Huong Giang has spoken publicly for the first time since exiting Miss Universe 2025, revealing that sudden changes in the pageant's direction left her at odds with its new criteria.
In a livestream on the morning of November 22, Huong Giang recapped her 21-day journey in Thailand and explained her reasons for not making it past the finals. Her candid reflections revealed behind-the-scenes information that had not been shared until now.
Unaware of major shifts in pageant direction
Huong Giang said she received continuous updates throughout the competition, with the most impactful being the shift in Miss Universe’s core values under the new organizers.
Just days before the final, during a national directors’ meeting, Miss Universe Vietnam President Valentine Tran learned that diversity and equality - previously championed under Anne Jacqueline Jakrajutatip - were no longer top priorities.
Instead, the organization had pivoted back to emphasizing natural beauty and a more flamboyant stage presence.
Hương Giang tại bán kết Miss Universe 2025.
Huong Giang admitted she felt disoriented and realized she did not align with the new direction. “Had I known this from the beginning, I wouldn’t have joined,” she said.
Throughout the competition, rules kept changing - some segments no longer counted toward scoring, others required last-minute fan votes - leaving her constantly unprepared.
She chose not to reveal this earlier, saying, “By the time I understood what was happening, the journey was almost over. Speaking up then would’ve only caused unnecessary concern.”
‘I just wasn’t what they were looking for’
Huong Giang emphasized that she never claimed to be the most beautiful contestant, especially when compared to Latin American candidates or Yoshi, runner-up at Miss International Queen 2018.
She acknowledged that the result wasn’t unfair, but simply reflected the fact that she didn’t meet the current selection criteria.
Reflecting on her 2018 Miss International Queen win, she recalled that her victory then wasn’t due to beauty alone, but a combination of factors. She said, “This is not about fairness. It’s about being the person the organizers are looking for - and I wasn’t.”
Huong Giang asked fans not to attack the organizers or try to justify her worth. “I just want people to understand that I and the competition’s criteria didn’t match,” she said.
While she was grateful for fan support and international recognition, she reiterated that appreciation doesn’t equal eligibility: “Being loved and being a good fit are two different things. I’ve organized pageants myself - I know how this works.”
Interview surprise: different judges, limited time
According to Giang, the private interview round involved judges asking candidates about their goals and personal missions - but she was surprised to see a completely different panel than the one previously announced.
She also apologized to fans for not winning the Beyond the Crown award, explaining that it was beyond her control and that information was drip-fed during her time in Thailand.
As for her absence from the post-pageant event on the night of November 21, she explained that it was optional. Many fans had flown to Thailand to support her and were flying home the next day, so she stayed behind to see them off. Vietnam’s delegation was represented at the event by Valentine Tran.
She also revealed that even Veena Praveenar Singh, first runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, went straight back to her room after the finale. Giang found her ordering food, and the two spent the evening chatting and eventually fell asleep side by side. The two remain close, and Giang plans to invite Veena to Vietnam.
Proud of her journey
Despite everything, Huong Giang said she’s proud that she completed every requirement set by the organizers. “That’s what I’m most proud of - not any particular performance, but my commitment.”
She had her own goals going into the competition and was proud to have achieved several of them. More than anything, she was touched by the overwhelming support she received.
She fondly recalled moments such as kindergarteners cheering her on, international fans waiting in hotel lobbies, recognizing her, and asking for photos. “If I hadn’t stepped into the global stage, none of this would’ve happened,” she said. “So no regrets - just gratitude.”
Plans after Miss Universe
Huong Giang receives support from Vietnamese fans at Miss Universe 2025.
Huong Giang did not disclose her return flight to avoid a public reception at the airport. “I didn’t win anything. There’s no reason to be celebrated - especially now, when people are focused on helping flood victims,” she said.
She plans to take a short break to rest after nearly a month of sleep deprivation, mental exhaustion, and walking in heels.
Then, she’ll return to work on her talent pageant production and other year-end projects.
She’s also planning a “pho date” fan meeting to thank her supporters.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
