The waiting time is over. Fans of the model casting show “Germany’s next top model” can look forward to a new season by and with Heidi Klum (49). The popular show is entering its 18th round this year. Some things remain the same in the new episodes, but the audience also expects some innovations. Everything you need to know about the 18th season of “GNTM” is here.

The starting shot for the new up-and-coming models will be on February 16 at 8:15 p.m. on ProSieben. The other episodes will then – like every year – always be seen on Thursdays from 8:15 p.m. on the station.

ProSieben had already announced in November that the young models were going to Los Angeles – right in the first episode. So far, the move to the model villa in sunny California was a reward for models who had already successfully made it through several challenges. Arrived in Los Angeles, the candidates should run their first fashion show. 29 participants are there at the beginning. Profiles of the up-and-coming models can be viewed in advance on the show’s official website.

At the beginning of February, ProSieben announced the 29 candidates who will be shown in the first show. Unlike last year, this year’s models are between 18 and 26 years old. It’s surprising when you consider that Klum keeps preaching “diversity” and that two best agers, Martina and Lieselotte, made it into the top 10 last year. Attentive fans of the show suspect a dispute on social media. Because in the official trailer of the new season, older women can also be seen on the catwalk. It will obviously not stay with the 29 model candidates mentioned so far.

As in previous seasons, Heidi Klum will appear as the main judge in each episode. But she also gets various stars as guest judges for support in season 18. ProSieben confirmed the two star guests of the first episode in advance: Model Winnie Harlow (28) and designer Peter Dundas (54). The contestants will walk the runway in the Dundas plays. The designer will then assess their skills alongside Harlow and Klum. Winnie Harlow was a guest in an issue of “GNTM” in 2019.

A look at Heidi Klum’s Instagram profile also reveals: Actress Sofía Vergara (50) will also be part of the party this year. Photos show the two beauties together on the set. The ‘Modern Family’ star is also on the judging panel for America’s Got Talent with Klum.

The official trailer for season 18 reveals more star guests. The clip includes choreographer Nikeata Thompson (42), star photographer Rankin (57) and curvy model Ashley Graham (35) at Klum’s side.