The moment MC Duc Bao and Bonang Matheba (from South Africa) announced the new queen, Yolina Lindquist was overcome with emotion. She received the crown from reigning queen Ketut Permata Juliastrid Sari and a prize of 100,000 USD in cash.
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Yolina Lindquist at the moment of her crowning. Photo: Missosology |
Yolina Lindquist, 22 years old and 1,74 m tall, graduated with honors from Southern Illinois University. She is the founder of Courage Over Cancer, a platform supporting research and connecting cancer patients. Lindquist currently works in community engagement and talent acquisition. She has also been involved in managing several student organizations and has traveled to 16 countries.
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Yolina Lindquist in a portrait photo taken by the organizers at the beginning of the competition. |
Yolina Lindquist's victory was widely supported. On the morning of 20/10, beauty pageant website Missosology released its final prediction, placing Lindquist in the top position. In previous challenge rounds, she demonstrated consistent performance, drawing attention with her bright smile. The American contestant also charmed the audience by actively communicating in Vietnamese with simple greetings. Vietnamese fans affectionately nicknamed her "Ngoc Na". During the semifinal night on 17/12, Yolina showcased improved performance skills, standing out among the contestants.
The runner-up title went to Chelsea Fernandez from the Philippines. The 25-year-old studied broadcasting at Asia Development Foundation College. She previously won the Miss Globe Philippines 2022 title. Chelsea was considered a strong contender from the start of the competition. She received the highest number of audience votes and also won the Best Evening Gown special award.
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The top 5 Miss Cosmo 2025, from left: contestants from the Philippines, Brazil, the United States, Panama, and Myanmar. |
The event took place outdoors at Creative Park, along the Saigon River, attracting nearly 20,000 spectators. AXN, a global entertainment channel, broadcast the event. On the YouTube livestream, the program garnered over 650,000 concurrent viewers at its peak.
The grand finale featured an elaborate stage with significant investment in sound and lighting. Musical performances by singers Jessi (South Korea), Ho Ngoc Ha, and Huong Giang enlivened the atmosphere. Following the crowning ceremony, a concert featured performances by singers Truc Nhan, Phuong My Chi, Van Mai Huong, and Kpop group TEMPEST.
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Contestants in the opening group performance of the final. |
Miss Cosmo is a beauty pageant organized by a domestic team, aiming to discover modern, influential young women. In its first season, the competition attracted 56 contestants from around the world.
For its second season, the organizers chose the theme Rising Dragon, drawing inspiration from the dragon imagery and the spirit of the Dragon and Fairy descendants (a Vietnamese cultural reference to their mythical origins). Over the past three weeks, contestants participated in various cultural experiences and fashion shows in Thua Thien Hue, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, and TP HCM.
The judging panel included: Paula Shugart, women's rights activist and former president of Miss Universe; Pham Sanh Chau, Asia Regional Chief Operating Officer of a corporation; George Chien, co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of KC Global Media; Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021; Olivia Yace, Miss World Africa 2022; entrepreneur Ali Aslan; and Nguyen Hoang Vu.
Tan Cao
Photo: Kieng Can
