(From left) Miss India Nandini Gupta with Miss Indonesia Monica Kezia Sembiring, winner of the Talent round of Miss World 2025, Issie Princesse, Miss Cameroon and second-place winner, and Chiara Esposito, Miss Italy (third place), at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
In a celebration of global culture and artistic expression, Miss Indonesia Monica Kezia Sembiring claimed the top spot at the Talent Finale of Miss World 2025, held at Shilpakala Vedika on Thursday evening. Her seamless fusion of Indian and Indonesian melodies on the piano won over both the audience and the judges, earning her first place in the competition.
Miss Cameroon Issie Princesse secured second place with a rendition of the gospel song Goodness of God, while Miss Italy Chiara Esposito took the third spot for her elegant and emotive ballet performance.
The evening began with a growing crowd filling the venue by 5 p.m., as anticipation built for the performances by the top 24 contestants, each of whom had been shortlisted through earlier internal rounds. What followed was a vibrant showcase of diverse cultures and talents that lit up the stage and kept the audience enthralled.
Miss USA Athenna Crosby opened the show with a high-energy vocal act, setting an upbeat tone. Miss Nigeria Joy Mojisola Raimi was a standout with her dynamic fusion of Indian and African dance, performing to the popular Telugu track Ranu Mumbai Ki Ranu, which she described as a tribute to “unity in motion.”
The night featured a range of memorable acts, Miss Malta Martine Cutajar’s rendition of Rainbow, Miss Estonia Eliise Randmaa’s cheerleading and hip-hop fusion, and Miss Brazil Jessica Pedroso’s emotional take on Memory. Miss Netherlands Jane Knoester, unable to perform live due to venue constraints, showcased her ice-skating skills through video footage.
Piano performances by Miss Czech Republic Adéla Stroffekova and Miss Germany Silvia Dorre Sanchez highlighted classical finesse, while Miss Argentina Guadalupe Alomar’s medley of traditional dances electrified the hall. Miss Australia Jasmine Stringer’s version of Hallelujah resonated with the audience, as did Miss Sri Lanka Anudi Gunasekara’s graceful traditional dance.
Miss Poland Maja Klajda offered a poignant national dance, drawing attention to Poland’s history of erasure from world maps for over a century. Miss Philippines Krishnah Marie Gravidez performed “Wherever I Go” from Moana, while Miss Trinidad and Tobago Anna-Lise Nanton’s aerial performance, presented via video, conveyed her message that “strength and femininity are not opposites.”
Spoken word also had its moment in the spotlight, with Miss Wales Millie-Mae Adams delivering a powerful poem on cardiac arrest awareness, complete with a step-by-step emergency guide. Miss Cayman Islands Jada Ramoon performed Tomorrow, and emotional singing performances came from Miss Jamaica Tahje Laurica Bennett and Miss Ireland Hannah Johns.
Miss India Nandini Gupta energised the crowd with an exuberant Bollywood dance that had the audience clapping and cheering to the very end, while Miss Ethiopia Hasset Dereje Admassu performed Man’s World with striking emotion. The final solo act came from Miss Kenya Grace Ramtu, who transformed the venue into a party with her lively DJ set.
The evening concluded with a spirited group performance, as all 24 finalists returned to the stage and danced together to ‘Ranu Mumbai Ki Ranu’, closing the event with a rousing sense of unity and celebration.
Published – May 22, 2025 10:17 pm IST
