How Victoria's Secret chooses models

Lily Aldridge and Jasmine Tookes at a recent Victoria's Secret event. Photo / Getty

Every year, the Victoria's Secret show draws in millions of viewers with its gorgeous models and chart-topping musical performances.

But a newly-released behind-the-scenes video from the lingerie giant reveals the audition process is not for the fainthearted, with more tears than triumphs.

Wannabe Angels traveled from the US, Russia, Germany, Peru, Nepal, Tanzania, Holland and Denmark - all dreaming of landing a coveted spot in this year's show.

In the video, casting director, John Pfeiffer, reveals that around 500 models were submitted for consideration. Despite shortlisting 300 - and meeting all of them - only 44 made the final cut.

This year, there will be 10 new Angels, including Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, who appears crying with joy in the video after being told she's made it.

Brazilian model Izabel Goulart, who has walked in the celebrated show since 2005, emotionally sums up what the show means to her and others in the industry.

Dressed in just her lingerie, she says: "Every year it feels like it's the very, very first show and one thing that I do all year long is really try to...to work as hard as I can so I can deserve to be here, to be a part of the moment that only happens at the show, at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show."

Her passionate speech even drew tears from one of the show's producers.

Speaking to the camera, executive producer, Ed Razek, says: "You're meant to be objective about it but you know all the girls, you know how hard they've worked for it.

"A few of them showed their emotions but they all feel that way - every one of them feels that way."

"There were several that were either fighting back tears or literally crying here today," executive producer Monica Mitro added.

"Because there's such a build up, and they've been working for it and wanting it so badly."

Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima will return again, marking the 16th show for each model, who first joined the sexy catwalk in 2000.

Veterans Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel are also walking in the show being held on November 10 in New York City, while Lily Aldridge gets the special honour of modeling this year's $2 million Fantasy Bra.

Musical superstars Selena Gomez, The Weeknd, and Ellie Goulding - who reportedly stepped in after Rihanna backed out at the last minute - will perform at the annual event.

- nzherald.co.nz