So on with the show:
The music is a cover of Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi along with violin instrumentals in between sung parts, which makes for an elegant, contemporary-sounding background that did not sound to boring or slow. The ensemble of violinists at the right side of the stage are funny though, they are obviously just there for show and not the actual musical backdrop.
1. Australia
She looked like a princess that pink gown embellished with feathers and jewels. Hair is styled just right, the only issue was how she held her arms unnaturally on her sides. I’m guessing she is aiming for the dainty, elegant effect but it just looked awkward. Nevertheless, a beautiful opening girl.
2. Brazil
This woman got me enthralled. She just looked so natural and refined and she didn’t even try hard. It is an effortless beauty, which I rarely even find in pageants for natural-born women. The way she just walked and posed in that stage with no gimmicks or extra movements. Heck, I find her prettier than most of her country’s Miss Universe counterparts. That broad smile is alluring. The gown was elegant enough and not as sparkly as others but it complemented her well. Such a beautiful Brazilian contingent.
3. China
She looked inconsistent from her photos and live appearance but I gotta give it to her for performing. That stance that she does, almost reminds me of how Chalita Suansane carried herself. The jeweled gown with the tulle overskirt looked great on her but I think the makeup could have been improved to highlight her delicate Oriental features more.
4. France
One of the more unique contestants, Miss France just looked unique yet still conventionally pretty. The pose with the hands gathered at the midsection just looks to 90s for me though (remember when Mpule Kwelagobe did that). She looked very refined as well and that smile is magnetic, she just looked a bit teary-eyed in the end for some reason.
5. India
I think her issue would be her quite wide torso and a different gown color and style would have helped but facially, she has those prominent but pleasing features. Coiffeur was done nicely too. The ball gown could’ve been switched into something more modern and illusory for her advantage.
6. Indonesia
Hmmm. Popular with the audience but not really digging her. The black was a good choice but with how the dress fit her and the way it was cut, didn’t really flatter her. She is feeling her fantasy too but it was a tad bit too much.
7. Japan
Another one with princess fantasies, it was a very elaborate gown, almost too elaborate for a competitive pageant that it kinda swallowed her. She showed lots of personality too but it looked kind of disingenuous and awkward, with those hand movements. If it makes her feel her oats though, why not.
8. Laos
The peplum, I think, never looks good on anyone unless they were aiming for the Judy Jetson look. Laos was also simple and non-gimmicky, it’s just that the gown looked meh.
9. Malaysia
Another one of my underrated favorites, she just stomped through that stage with no apprehension and full of confidence. Her styling and catwalk (and even facial features) reminds me of Maricar Balagtas, Miss Universe Philippines 2004. The gown was glam enough, without overpowering her, though the crotch peeking when she was coming down the stairs was a problem. She was one of the best for me.
10. Mexico
That midnight blue drapery over her linear designed gown showcasing that uber slim figure was something I never saw in pageantry before. A++++ for innovation. Aside from the blonde bombshell look, she had that Latina fire in her which is probably the reason why she won this entire thing.
11. Mongolia
It is a debutante’s dress and even if it matched her lipstick shade, it still didn’t look like a winner’s gown. She could have had more training for walking and stage presence.
12. Myanmar
That linear cutout down the middle with the ethnic printed fabric overskirt looked clean and polished. She looked cute and refined too, just needs more presence and oomph.
13. Norway
Also one of the few women who milked every second in that camera while she was onstage. Not only did she exude an unmistakably feminine energy without trying too hard, but she looked polished and natural. The gown, again, looked neither too simple nor too overpowering. The hair framed her petite face nicely and the walk was impactful yet not gimmicky. She could be a Miss Universe contestant at this point.
14. Peru
I think this mija has watched too many divalicious beauty queens that she became one of them. She understands how Latina queens do it, the only thing is, she overdid it. The gown is a bit over the top too.
15. Philippines
I think her greatest asset is her face that looks just so innocent, sweet and pleasant with that smile. Gown was okay, hair could have been tied up (she later did it) for a little fierce factor. The walk was a bit too tame for my taste (and her hair) but she did well enough to be one of the top contenders.
16. Singapore
By far the worst-looking gown. It looked like it came from the 1980s. Did nothing to make her look elegant. Those mouth movements and tongue wagging didn’t help either.
17. Sweden
Wearing the asymmetrical glittery number with a bunch of tulle at the slit and a large rosette. I think she is wearing it because it looks fashion forward but I didn’t like it. She performs well but I just can’t get my mind past that disco ball of a gown.
18. Taiwan ROC
Those legs peeking from behind those ethereal feathery skirt looked gorgeous. The girl could have had the potential but she was kinda too rushed and didn’t flirt enough with the camera.
19. Thailand
This one, I can’t. I just can’t. She was uber elegant and polished and presentable…she is a pageant trainer’s orgasm. Right from when she posed in the beginning with that leg bent out from the slit, it looked so good and dramatic--it’s like art. The way she went down the stairs so naturally and that final look at the camera, it all seems so natural for her to move that way, it’s incredible. All Thai MIQ candidates have the same effect on me so far. This goes way beyond the work they did in their bodies, it’s the way they move and project that’s very admirable and must’ve needed hours of training.
20. USA
From Thailand’s gracefulness, we are now with USA’s…manliness. Lord, that walk was the most horrible that night. It looked like it’s her first time wearing heels. Those claw hands on her hips when she poses was criiinge. I mean, someone could have trained her better????
21. Vietnam
Having one of the best faces, Vietnam’s simplistic gown and color almost made her look bland. White or Dark blue with embellishments could have provided enough drama but despite her sublime walk and presence, it just made her forgettable.
If we were to rank everyone with the gown portion, I would have to agree with the actual top 10/12
1.Thailand
2.Brazil
3.Mexico
4.Norway
5.Philippines
6.Malaysia
7.France
8.Vietnam
9.Australis
10.China
Really looking forward to seeing this pageant live in the future.