Overview
- The GNTM semifinal, which aired Thursday, ended with Heidi Klum naming six finalists — Aurélie, Daphne, Anna, Godfrey, Ibo and Tony — who will compete in the pre‑recorded Los Angeles finale on May 28.
- Klum eliminated male contender Luis despite strong praise from guest jurors Candice Swanepoel and Harper’s Bazaar editor Kerstin Schneider, a decision that viewers and outlets called surprising and that underscored Klum’s sole final say in selections.
- The semifinal featured the traditional Harper’s Bazaar cover shoot judged by Kerstin Schneider and coaching from Swanepoel, with judges evaluating both photos and a final runway to decide who advanced.
- Production signalled continuity beyond this season by opening applications for Season 22 (2027) with an online window through June 21, inviting applicants 18 and older regardless of gender, height or age.
- Season 21 has mixed familiar format elements with new moves — male casting first, a title track featuring Klum and Diplo, and the first Los Angeles finale — reflecting a deliberate push to raise the show’s international production and star power.