Carsten Montanha speaks with us about GNTM, becoming a model, and more!
We spoke with the beary handsome Carsten Montanha in detail about his experience on Germany’s Next Top Model and more!
Hailing from Euskirchen, a medium sized town just outside of Cologne, Germany, Carsten Montanha is the latest bear model on the scene who’s packing a punch on the industry. Carsten has climbed his way into a space that hasn’t been very kind to bigger sized men in the past, and is paving the way for us to show the world just how capable we are to fit in alongside our skinnier counterparts.
Once he got the call to audition for the 21st cycle of Germany’s Next Top Model, he went from property manager to a star on the big screen, quickly making it past the initial casting episode and into the model loft.
On the show and in real life, his personality shines bright with his good looks being the perfect cherry on top. He quickly became an audience favorite on the show, and brought a positive energy to his fellow contestants that was unmatched. He even scored a ticket to Los Angeles through a public vote because of this!
Week after week, his looks improved outstandingly, impressing the judges and the public with every runway. Unfortunately in a cut throat competition like Top Model, he was eventually eliminated on Week 6, but that hasn’t stopped our handsome bear model from Germany from continuing his journey. Along the way, he’s acquired a following online where he continues to share his experience and advice.
I had the absolute privilege of speaking with Carsten about his time on the show, advice on modeling, and more. Check it out below!
Bryce Quartz: Hey there, Carsten! I’m so excited to chat with you, how are you doing today? I hope it’s getting warm over there!
Carsten Montanha: Hey Bryce, I am so excited too. Thank you for your interest in me and for conducting this interview with me. Right now, we’re having the classic german April weather. You never know whether it’s going to get warm or suddenly turn freezing again. lol
Bryce: Let’s jump right into the good stuff. How long have you been modeling for and what got you into the industry to start with?
Carsten: To be honest, I hadn’t done any modeling at all before GNTM. So I went into the competition completely from scratch. I find modeling itself really exciting and interesting. Just the idea of stepping into different roles and wearing different clothing styles is something I’ve always found fascinating.
Bryce: We are celebrating your appearance on Germany’s Next Top Model all the way over here in the states, it’s so exciting to have a handsome bearded man on TV! Can you share with us a little bit about how you got that opportunity and what led to it?
Carsten: Yeah, I guess I was the first full bearded contestant and bear!
My participation in GNTM wasn’t really planned at all. Well, I’ve always liked Heidi Klum and found her very likable. I basically grew up with her and accompanied/pursued her career. She’s just two years older than me and I always wondered whether we’d be on the same wavelength if we ever met… So in spring 2025, I saw this post on Instagram: “Meet Heidi in Cologne!,” and you have to know Cologne is only about 35 minutes away from my hometown.
So I took the chance, applied, and actually received an invitation to the casting! I didn’t really believe that I would get anywhere in this modeling competition. My primary goal was simply to meet Heidi Klum.
It was an incredibly cool experience to walk in front of her for the first time, I couldn’t stop smiling. And then she even let me go through to the next round! It was so crazy and unbelievable. It felt so unreal. It didn’t really sink in until I got to Berlin and moved into the model loft with the other contestants—that’s when my adventure truly began.
Bryce: You look phenomenal on TV, I’m a bit obsessed. What were some of the most rewarding parts of being on the show for you? Did you learn anything about yourself while on the show?
Carsten: There are many rewarding aspects of the show. For me, besides the photoshoots with fantastic photographers and walking the runway in various designer outfits, one of the most rewarding parts was meeting Heidi Klum. In general, we didn’t get to spend that much time together, but I was lucky in a few moments.
For example, I got to spend an entire afternoon with her and half of the cast at a scrapyard. We smashed up a car and then had currywurst and fries together afterwards. In Los Angeles, she also came to our accommodation once, and we all cooked together. And then, of course, there was the makeover day where about half of the contestants got a makeover, and I got to spend some time with her there as well. My positive impression of her was confirmed by that.
I will also never forget the experience of meeting and living together with the other contestants. I met so many new and interesting personalities there, some of whom I hope will remain friends for a long time.
I also learned quite a bit about myself from participating. Well, I already knew that I’m quite calm and relaxed in many situations. In that sense, I think I learned that I can walk confidently even in, let’s say, very “interesting and special“ looks.
Through the show, I’ve also gained a new perspective on fashion and style. I now pay more conscious attention to my outfits and what I wear. I’ve also become more confident and daring. I’ve started clearing out my wardrobe and have already added a few more extravagant pieces to it.
Bryce: Were there any challenges that were difficult for you and how did you get past them mentally?
