Vietnam contestant praised after near fall at Miss Grand 2026

Emoura Pham, Vietnam’s representative at Miss Grand International 2026, attracted widespread attention after narrowly avoiding a fall on stage and quickly regaining her composure during the pageant’s opening ceremony in Thailand.

Nearly 80 contestants took part in the opening event and press conference on September 23. During the ceremony, participants appeared in evening gowns, introduced themselves and walked the runway before an international audience.

Emoura Pham appeared near the end of the programme wearing a bright orange semi-sheer evening gown. After announcing her name, she began her catwalk in heels measuring nearly 15 centimetres.

As she stepped down from the first stage platform, she briefly lost her footing and lurched forward. Her crown slipped from her head, but she managed to catch it before it hit the floor.

The Vietnamese contestant then continued walking while adjusting the crown and completed her performance with a smile at the end of the runway.

Speaking from behind the scenes, Emoura Pham said she was startled by the incident but remained composed. She added that she would be more cautious during upcoming competition rounds.

Videos of the moment quickly circulated across beauty pageants forums in Vietnam and abroad. Many viewers praised her calm reaction and ability to handle the situation confidently. Audience members could also be heard cheering and calling her name as she continued her performance.

Following her appearance at the September 23 event, Emoura Pham won the Grand Day Experience public vote. The prize includes a visit to the Miss Grand International headquarters in Thailand and an afternoon tea event scheduled for September 28. It marks her second award of the competition season.

Earlier, she was named among the Top 10 most popular contestants before the pageant officially began through audience voting. The achievement earned her an invitation to a dinner with Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International, and Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao on her first day in the competition.

After nearly a week in Thailand, Emoura Pham has been highlighted by several international beauty pageant websites as one of the contestants to watch. She has gained attention for her energetic presence at promotional events and her varied fashion choices.

Beauty forums and content creators in Thailand and across Asia have frequently shared photos and interview clips featuring the Vietnamese contestant. She has also regularly appeared on best-dressed lists compiled by several pageant-focused publications.

Emoura Pham was crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on July 31. Her birth name is Turner Katherine Margaret, while her Vietnamese name is Pham Chan Phuong. She is of mixed heritage, was born in Thailand and moved to Vietnam at a young age.

At the age of 15, she relocated to the United States for secondary education before enrolling in the Associate in Arts programme at Irvine Valley College in California. She stands 1.70 metres tall and has measurements of 80-58-92 centimetres.

Miss Grand International 2026 is being held in Thailand with around 80 contestants. The final is scheduled for October 10.