MANILA, Philippines — Miss World Philippines Asia Rose Simpson placed third in the talent fast-track challenge of Miss World 2026, earning another distinction for the Philippines a week before the pageant’s Sept. 5 coronation in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
The 18-year-old Filipino-American contemporary dancer and choreographer finished second runner-up behind Miss England Grace Richardson, who won the challenge. Miss Guadeloupe Annaelle Ibo placed first runner-up.
Simpson performed her original contemporary dance piece, “Succor,” which combined choreography with gymnastics. She said the performance aimed to highlight hope and healing amid mental health struggles.
The Miss World Organization shared a video of Simpson’s performance on social media and described it as a story about feeling lost and finding a way through faith.
Simpson wore a cobalt blue-and-gold cutout bodysuit designed by her sister during the routine.
In a post-performance interview, Simpson said the talent fast-track challenge ranked among her favorite parts of the competition.
“I honestly didn’t know whether I was gonna make it in the Top 5 or Top 3,” Simpson said. “It was such an incredible honor. I was so shocked. I’m so happy and honored that I got to represent this God-given gifts. I got to represent my country and my family.”
Simpson previously secured a spot in the pageant’s Top 40 and earned entry into the Top 5 of the Asia and Oceania group.
The Miss World 2026 coronation will take place Sept. 5 in Nha Trang, where Simpson and 110 other contestants will compete to succeed reigning Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand.
The pageant will stream live on the Miss World Organization’s official YouTube channel.
Simpson is seeking to become the second Filipina to win the Miss World crown after Megan Young won the title in 2013.
