germany's Next Topmodel (GNTM) has come to an end. I was an America's Next Top Model (ANTM) fan for a few years in the middle of it's run (I know it's on but not really at the top of its game), but something about the German version really drew me in. I had watched a few seasons when I was in Austria, but this season I made a solid commitment. I think I missed two or three episodes along the way, but it was nice to have a show to follow.


The show was on from 8:15 to 10:30 every week. There was way more footage than the one hour American show. Perhaps because they didn't have as much editing, they were able to make the girls seem more real and more genuine. And I enjoyed picking up German phrases from the younger generation.

Also, the show isn't all about Heidi Klum like ANTM is all about Tyra. Heidi wasn't even in some episodes because of other engagements or traveling. And it's hard not to like Heidi. She just seems like so much fun. I never watched Project Runway, but I do prefer German Heidi as opposed to American English Heidi.

The live Finale aired last night, with more commercials than ever before. The top four were picked off one by one, but there were no major surprises. The girls made big entrances coming in from up above with bunches of balloons. They also completed a live photo shoot while harnessed in the air above the packed arena in Köln. The Top 18 returned to walk in ridiculous outfits while Maroon 5 sang. And Justin Bieber made thousands of young German girls cry off pounds of mascara that they shouldn't have been wearing in the first place.

I was also pretty stoked to watch the show with a group of girlfriends. Watching with friends...and chocolate and strawberries and wine...was much more fun than watching alone.

It came down to Luise (pronounced Luisa) and Sarah-Anessa (Sarah is a short a like you'd say sorry, sorra?). These two have been the favorite for a while now. Luise is 17 and all legs. She's gorgeous and finally knows it. She dealt with shyness most of the season, so I knew if she overcame that just a little bit, she'd be the winner.

Sarah-Anessa, aside from have a lovely name, started the show as a blonde "Barbie-like" model until her makeover turned into a dark-haired beauty. She has killer eyes and the biggest smile ever.



Luise was announced the winner just minutes before 11pm when the show officially came to an end. There was so much hugging and confetti, she didn't even give an interview. Suddenly, the feed switched over to a live version of the show "Red" which is a kind of celebrity show that often delves further into the models featured on the show. The host starts the show by saying that unfortunately they can't talk to the winner because she is a minor and children aren't allowed on the stage past 11. I had completely forgotten about this rule. Yes, it makes sense, but it was also so silly. Especially since it's ok to show the girls changing on camera. Luckily they were able to talk to the second and third place models.

And now some visuals. It's a tough choice, but if I could wear any of the outfits from the show, I would choose the Victoria's Secret based balloon train. How fun!?