In this year’s edition, the finale of Germany’s Next Top Model was recorded several weeks in advance, unlike previous seasons. Host Heidi Klum (53) had made no secret that she would have preferred a live broadcast. For the upcoming 22nd season, her wish appears to be granted once again.
Filming Underway in Munich
The production for the 22nd season kicked off in Munich only a few days ago. As ProSieben announced, Heidi Klum welcomed all the models she had previously selected for the show to the start of filming in the Bavarian capital. “New season, new models, new stories — and of course plenty of challenges! I’m excited that it’s finally getting underway,” the presenter was quoted as saying. At the same time she added: “Ahead of us lies an exciting journey with many surprises. I’m curious which models will surprise me most this season.” The new season will air on ProSieben in spring 2027.
In the 21st season, the broadcaster had already introduced one of the series’ biggest changes: the finale decision took place for the first time in Klum’s chosen home city, Los Angeles, and was pre-recorded several weeks before its May broadcast at the Los Angeles Theatre. This allowed appearances by numerous stars such as Sharon Stone, Nicole Scherzinger, and Demi Lovato.
The host had, however, stressed even before the broadcast: “I love it more when it’s live and I wanted the finale to be live again.” Yet it had been the network’s wish. “Okay, let’s try it this way, if you really want to do it in Hollywood.”
Leak-Panne durch “Harper’s Bazaar”-Cover
But then a major leak occurred. Subscribers of Harper’s Bazaar received the new issue with the winning covers before the broadcast (TheColu.mn reported). A day after the airing, Klum commented on her Instagram about the faux pas. “I was sad for my models, that kind of deflated the tension and their moment. And for the viewers, it wasn’t as exciting. The fact is, the mistake could not have happened if it had been live.” She added at the time: “I will do everything to make sure the finale is live again next year.”
