Miss Chinese International 2015

[samuel]

Without not much news coverage (back in those days, the press followed the girls and stalked them when they arrived in HKG lol), the 2015 pageant will be held this Sunday!! The same date as Miss Universe 2014.

I think this year's quality is pretty good. Originally, the quality didn't seem that good.

From USA, we had 4 representatives early - Chicago (crowned in 2014), San Francisco (sending a rep. from their Miss Singtao pageant. I would prefer if they organized a Miss San Francisco Chinese pageant), Seattle (also sending a girl from Miss Chinatown USA BUT don't know who), and Los Angeles (a gril from their local Chinatown pageant). All seemed to be pretty weak. But, when the girls arrived, Leah Li happened to be the Seattle representative. She was actually crowned Miss Chinatown USA 2013 but she is competing in the 2015 MCI pageant.

I guess it's because she is from Seattle and hence the Miss Chinatown USA organization is sending her to represent Seattle instead. But, why not a girl from the Miss Chinese Seattle pageant(??). Did she have other commitments? Seems a little confusing.

However, when Leah was on the official list of contestants, I went berserk!! What a strong contender Seattle sent!!!! Big eyes, beautiful smile; many Baidu fans are criticizing her for her figure (a little on the chubby side), but Christine Guo still managed to win in 2009!! And, btw, it's weird how the Miss HK Baidu page is generating more discussion than the MCI Baidu page or HERE. Where are all the pageant fans???!?!?!? I wish we went back to those days!!

Back to discussing the girls. Seattle is sending their strongest contestant and the HK press has her as the number one favorite. His dad is also a Chinese actor. Alt. I don't think this will have any influence on the pageant, I expect her to do well. She speaks Mandarin (no Cantonese) but her ambition is to work in the media. She has interned at NBC previously. TVB may have interest in that.

And then the last USA representative was crowned in August. I actually witnessed the pageant (sorry that I didn't write a review of the pageant as I previously promised!). Catherine Hui was the winner. I had her as the 2nd RU and the 2nd RU as the winner but they flip-flopped!! Catherine did have a nice figure (35" bust) and had good answers. She is only 18 but speaks very maturely/graciously.

She also has a sweet look and when she was crowned, not many cities crowned beautiful girls. She became a favorite for the title and like predicted, she is considered a favorite by the HK press. I don't think her cosplay photos will be of that significance/influence in the judges scoring.

We have 2 major favorites from the USA - Seattle and New York!

Then HK got crowned. Veronica gave good answers in the pageant but facially, I don't think she is that strong. Even the HK press don't consider her to be a major favorite. I don't think HK will have a back-to-back.

Onto the other girls..... more and more girls got crowned and facially, there are not much standouts. Australia organized their first Miss China Australia pageant but botched the auditing process for the Sydney pageant.. Two of the top 3 winners there weren't suppose to compete in the grand final!!! One went on to make the top 5 at the grand final and one was crowned as Miss China Australia 2014!!! She is contestant #15 Miss Choi!!

Personally, I do like her exotic look and skin color but I'm not too sure if she should've represented Sydney in Hong Kong. Yes, she won the grand final but she really wasn't suppose to be there in the first place..... And Melanie Lee failed to make the top 5 there. She couldn't pull a reverse Amanda Boll lol (Amanda was the Melbourne rep. at MCI 2001 and competed at MSHK 2002). Or Hilary Tam (competed at MCI 2012 and went on to compete in MSHK 2012 later in that year). TVB favors crossovers from Fairchild but not MCI to MSHK or MSHK to MCI lol.

[samuel]

OK, let me continue after posting.

Australia is also sending the 1st RU to the pageant, representing Melbourne. I think she looks decent, better than her other counterpart (also from Melbourne).

But, here goes my critique on Australia. WHY ORGANIZE THE GRAND FINAL if TVB Australia is still sending 2 representatives only? Why don't they stick with 2 local pageants - Miss Chinese Sydney and Miss Chinese Melbourne?? Or why can't they send all 5 of the local regional pageant winners to HK?? It may sound too much winners (and since TVB is cutting down on their budget and contestants number, I understand why they want as few girls as possible) but it seems redundant to organize 5 local pageants when the other regions pick below par girls (sorry to say that but the quality is...) and when the grand pageant has 3 Sydney girls and 2 Melbourne girls lol?? Plus they messed up on the auditing for the Sydney pageant.....

