MGI All Stars Season 2 stirs debate ahead of November launch, Vietnam among contestants to watch

MGI All Stars is a beauty pageant run by Miss Grand International (MGI) for women who have already competed in an international pageant, whether under MGI or other international pageants. It was announced in December 2025 and first held in May this year.

Vietnam's representative Huong Giang finished as second runner-up in the inaugural season. Her successor at the upcoming second edition is Ngo Bao Ngoc.

MGI All Stars Season 2 is scheduled to take place in Thailand from November 26 to December 12.

Controversial judges  

One of the most notable developments is the return to the judging panel of French composer Omar Harfouch, who attracted widespread debate during the inaugural season.

He previously awarded one point to some contestants during the semifinals, scores that were significantly lower than those given by the other judges and prompted many fans to question his judging criteria.

Harfouch later explained that his scoring was based not on a single performance but on the contestants’ overall journeys.

He also said consistency and logic should take precedence over emotions when judging.

His inclusion in the Season 2 judging panel has therefore quickly become a talking point.

Meanwhile, Carrie Xie Lu Xing Dan of China, who competed in the inaugural MGI All Stars and received low scores from Harfouch, is also coming back for the second season.

The contestant said she decided to return because she enjoyed the competition, particularly its catwalk segments.

After the previous season, she spent time improving herself and preparing for her comeback with a more relaxed mindset.

Rather than putting pressure on herself to achieve a particular result, she wants to enjoy the journey and continue growing.

Fans are now curious to see whether she will once again receive low scores.

The selection of Shyare Andrade, the first runner-up at Miss Grand International 2026 from Ecuador, as a judge for MGI All Stars Season 2 has also prompted mixed reactions.

Some viewers have questioned her experience and professional qualifications for the judging role, as the competition brings together contestants who have competed in major international pageants and won prestigious titles.

Unexpected withdrawals

Another talking point that has drawn attention is the withdrawal of Jennifer Colón from Puerto Rico and Stephanie Cam from Honduras shortly before the second season.

Both contestants had received US$10,000 in participation fee support from MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil but ultimately decided not to continue in the competition.

Their last-minute reasons remain undisclosed.

Beauty fans have also raised questions after the MGI All Stars organizers confirmed Ashley Flete as the representative of the Dominican Republic, although she only reached the top 10 of the Miss Universe Latina 2025 national competition.

This has prompted questions about how her selection aligns with the pageant's criteria, which are intended for contestants who have previously competed in international pageants.

Vietnam's Ngo Bao Ngoc among contestants to watch

Representing Vietnam is Ngo Bao Ngoc, the first runner-up at Miss Grand Vietnam 2026.

She previously competed in the international modeling competition Supermodel Me and has worked in both modeling and film.

With her experience in performance, catwalk skills and stage presence, Bao Ngoc is expected to make her mark in a competition featuring contestants with backgrounds in international beauty pageants.

Besides Bao Ngoc, among the early contestants announced are Melloney Dassanayaka (Sri Lanka), Natthakan Kunchayawanat (Thailand), Kitava-Yvettlana Fosuwaa-Amankwaa (Ghana), Alexie Mae Brooks and Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz (the Philippines).

The Season 2 final is scheduled for December 12.

The organizers have announced a US$1 million prize for the second season.

However, in the inaugural season, the prize was subject to a condition requiring the winner to successfully defend the title through three consecutive editions of MGI All Stars.