Guess who wins #2026MissWorld talent round for the 1st time in 75 years with rousing musical performance

The reigning Miss England has reached the Miss World final after becoming the first British beauty queen to win the competition's talent round in its 75-year history.

Grace Richardson, 23, is currently competing at the prestigious beauty pageant in Vietnam after becoming the first openly gay Miss England winner. 

The performing arts graduate from Leicester beat 111 other contestants to become the first Miss England ever to win the Miss World Talent round, fast-tracking her to the final. 

She sang her way into the history books this week after stunning judges and fans with her moving rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow - an 'extraordinary' achievement considering Grace was born with a condition known as tongue-tie. 

The beauty queen's proud mother Alyson said the award represents Grace's 'determination and resilience' after overcoming ankyloglossia, which restricts the movement of the tongue. 'She has had to work incredibly hard to find different ways to form sounds, words and musical notes,' Alyson said. 'That makes this recognition feel even more extraordinary to us. 

The musical theatre student, who was crowned Miss England, last November said it feels 'incredibly special to be recognised' for her talent, adding: 'I can't wait to see what the next two weeks bring, knowing I'm already through to the top 40. 

'I'm just going to enjoy every moment and continue to give it my all representing England.

Grace, 23, (middle) who is the first openly gay Miss England, reacting after she won the talent round at the ongoing Miss World competition in Vietnam 

Congratulations to Grace, Miss World England, Soye Karibi-George, Miss World Nigeria who is now the Continental Queen for Africa and automatically in the Top 40 and other queens!