Montreal picked a decent winner alt. I preferred the 1st RU.

Singapore crowned a facially weak girl... I think they will be clapping again.

Auckland is a little better facially but I don't think she wlll enjoy the success they had in 2009-2012.

7 more girls.. let's talk about China.

TVB finally organized a Miss Chinese International Chinese region pageant. I always think it's silly idea to change the name of the pageant just because they wanted to accept China entries. Not only does it change the true essence of the pageant, the quality haven't been that outstanding... maybe except 2008. The 3 reps. crowned are decent. Better than the other 9 girls at the regional pageant. I do like #17 a lot and #1 is ok. But I don't expect them to place in the top 5. Maybe 1 or 2 in the top 10.

And btw, Foshan is not sending a girl this year. Same as Manila (since 2013)!! Or Tahiti (2012)!! And Calgary (since 2008). Goes to show they have lost interest in the pageant. It's a pity indeed.

Back to the other 4 girls. Kuala Lumpur is sending a darkhorse. Personally, I don't think she is that facially strong as other reps. KL has sent - 2012's Lenna or 2014. 2013 was ok but 2015's rep. is not liked by the HK press. Actually, she started getting noticed after she won the Best National Costume award (voted by the viewers' in a HK mall). Interestingly enough, HK did not win this award. Seems like Veronica is not that popular but then again, her costume (a Qipao) is unique but makes her look a little matronly. The red color suits a more mature woman.

Anyhow, some Baidu fans are suspecting that KL will sneak into the top 3. I don't know how she presented the costume and how she managed to gather the most votes, but since HK viewers have NO influence in the final voting, I don't think her award win will play a major factor in placing. She is good but I think there is lots of competition this year. But, I will watch out for her.

FINALLY, we have the other 2 girls.. Fairchild's Canadian girls. Sometimes, I wish Fairchild took over the Miss Chinese Montreal pageant and took over their franchise and production of the pageant. Toronto and Vancouver organize better pageants than Montreal (understandably so!).

Toronto crowned a darkhorse. I like #3 Miss Li better or #8 or #4 (who has a HK background) but Valerie won. Her performance at the pageant was decent. Her fluent Cantonese was an advantage and her voice (she sang for her talent) was decent. She does resemble a little like Sharon Luk (2005 MSHK 1st RU). But Valerie is a lot shorter. And, she speaks Cantonese but I believe she is from Guangdong, not HK. Girls from China that speak Cantonese get frowned upon (2013's Melbourne rep. was shut out in the top 5 despite being one of the most facially stunning Melbourne reps. ever). With that said, Valerie's placement can go either way. I can see her pulling a Sarah Song surprise (yes, I forgot, she is from Guangdong, speaks Cantonese that year and won!!). Roger Kwok is judging this year and he judged in 2007 where Sarah won!! Will this mean eloquence and the Q&A section will even be more highly valued?? Whether or not this will be the case, we shall see.

BUT PLEASE TVB, this is a BEAUTY PAGEANT!! FACIAL BEAUTY SHOULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT. NOT A GIRL THAT SPEAKS WELL BUT IS FACIALLY WEAK. DO NOT PLACE THAT HIGH EMPHASIS ON THE INTERVIEW PORTION PLEASE!!

They did that in 2012 and eliminated beauties from New York and HK (who gave good answers but got punished because they didn't give the correct answers!!!). Same issue for 2013 (but Melbourne did slip a better and Eric Tsang didn't help her). And am I a little happy Eric is not hosting this year?? I was initially a little disappointed he isn't hosting BUT NOW I AM. He is SO SO BIASED!!!!! He only helps girls with HK backgrounds (Gloria in 2013, Carat) OR his favorites (Cindy in 2014). He bashes other girls but lets other cities off easily. Isn't that biased indeed?? I am very happy Dodo and Lawrence is hosting this year plus a new MC - Miss Chan.

[samuel]

Hopefully the judges will do a good job. Two former beauty queens are judging - MSHK 1989 and MCI 1989 1st RU Monica Chan (also placed 23rd at Miss Universe 1990!!) and MSHK 1991 2nd RU Ada Choi. I think both are very gorgeous to this day! I hope they can judge beauty appropriately. Why did I say that? It's because when Monica was part of the Miss Photogenic judging panel in MSHK 2012, Jennifer Shum got selected as Miss Photogenic. REALLY??? Yes she has a good smile but facially, SHE IS THE WEAKEST MISS PHOTOGENIC HK I HAVE SEEN. I think Candy Yuen (2009) and Sherman Tang (2005) are slightly better than her and all 3 are not considered photogenic imo.

