Crowned in controversy Backlash erupts after host Fiji wins Miss Pacific Islands 2026

The cheers had barely settled in Nadi when the criticism began.

On Saturday night, Fiji’s Ailava Samuels was crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2026, closing a week of celebration, culture, and advocacy at the region’s premier pageant.

But within minutes of the announcement, which was televised live, frustrated viewers were posting online, questioning the judging process and whether the host nation had an advantage.

Too many Fiji judges on the panel. How is that fair? one social media user wrote shortly after the crowning.

Another posted: Host country always wins. This was decided before the show even started.

A third wrote: No disrespect to Ailava, but the process must be transparent. Another said: This crown is only for Fiji, not the Pacific. You are only the queen of Fiji, not the Pacific.

Watch outgoing Miss Pacific Islands Litara Ieremia-Allan crown her successor Ailava Samuels in Fiji on Saturday.

The comments reflect concern among some viewers that the judging panel may have included a strong local presence, although organisers have not indicated any breach of process.

Others described the result as “a bad look for the region” and called for greater transparency in future contests.

The debate has also reopened questions about how Samuels came to represent Fiji at this year’s pageant.

Contestants at this year's Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. Photo/Supplied

Last December, Dr Peggy Ravusiro was named Miss Fiji and was expected to compete at the regional event.

But a public dispute involving Ravusiro and the Miss Fiji Pageant committee led to intervention by the Fijian government, which insisted that the officially recognised national winner must represent the country at the Miss Pacific Islands contest.

As previously reported by PMN News, the government said Fiji’s delegate needed formal recognition and backing.

In the end, Samuels, 19, was appointed as Fiji’s representative instead of Ravusiro, a move that divided public opinion at the time.

Supporters said the decision protected the integrity of Fiji’s representation. Critics argued it placed the new titleholder under intense scrutiny before the regional competition had even begun.

By the time contestants from across the Pacific gathered in Fiji, the spotlight was already firmly on the host nation.

Watch Miss Fiji winner Dr Peggy Ravusiro's press conference in Suva last month.

The earlier withdrawal of the Solomon Islands contestant added to what had already been a tense lead-up. The Solomon Islands cited unresolved concerns relating to the 2025 pageant, including issues around one of the judges.

On Saturday night, Samuels delivered an emotional speech, thanking her supporters and speaking of her commitment to serving the Pacific region.

Some in the audience praised her confidence and stage presence throughout the competition. Even Fiji's Prime Minister congratulated Samuels in a statement posted on the government's Facebook page.

The regional pageant organisers have maintained that the judging process follows established guidelines and that judges are selected for their experience and regional representation.

They have also maintained that the process is transparent and stand by the integrity of the final result.

For many across the Pacific, the pageant is more than a crown. It is a platform for young women to advocate on climate change, health, education, and cultural identity - issues that affect island nations daily.

Watch Ailava Samuels deliver her speech after being crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2026.

Miss Papua New Guinea, Iampela Popena, was named first runner-up. Miss Sāmoa, Iliganoa Feagaimali’i Soti, took second runner-up. Miss Tonga, Siosi’ana Patricia Taumoepeau, was third runner-up, while Miss Cook Islands, Petra Mataiti, finished fourth runner-up.

Beyond the main title, several special awards were presented by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka.

Taumoepeau received the Miss Tourism 2026 title and won Best Sarong 2026. Popena was awarded Miss Internet 2026 and Best Traditionally Inspired Attire 2026. Mataiti took home Miss Photogenic 2026 and Best Talent 2026.

Miss Kiribati, Atiterentaai Rinimarawa, was named Miss Personality 2026. Samuels herself had earlier been awarded Best Interview 2026.

As celebrations continue in Fiji, debate over Saturday night’s result is likely to linger online.

For Ailava Samuels, her reign as Miss Pacific Islands 2026 begins under intense public attention and with expectations that reach far beyond the stage.

The 2026 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant contestants with outgoing regional queen Litara Ieremia-Allan, fifth from left, in Nadi. Photo/Supplied