Heidi Klum (pronounced [ˈklʊm]; born June 1, 1973[1]) is a German supermodel, actress, TV presenter, fashion designer, television producer and occasional singer. She is also the hostess of Project Runway and Germany's Next Topmodel, and is known for her modeling work with Victoria's Secret.Klum was born in Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany. She was raised by her parents, Günther (a cosmetics company executive) and Erna (a hairdresser)[2] According to Klum, "in 1991, my friend, Karin, persuaded me to fill out a magazine coupon: I enrolled for the national contest 'Model 92', with the chosen winners shown on the Gottschalk Late Night Show, a top German television show, sort of similar to late night shows with David Letterman or Jay Leno in the United States."[3] Out of 25,000 contestants, Klum was voted the winner on April 29, 1992 and was offered a modeling contract worth US$300,000.[4] She accepted the contract a few months later after graduating from school and decided not to try for an apprentice position at a fashion design school.