Germany’s Next Topmodel
Winner Alex would immediately accept this model job
Heidi Klum (left) has chosen her new top model with Alex.
© ProSieben / Willi Weber
On Thursday evening she was named the “GNTM” winner. In the interview, Alex reveals what she has planned for the future.
Alex Mariah Peter (23) was named the winner of the 16th season of “Germany’s next top model” last Thursday. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the Cologne woman reveals how she experienced the special finale under Corona conditions, what influence the victory is already having on her life and what professional plans she has. In addition, the transgender model tells why she shared his story with the public in Heidi Klum’s (47) model show.
How are you after your win?
Alex: I’m slowly starting to realize it. A lot happens in quick succession: My Instagram account suddenly has a blue tick and my parents send me a Wikipedia article that now exists about me (laughs). But I’ll only really believe it when I have the “Haper’s Bazaar” in my hands with my cover tomorrow.
How did you experience the final show?
Alex: For me it was a highlight from start to finish and I hardly had any problems. My little showgirl gene helped me a lot again. As soon as the show started, I didn’t really think about it anymore, I just played the choreographies. I especially loved my clothes for the superhero walk and the wing walk.
The final was also marked by Corona. How was it for you to only run with the finalists and only see friends and family on screens?
Alex: It was funny that the “Top 20” weren’t there, it never happened before. The fact that there was no audience was also the case last year. But this time we even had live viewers at the sides of the catwalk, which one was well aware of. I tried not to look at them so I wouldn’t lose focus in front of the camera.
After the announcement, you were rather quiet and reserved. Do you think it’s a shame that sometimes you can’t show your emotions like that?
Alex: No, I think that just shows that society demands how I should be happy and what is normative. That doesn’t mean just because you can’t tell from the outside that I’m not happy. And especially in the final it was a situation in which I was already at the point where Heidi would say Dascha’s name. When her name didn’t come up, I was totally irritated and overwhelmed, and you could see that (laughs).
You have won the “Diversity” relay that you stand for. How important was it to you to tell your story on the show?
Alex: At the beginning I didn’t even want to talk about it because many know the subject, the problems involved and how such a transition works. Awareness of this has increased in society. But I had to quickly realize that I am coming out of my own bubble and that there are many other bubbles where it is not yet. We are not yet ready for my deep voice to tell the story. I received a lot of praise for the way I handled the story, not making it taboo, but also not putting it in the foreground. I also have to say that I don’t want to tell it over and over again. I did it once on the show and I’ll go back to that again now. But I don’t intend to do that in the future.
Do you want to concentrate on modeling full-time now?
Alex: Yes, but there still has to be time for my studies, I definitely want to finish that. And it won’t be long either, I’m in the fifth semester and at the end of the day my bachelor’s thesis is still waiting.
Is there a modeling job that you absolutely want to get hold of?
Alex: I would be available for Diet Coke immediately, my consumption of the drink plays a role (laughs). I’ve only just seen another TV commercial and found it to be pretty aesthetic.
Are there any role models for you in the industry?
Alex: I’m not a big fan of role models, you get disappointed all too often. Of course you can be inspired by people or acknowledge a person’s career. But emulating shouldn’t be the goal; one should become the best version of oneself.
What will you do with the prize money of 100,000 euros?
Alex: Since I didn’t think I would win it, there are no plans at all. So far I’ve only paid for one schnitzel (laughs). But a vacation is certainly an option in the near future.
The next “GNTM” season has already been announced. What tips would you give applicants?
Alex: Just don’t be too brainy, what have you got to lose? Enjoy the moment. If you think too hard about it, it will go wrong anyway. Streamlining everything a lot helped me a lot. So you should have a certain basic composure – for the competition and your own psyche.