Huong Giang makes a comeback at Miss Grand All Stars, sparking speculation that the rules have changed because of her.

After failing to win anything at Miss Universe 2025, Huong Giang unexpectedly became Vietnam's representative at Miss Grand International All Stars 2026. The competition's rule changes, opening the door to transgender, married, or child-rearing contestants, have led netizens to suspect that it was because of her.

From a contestant who went home empty-handed at Miss Universe 2025, Huong Giang has now become a figure of discussion throughout the international beauty community. On the evening of January 13th, her team confirmed that the beauty queen will represent Vietnam at Miss Grand International All Stars – a special edition being held for the first time.

What surprised the audience wasn't just Huong Giang's return, but also the way the competition changed its rules. Miss Grand International is known for its strict standards, but the All Stars 2026 season opened its doors to transgender contestants, those who are married, or those with children. This was an unprecedented turning point, and the appearance of Huong Giang – a transgender icon – led many to believe that she was the reason the competition "shifted" its rules.

The official Miss Grand International fanpage gave her a weighty introduction: "A Vietnamese model, singer, and television producer, and one of the most influential transgender figures in Southeast Asia." They highlighted her journey from Vietnam Idol – where Huong Giang became the first transgender contestant – to winning Miss International Queen 2018, and then gaining attention at Miss Universe 2025.

This event attracted even more attention when, just a few days earlier, Sen Vàng – the organization holding the rights to Miss Grand Vietnam – announced that it would not be sending a contestant to the competition in order to focus on projects in 2026. While the audience was still disappointed thinking that Vietnam would be absent, Hương Giang unexpectedly appeared, as if she were a "secret weapon" of the organizers.

The reaction from fans both domestically and internationally was overwhelmingly strong. Images of Huong Giang on the Miss Grand International fan page received tens of thousands of likes and thousands of comments within minutes. Vietnamese fans called her "a strong, intelligent, and inspiring contestant," while audiences in the Philippines and Indonesia affirmed their continued support for her after her performance at Miss Universe.

Interestingly, her "empty-handed" performance at Miss Universe 2025 became the motivation for Huong Giang to return stronger. While in the previous competition she was merely a contestant attracting attention, this time she entered Miss Grand All Stars as an icon – a representative of the diversity and inclusion that the competition aims to affirm.

Miss Grand International All Stars will take place in Thailand from May 18th to 30th, 2026. This year's competition brings together contestants who have previously competed internationally but haven't won, and is open to transgender and married contestants. This change has fueled public curiosity: will Huong Giang turn controversy into victory, or will she continue to be a controversial icon?

Regardless of the outcome, it's undeniable that Huong Giang has become the focal point of this special season. From a contestant who was once doubted, she is now the reason the entire competition had to change its rules. And that is the biggest "victory" for the beauty queen on her journey to bring the voice of Vietnam and the LGBTQ community to the world. Huong Giang's return is not just about a beauty pageant, but also proof that the values of diversity and equality are increasingly being recognized on the international stage.

Miss Huong Giang will compete in Miss Grand All Star when Aunt Dung gives up the contest? JLO17:36:39 07/01/2026In the early days of 2026, the domestic beauty loving community pays special attention to the name Huong Giang when she is constantly called out by the audience at events and on social networks, associated with the expectation of participating in Miss Grand International All Stars.