Hence, I am not too confident on how Monica will judge. Hopefully, they can select a facially beautiful MCI. Because this year is pretty good!

And finally, I want to talk about Vancouver. Same as Eric Tsang, one of the hosts for MCV - the 80s singer Mr. Wu was also biased. He did criticize whether or not girls answered well (which I think is inappropriate and a big no in pageants). MCs should REMAIN NEUTRAL Mr. Wu!!! I'm not sure if that influenced the result because Erica (who he praised won in the end) and my favorite, #9 had to settle for 1st RU. Beauty is subjective, while some (and the HK press) like Erica a lot, FACIALLY, I don't consider her to be very strong. She seems to have gained weight since she took her official portrait for MCV. How can that be the case LOL???

I don't know why she is considered a favorite. Same as Cindy last year. I think it's mainly because of the hype from Fairchild (who loves to hype how beautiful Vancouver girls are) and how successful Vancouver does at MCI. Fairchild, even VENEZUELA doesn't do that. LMAO!! To be honest, I think Vancouver wins because the girls at MCI are of low quality (other cities don't crown facially strong girls) AND Fairchild has the resources to train their girls.

Quite frankly, I just wish cities understand the formula to winning MCI. ESSENTIALLY, it's 1. Pretty face, 2. CANTONESE, 3. Good interview skills like 2013's Gloria (mind you I'm still a little annoyed sometimes when I hear her speak because when you yell at Bosco Wong, you don't yell that politely LMAO!). That's how Gloria won in 2013. Or Sarah in 2007. Or Oceane in 2008.

Vancouver knows that formula and that's how they win constantly. If other cities know this and realize this (don't facially mediocre girls or disregard a girl's interview skills), they will do well!

As for Erica, I don't like her that much facially, but with a strong sash and good training by Fairchild, she is a favorite. LOL!!

I do expect Erica to at least make top 5. Possibly top 3 or even win. After Gloria's win in 2013, I honestly have lost faith in TVB. They like to crown girls from Vancouver over and over in search of the next "Linda Chung" or "Bernice Liu." PLEASE TVB, this is a pageant. THIS IS NOT A STAR SEARCHING SHOW!!! Crown the girl with the best performance and beauty!!!!

[samuel]

I'm just hoping Vancouver doesn't win again. I would much prefer Seattle (who has NEVER WON) and New York (who only won once).

I saw Erica's performance at MCV and while her answer at the Q&A section was good, let's be honest, that was a SOFTBALL QUESTION. #4, 8, and #9 had much HARDER QUESTIONS. I don't think it's fair for the other cities when Vancouver has won 6 times while other cities have never won or won once only.

[samuel]

I will post my final predictions and reasons why soon. Can't believe MCI and MU will be held on the same day!! I'm so busy because of that haha!

[samuel]

With that said... here is the official list of cities and their official numbers. since 2012, the girls have been number alphabetically. I wish they don't do that lol.

1. An Hui - Ting Lu
2. Auckland - Christina Jin
3. Bangkok - Isabella
4. Chicago - Jennifer Zhang
5. Jiang Su - Holly He
6. Hong Kong - Veronica Shiu
7. Kuala Lumpur - Anjoe Koh
8. Los Angeles - Katrina Lee
9. Melbourne - Cindy Ye
10. Montreal - Jia Li
11. New York - Catherine Hui
12. San Francisco - Shirley Liu
13. Seattle - Leah Li
14. Singapore - Tammy Ng
15. Sydney - Mandy Chai
16. Toronto - Valerie Fong
17. Vancouver - Erica Chen
18. Zhe Jiang - Yolanda

[samuel]

And how can I forget Bangkok?? Bangkok is hand selected from a contestant at the Miss Thailand World pageant. Isabella is decent looking. I would've preferred the other reps. but surprisingly, she is selected to go to MCI. And surprisingly, she is considered a favorite by the HK press.

With language barriers and her not so good showing at Miss Thailand World (top 10 placement only), I don't think she will make the top 5 at MCI. Top 10 is possible.

With that said, my first predictions for the pageant begins with the grouping of the girls. Like global beauties' classification, I will group the girls into 3 categories: Strong, Fair, and Long-Shots.