Carsten: Of course, there were challenges that were difficult for me. One of them was the first photoshoot. That was the first time I felt a bit nervous and tense. It was probably also because Heidi Klum was present at the shoot and judging us directly, and we hadn’t had that much contact with her up to that point.
The shoot itself didn’t go that smoothly for me; I was overthinking things. I also felt a bit overwhelmed by all the accessories. For example, there was a backgammon set, and I kept thinking, “This doesn’t really make sense… You don’t play backgammon alone on a boat.” A pair of binoculars didn’t really make sense to me either. But in the end, I did get the photo.
Another big challenge was the first shoot in Los Angeles. That’s where we met the girls for the first time, and right away it was announced: there would be a kissing shoot. Kissing itself isn’t difficult for me, I actually enjoy it. However, it was immediately clear to me that the pairings could be challenging. I mean, I’m 49 years old, and most of the others were between 19 and 25. Doing a kiss photo with an age difference of 25–30 years felt a bit borderline to me.
Especially considering that the younger contestants didn’t have acting training or anything like that, some of them had just come straight from school. I think at that age, it can already be a big step to kiss someone the same age that you’ve only met an hour ago, and then it’s supposed to be a man the age of your father! That’s pretty intense.
Luckily, we contestants eventually found a good solution. In the end, I did the shoot with Jill, the second male “best ager” in the cast.
Bryce: I can see based on your Instagram feed that you’ve started to gain a huge amount of traction to your posts, and for good reason! Your personality really shines through everywhere. What has this influx of traffic to your social media felt like?
Carsten: Honestly, it’s been a bit crazy! I went from having a pretty quiet account to suddenly a lot of activity. I didn’t really expect that, to be honest. However, I’m really enjoying it! It’s amazing to see how many people are interested and supportive. I’m really grateful for all the messages and support, it means a lot. I just try to keep it fun, stay true to myself, and not take everything too seriously.
Bryce: Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might be interested in modeling themselves or auditioning for a show GNTM?
Carsten: For the modeling aspect, it definitely helps to practice beforehand. For example, I used to practice my walk at the gym by going on the treadmill before every workout and walking for about 20 minutes while trying out different walk styles.
Something else I should have done more is practicing posing. Not just in front of the mirror, but maybe with a friend taking photos, so you can actually review the results and see what works and what doesn’t.
Further, even though GNTM is mainly a TV show, it’s also entertainment. You have to be aware that you’re stepping into the public eye, and that this can have a certain impact on your life.
But the best advice I have is this: be yourself and have fun! Be open to new experiences! Embrace the show! And approach the challenges with a relaxed mindset.
Bryce: Do you also have any advice for our readers who might be looking to elevate their style and fashion sense?
Carsten: Improving your personal fashion style naturally comes from trying out different things and seeing what actually suits you. It’s also really helpful to have honest friends who will genuinely tell you how something looks on you.
Personally, I also look for inspiration on social media. I follow a few people who have a similar build to mine. Tall, bearded, and with little hair on the head, for example. You can find so many type-specific profiles that are very fashion forward and post a lot of content. I find that really inspiring and sometimes take ideas from them.
Bryce: Outside of modeling, what are some of your interests or hobbies?
Carsten: I have quite a few hobbies, as I always enjoy trying out new things.
For example, I sing in a local gospel choir. I also passed the audition for the Cologne Men’s Choir last year, so I’ve been singing with them since mid-last year as well. Music is truly something special, and it gives you so much.
Besides that, I try to go to the gym regularly, although I do sometimes prefer meeting up with friends and doing things together. I love going out for dancing, doing karaoke, and just having a good time with friends.
At home, I also like to get creative by painting, mostly abstract pieces and patterns. I also have a balcony, and I love getting it ready again in spring and filling it with all kinds of plants.
Bryce: This is one of my favorite questions to ask; what are some of your favorite foods or restaurants local to you? Give me the best recommendations, we need to know!
Carsten: I love Asian cuisine, especially Thai food. Here in Euskirchen, I like the restaurants Asakusa Restaurant and Pho Euskirchen.
In Cologne, I can recommend Bai Lu Noodles, a small place that serves incredibly delicious dumplings.
Bryce: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me! Is there anything you’d like to leave our readers with today?
Carsten: I think the most attractive thing about a person is when they’re comfortable in their own skin, without pretending or constantly trying to please others. Confidence, a bit of attitude, and the courage to just be yourself will always beat any idea of perfection to me.
And honestly, don’t take it all too serious. A little fun, a playful wink and knowing what you want definitely doesn’t hurt.
If you want to see more, feel free to check out my instagram! 🙂
Give Carsten a follow on Instagram below to keep up with what he’s doing next, and show some love in the comments while you’re there!
