RELEASE

Vietnam – Miss World England Grace Richardson has made history by winning the Talent Competition at the 75th Anniversary Miss World Festival in Vietnam, becoming the first England representative to win a Miss World fast-track event.

Grace, a performing arts graduate from Leicestershire with a background in singing, acting and dancing, wowed the global audience with her performance of “Over the Rainbow” at the Children’s Culture Center in Nha Trang.

Through her performance, Grace wanted to remind adults how important it is to keep their childhood dreams alive – a message that means a lot to her as she continues working towards her own dream of performing on a West End stage.

The Talent Competition started with contestants from around the world auditioning for a place in the final. Grace made it through to the 23 Talent finalists, who performed while the other 88 national ambassadors cheered them on.

Minutes after being announced as the winner, an emotional Grace said:

“I still can’t believe I am the winner. These women are all so talented, and it is truly an honour to have been chosen.”

Grace added:

“Winning the Talent round means so much to me. Performing is what I love, so it really is incredibly special to be recognised for it here at Miss World. I can’t wait to see what the next two weeks bring, knowing I’m already through to the Top 40! I’m just going to enjoy every moment and continue to give it my all representing England.”

Her victory has fast-tracked England into the Top 40 quarterfinals of this year’s Miss World and marks the first time England has won a fast-track event in Miss World history.

WORLD-CLASS TALENT

It was a hugely competitive evening, with Miss World Guadeloupe, Annaelle Ibo, finishing a close second after performing “La Vie en Rose.”

Miss World Philippines, Asia Rose Simpson, came third with a powerful dance performance telling the story of feeling lost and finding her way through faith.

The evening featured many other outstanding performances. Miss World Paraguay, Ayelén Pérez, a music educator, played the violin with remarkable talent and sensitivity, while Miss World Portugal, Vitória Babinetchi, impressed with an incredible rhythmic gymnastics routine.

The audience also enjoyed the powerful voices of Miss World Ethiopia, Ruth Yirgalem; Miss World Nigeria, Soye Karibi-George; and Miss World Eritrea, Snit Habteab, as well as a unique and unforgettable performance by Miss World Chile, death metal vocalist Ignacia Fernández.

Miss World Denmark, Josephine Bøttger, impressed the audience with a delicate classical ballet performance that showcased her remarkable talent.

And the list goes on. The representatives from Poland, Colombia, Zambia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, the Cook Islands, Nepal, Gibraltar, Sri Lanka, Ireland, China, Vietnam, Denmark and Guatemala all excelled in their respective performances.

A DREAM COME TRUE FOR LEICESTERSHIRE PERFORMING ARTS GRADUATE

Grace’s achievement is especially meaningful because of her lifelong love of performing.

She trained and graduated at LCPA – Leicester College of Performing Arts, founded and led by Principal Ann Oliver MBE, where she developed her skills in singing, acting and dancing.

Grace has spent years preparing for a career in the performing arts, with her biggest ambition being to perform professionally on a West End stage.

Miss England Director Angie Beasley said:

“This was the round Grace really wanted. Performing is her passion, so to see her win the Miss World Talent Competition is incredibly special. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”

Grace’s international win follows her success in the Miss England Talent round, where her performing ability played an important part in her journey to becoming Miss England.

Now, after years of training, her talent has been recognised on the world stage.

THE 75TH MISS WORLD GRAND FINAL – 5TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Following her historic Talent victory, Grace will continue representing England at the 75th Anniversary Miss World Festival in Vietnam, with her place in the Top 40 quarterfinals already secured.

The 75th Miss World Grand Final takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

The wider Miss World festival events will take place across multiple cities and provinces in Vietnam from August 8 through September 5, 2026, bringing together national representatives from around the world for challenges, cultural events and appearances.

The 75th Anniversary edition of Miss World is supported by Geleximco Group as Diamond Sponsor.

Could Grace Richardson make even more history and bring the Miss World crown home to England?

ENDS

Press enquiries:
[email protected]

For more details about LCPA and Ann Oliver MBE, visit:
https://www.lcpa.co.uk/lcpateam/miss-ann-oliver-mbe/