An awkward-to-watch moment unfolded at an international beauty pageant in Thailand last weekend when a contestant from Panama misheard the announcer and inadvertently stole the spotlight from a Paraguayan woman.
And it appears even the camera operator was confused as he initially zoomed in on the contestant from Canada.
The embarrassing mishap played out at the Miss Grand International in Bangkok on Saturday as announcer Matthew Deane was about halfway through calling out the 22 finalists.
“Next in is Miss Grand Paraguay,” he called out, the video shows at one hour and eight minutes.
One of the cameras immediately focuses on Canadian Layanna Robinson, who initially gasps before glancing around to see Panamanian Isamar Herrera confidently walk forward to join the other waiting finalists.
Before she can do so, and after a few uncomfortable seconds of silence, Deane is forced to dash her hopes.
“I beg your pardon. I announced Miss Grand Paraguay,” he said as the camera shifted to Cecilia Romero as she began her walk down the runway, passing Herrera on the way back.
“There is a lot of noise in this hall packed full with fans from all over the world,” Deane added.
Many
commented on the confusion and said it appeared even Robinson at first thought Deane had said “Miss Grand Canada.”
“Is it me or did the Canadian woman think it was her,” asked Leslie Ayala.
“At least the one from Canada waited before going through the pain,” added Bayardo Montecinos.
They announced Miss Paraguay made it to the Top 20, but Miss Panama heard “Panama” and so confidently walked right to the front of the stage 😭😭😭😭like I’m so sorry there’s no coming back from that #MissGrandInternational
pic.twitter.com/mEE7qM2vAR— Marco Sav (@MarcoSav93) October 18, 2025
Herrera’s name, nor Robinson’s, was called by Deane as the pageant continued. Romero would also go on to finish outside the Top 5.
Speaking to
after the mix-up, Herrera said these things happen. “It was a mistake and this is a competition. You have to know how to lose and recognize the triumph of others,” she said.
The Philippines’ Emma Tiglao would go on to claim the crown, marking the second straight year a representative from the country has won, following Christine Juliane Opiaza in 2024.
National Post has contacted Robinson for more comment.
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