The highs and lows of Miss Grand International 2026 coronation night
Miss Grand International has crowned its newest queen, Jihan Dimack of Tanzania.
Held at MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct. 10, the coronation night brought together candidates from across the globe, who showcased their culture, heritage, beauty, and wit on the international stage.
This year’s edition delivered a high-energy spectacle, marked by elaborate production, standout moments, and a few noticeable shortcomings.
From the high-energy opening number to the moments that fell short, here are the highs and lows of Miss Grand International 2026 as we relive the night’s biggest moments:
HIGH: A 'grand' opening
The Miss Grand International 2026 finale opened on a high note as the candidates took the stage, joined by Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tigla, who looked stunning in a gold ensemble.
The beauty queens danced gracefully to a remixed version of Dola Re Dola before introducing themselves one by one, which definitely set an energetic tone for the night.
HIGH: Astounding stage design
This year's stage design was a standout, with massive LED backdrops and well-executed lighting that complemented each segment, from the opening number to the swimsuit and evening gown rounds.
The expansive stage also gave the more than 70 candidates enough room to move without looking cramped. Meanwhile, the livestream delivered crisp, high-quality shots that made the show enjoyable for pageant fans watching from home.
LOW: Too much downtime between segments
The lengthy breaks between segments tested viewers' patience, with considerable waiting time between key moments of the competition. While the pauses featured Miss Grand International activities and sponsor presentations, they sometimes slowed the show's momentum. We have to give props to the production team though for starting on time!
HIGH: The Top 11 contestants make a statement for peace
Following the Top 11 announcement, the candidates took to the runway in gold ensembles, delivering statements calling for peace and an end to wars worldwide. The segment highlighted the pageant’s advocacy component, giving the finalists a platform to express their views on global conflict and the importance of promoting peace.
LOW: No slow-mo during the evening gown segment
For pageant fans, one noticeable omission during this year’s finale was the absence of the slow-motion shots during the evening gown competition.
The technique had become a trademark of Miss Grand International as it gave viewers a closer look at the candidates’ gowns, movements, and runway presence. Without it, according to pageant fan groups, the segment felt different from what they expected from the pageant.
HIGH: MGI 2025 Emma Tiglao's farewell moment
The Philippines’ Emma Tiglao ended her reign on an emotional note during her farewell speech, where she reflected on the years of perseverance, setbacks, and lessons that led to her long-awaited crowning moment.
Tiglao shared how the years of waiting made her eventual victory even more meaningful. "I realized those years of almost became one unforgettable 'finally,'" she added. She also looked back on how her reign allowed her to bring her existing charitable endeavors to a wider audience.
"My reign was nothing but grand, of course. You know that before I joined Miss Grand International, I do live selling into charity, and thank you MGI, for giving me the opportunity to put it in the international arena," she said.
Addressing the criticism she encountered during her time as titleholder, Tiglao emphasized the importance of focusing on the legacy she would leave behind rather than public opinion.
As she passed on her crown, Tiglao offered advice to her successor, encouraging her to make the most of the experience despite the demands of the role.
The pageant’s next edition, which will mark its 15th anniversary, is set to take place in Thailand once again.
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