Germany's Next Topmodel Finale Crowns Aurélie and Ibo, While New Couple Luis and Stella Go Public

The winners were leaked one day before the broadcast because Harper's Bazaar issues featuring the winners were delivered to subscribers by mail. ProSieben initially spoke of strategies to fuel speculation when asked about the leak before the finale.

Three men and three women reached the final episode. Ibo defeated Tony, a 31-year-old sales consultant from Berlin, and Godfrey, a 34-year-old admin from Vienna. Aurélie defeated Anna, a 22-year-old nursing professional from the Chiemgau Alps, and Daphne, a 25-year-old also from Pulheim.

All finalists participated in a Harper's Bazaar photo shoot, with the winning images appearing on the magazine cover. According to ProSieben, Aurélie had already secured several jobs and a magazine cover shoot during the season.

A Hollywood-Style Finale

After his win, Ibo said on Instagram that he is proud and wants to 'Gas geben' (step on the gas) and keep going. In an Instagram video recorded right after the February taping, Aurélie said: 'Ich kanns noch nicht begreifen. Ich bin so unfassbar glücklich.'

The finalists performed on the GNTM stage in various catwalks and a photo shoot. Guests at the finale included actress Sharon Stone, actress and singer Demi Lovato, singer Nicole Scherzinger, models Adriana Lima and Winnie Harlow, and Dan and Dean Caten of fashion brand Dsquared.

At a screening for the finale at the Zoo Palast in Berlin, semi-finalist Luis and candidate Stella walked the red carpet hand in hand, as shown in an Instagram video on the official GNTM account. The two met during Heidi Klum's casting show but only got together afterward.

A New GNTM Couple

Stella was eliminated in episode eight, before the remaining models traveled to Los Angeles. Luis reached the semi-final and finished in fourth place. He stated that he was still in a relationship during filming and announced at the end of March via an Instagram Q&A that it had ended.

Luis said about his new relationship: 'Es ist noch relativ frisch. Wir schauen jetzt, was so kommt.' He added about Stella: 'Wir mögen uns ganz gerne.' The couple explained they had seen each other at events and gradually got to know each other better.

Male models have been participating in Germany's Next Topmodel for three years, and a couple has emerged from every season since then. Quarter-finalist Armin Rausch and semi-finalist Grace Zak from season 19 announced their relationship live during the finale and are still together, while winner Daniela Djokic and Samuel Dohmen from the following season have since separated.

Heidi Klum regularly emphasizes that her show is a modeling competition, not a dating format. The article, published under Tagesspiegel Plus behind a paywall, lists eight things that should be remembered from GNTM season 21.