Sāmoa’s next Tausala: The journey begins for 12 young women

The Miss Sāmoa Pageant, a highly anticipated annual event, is set for another dazzling celebration of beauty, identity, and purpose.

Twelve tama’ita’i (young women) will compete for the title of Miss Sāmoa 2025, succeeding reigning tausala Litara Ieremia-Allan.

This year’s event focuses on family connections, diaspora representation, and a celebration of fa’a Sāmoa - the Sāmoan way.

The official contestant lineup was confirmed this week, kicking off a week-long event starting on 27 October in Apia.

The competition challenges contestants to demonstrate grace, poise, leadership, cultural knowledge, and a strong understanding of fa’a Sāmoa.

This year’s entrants include a diverse mix of local and overseas contestants. Each contestant carries the stories of their families and communities to the national stage. Their participation, from villages across Sāmoa to diaspora hubs in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, reflects the global reach of Sāmoan pride.

Representatives from across Sāmoa's diaspora hubs join local contestants in Apia next week. Photo/Miss Sāmoa Pageant 2025/Facebook

The lineup of contestants for this year includes:

• Amaryllis Savanah Moana Manuma (Miss Sāmoa USA),

• Blessings Jane Laga’ali Schuster (Miss ILY’S Clothing Boutique),

• Feagaimaali’i Soti Mapu (Miss Paradise Finance),

• Julia Liulagi Leuta (Miss Falealili District),

• Larona Junelle Tivoli (Miss Sāmoa Queensland),

• Maruseana Olivia Kelcey Sititi (Miss Mapu Maia),

• Painu’ulasi Bartsch Le’aupepe (Miss Oriana Siva Academy),

• Paulina Ave’ese Tapua’i Soti (Miss Sāmoa New Zealand),

• Priscilla Tato (Miss Sāmoa New South Wales),

• Siainiu Fidow (Miss Julie’s Biscuits),

• Sina Molynn Fa’atauu’u (Miss Lavashe Couture), and

• Tiare Sylvia Va’ai (Miss Vaisala Hotel).

Watch the official announcement of the Miss Sāmoa 2025 contestants below:

This year’s contest has a special twist: a family duo, Feagaimaali’i Soti Mapu and her niece Paulina Ave’ese Tapua’i Soti, are both competing for the crown.

Paulina’s road to the Miss Sāmoa stage began earlier this year at the Miss Sāmoa New Zealand pageant, which marked its 35th anniversary in Auckland. Out of 12 applicants, six were shortlisted, but only two advanced to the finals after several withdrawals. Paulina, 24, who represents the villages of Nofoali’i, Safa’to’a Lefaga, Satapuala, and Sapapali’i, was named one of the two finalists.

Former Miss Sāmoa NZ Precious Miriama Tusega oversaw the Auckland crowning event, marking a significant milestone for the Pacific Events and Entertainment Trust and the Miss Sāmoa NZ committee, celebrating the competition’s resilience and longevity.

Ieremia-Allan has continued to make waves after being crowned Miss Pacific Islands earlier this year in the Solomon Islands. Her reign has focused on advocating for women’s empowerment and education. She recently encouraged the new contestants to “carry Sāmoa in your heart, wherever you go”.

Organisers emphasise that Miss Sāmoa 2025 goes beyond glamour and grace. It serves as a leadership platform. Contestants speak confidently, demonstrate knowledge of national issues, engage in community involvement, and embody Sāmoan values of service and humility. The winner will represent Sāmoa at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026 in Fiji, aiming for a third consecutive regional victory after the successes of Ieremia-Allan and Moemoana Schwenke.

Current Miss Sāmoa, Litara Ieremia-Allen, is also Miss Pacific Islands. Photo/Sāmoa Tourism Authority

Pageant Week will feature interviews, talent showcases, presentations of traditional wear, and community visits. Each segment highlights a different part of fa’a Sāmoa, from eloquence to intellect, creativity, and deep respect for heritage. On the final night, judges will crown one tama’ita’i in Apia, appointing her to a role that connects Sāmoan values, women’s empowerment, and cultural diplomacy in the modern world.

For Sāmoans across the globe, the pageant is a celebration of island pride, beauty, strength, identity, womanhood, and the values held dear within families and communities.

As the 12 contestants prepare for competition week, they are supported by their sponsors and families, carrying the collective pride of a nation eager to see who will be the next to wear the crown and represent Sāmoa to the world.