On the evening of 24/9, Miss Universe Vietnam announced that Huong Giang Idol will compete in the international beauty pageant. She is the first transgender contestant to represent Vietnam in the competition's history. The Miss Universe Organization has allowed transgender women to participate since 2023.
Nguyen Huong Giang, 34, from Hanoi, gained public attention as a top 4 finalist in Vietnam Idol 2012. In 2018, she was crowned Miss International Queen in Thailand. Over the years, she has pursued a career in singing, acting, and producing reality television shows. In 2024, Huong Giang served as a producer for Miss Universe Vietnam.
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Miss International Queen Huong Giang in a profile picture released by Miss Universe Vietnam on various platforms on the evening of 24/9. Photo: Provided by the organizers |
Miss International Queen Huong Giang in a profile picture released by Miss Universe Vietnam on various platforms on the evening of 24/9. Photo: Provided by the organizers
Miss Universe Vietnam selected Huong Giang directly, rather than holding a national competition to find a contestant as in previous years. According to the organization, she embodies feminine beauty, intelligence, confidence, and has an inspiring story.
"We believe she has never stopped challenging herself. In every role, Huong Giang shines with inner strength, true to the image of a modern Vietnamese woman," a representative of the organizing committee said.
Earlier this year, the organization announced the schedule for the new season but ultimately did not proceed with it. The organizers hand-picked a contestant to send to Miss Universe 2025. According to Miss Universe, the deadline for national organizations to announce their contestants is 30/9, with preference given to winners of national pageants.
In 2024, the organization held a successful season, crowning Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen as Miss Universe Vietnam. She went on to compete internationally and placed in the top 30.
First held in 1952, Miss Universe is one of the most-watched beauty pageants globally, with broadcast rights purchased by 165 countries and territories. Former US President Donald Trump once owned the entire Miss Universe Organization. In 2015, the organization was sold to IMG, led by CEO Amy Emmerich and President Paula Shugart. They remained in their roles until late 2022 when Thai transgender businesswoman Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, representing Thailand-based JKN Global Group, acquired the organization. However, she resigned earlier this year. Miss Universe is currently managed by Legacy Holding Group USA, based in Mexico, and represented by Raul Rocha Cantu.
In recent years, the competition has undergone several rule changes to promote diversity, celebrating not only physical beauty but also inner strength and a healthy lifestyle. Since 2023, the Miss Universe Organization has allowed married women and mothers to compete.
The 74th edition of the competition will take place in Thailand in November, with over 100 contestants from around the world expected to participate. Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark will crown her successor.
Tan Cao
