Among the 6 transgender contestants in the competition's inaugural season, Huong Giang advanced the furthest. The announcement of the top 5 was met with cheers from the audience.

Huong Giang was called first, a recognition of her impressive evening gown performance earlier. She received 6 perfect scores of 10, including from judge Omar Harfouch, known for his strictness in previous rounds. Her total average score for the segment was 78,5, placing her second after the contestant from the Czech Republic, who scored 79 points.

Huong Giang in an evening gown with butterfly-inspired wings on stage. *MGI*

During the top 10 announcement, the beauty queen was emotional as she was the last to be called by the MC. According to the score sheet released by the organizers, Huong Giang led after combining the judges' average scores, which accounted for 70%, and audience votes, making up 30%.

Earlier, during the top 18 announcement, Huong Giang did not hear her name clearly and only realized it when a fellow contestant signaled her. On stage, she was honored with the World's Choice Award, a fan-voted category conducted on the competition's online platform in recent days.

Huong Giang expressed gratitude for the encouragement from friends, colleagues, and close juniors, especially the affection from her hometown audience. On the final night, her mother was present in the audience to cheer her on.

Before the final, leading beauty pageant websites, including Missosology, Sash Factor, and Sash Nation, predicted Huong Giang as a top 10 contender for the crown. During the 15 days of the competition, she generated significant media attention. For side activities and preliminary rounds, Huong Giang invested in her outfits, consistently employing tactics to attract the judges' attention.

Huong Giang (right) in a midriff-baring outfit during her opening appearance. *MGI*

Nguyen Huong Giang, 34 years old, from Hanoi, gained public attention when she reached the top 4 of Vietnam Idol in 2012. In 2018, she was crowned Miss International Queen in Thailand. She returned to the international beauty pageant scene after failing to place at the 74th Miss Universe in late 2025. For many years, Huong Giang has had a versatile career as a singer, model, and television producer.

The All Stars version is part of the Miss Grand International system, announced by Miss Grand International President Nawat in late 2025. The competition is separate from the original version, allowing contestants to register freely without needing to go through national MGI license holders. Beauties who have participated in international pageants all have the opportunity to compete. The competition is open to transgender individuals, married women, and those who have given birth.

The season took place from 16/5 to 30/5 in Thailand, featuring various activities. For the first time on stage, contestants underwent a challenge where they removed their makeup live before a catwalk, a segment that sparked debate. The judging panel included: Osmel Sousa, a renowned beauty expert from Venezuela; Isabella Menin, Miss Grand International 2022; Jupita Jones, Miss Universe 1991; Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005; composer Omar Harfouch; and other notable figures.

Tan Cao

Photos, video: MGI