Strong girls and cities that will fight for the crown or place in the top 3/5 are:

Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, New York, Seattle, Sydney, Toronto, and Vancouver

Not much surprises here!! Big cities will be more competitive since they have better pageants and training. Since so many girls fall into this category, I consider this year to be one of the most competitive years in a long time!! The quality is good even though I only think NY and Seattle are facially stunning. The other girls are pretty though.

Expect the top 3 to be in this group and the top 5 to consist of most of these girls (or all).

Onto the next group..... FAIR

An Hui, Bangkok, Melbourne, Montreal, and Zhe Jiang.

Out of this group, Bangkok has the most potential to enter the top 5, followed up by Melbourne. Montreal can pull a surprise since she speaks Cantonese but facially, she is a downgrade from Lucia in 2014. The other Chinese cities have decent looks too (especially like #18) but I doubt TVB will allow them into the top 5.

And the last group is long-shots. While it's possible one or two will break into the top 10 from this group, I don't think any one here will make it all the way to the top 5 or 3.

Auckland, Chicago, Jiang Su, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Singapore

Unfortunately, the US has 3 girls in this group. I just hope USA can pull a win since USA sends the most reps. each year but has only won 3 crowns in the past 25 years!! Look at how many times Canada won lol.......

[samuel]

Will determine my exact predictions and placements soon. Onto analysis of Miss Universe 2014 now haha!

[samuel]

What a dramatic turn of events!!! After yesterday's important swimsuit preview - considered by many (including me) a important indication of how they look and how they will perform during the finals, MANY NEW FAVORITES EMERGED.

First of all, two of the four beautiful girls initially selected by the press - New York and Vancouver ARE NO LONGER CONSIDERED FAVORITES ("hot doors"). Bangkok and Seattle remain as beautiful favorites (initially selected by the press during Monday).

Not surprisingly, Seattle remains the big favorite. Even though her legs are a little thick (I don't really think it's that thick as all the girls are wearing one piece swimsuits), her beautiful big eyes, smile, and poise makes up for everything!! Big favorite and deservingly so!

The press also nominated #1 An Hui, #7 Kuala Lumpur, #9 Melbourne, and #16 Toronto as favorites. THIS IS THE BIGGEST HEADSCRATCHER.

#1 does have seductive eyes but her figure is not that outstanding. #7 KL will be well-trained by Astro but facially, I find her predecessors to be stronger. And she doesn't speak Cantonese (but that doesn't really matter I guess even though the past 4 winners have spoken Cantonese). And the Baidu fans seem to love KL too after she won the Best National Costume award so that is quite unexpected LOL. There must be a lot of Malaysian fans on Baidu nowadays just like when KL dominates the online MCI polls back then lol.

#9 Melbourne has a unique look but height wise, she's 5'3" only. And Melbourne has historically not been successful, only winning 2nd RU at 2005. I don't think she can surpass that placement. Top 5 is possible but top 3 is stretch.

And then we have Valerie of Toronto. Facially, she is not my cup of tea alt. I think her biggest advantage is her Cantonese. Very fluent. She is also 5'3" and her figure is decent so I don't think she'll make waves too.

With that said, it's only making the predictions even more COMPLICATED!!! #1, #3, and #9 are going from the fair group to the strong group lol.

Yes, I forgot to talk about #3 Bangkok. She has a decent look but her inability to speak fluent Chinese and even fluent English makes me worry how she will get through the interview portion. I expect her to make top 5 at best, top 10 at most.

[samuel]

With that said....... here are my final predictions. Very hard to decide since it is so competitive this year!!

We have #1, #3, #7, #9, #13, and #16 named as final favorites by the press. We have the stunners from #11 New York (the strongest rep. New York has sent since 2012 who should've made the top 3 that year and I suspect top 5), #17 Vancouver (powerhouse city at MCI, resembles a little like Whitney Hui when she was skinny), #6 Hong Kong (hometown advantage, MSHK and MCV pageant experience, facially may not be strongest and competing in a strong year but top 3 placement may still be possible), and #15 Sydney (I heard she is eloquent, witty, and gave a good performance in order to win the Miss China Australia pageant). AND, #2 Auckland is getting some momentum after GETTING SELECTED TO WEAR THE CROWN ON MONDAY. She was ALSO ELECTED AS MISS FRIENDSHIP. This is the second Miss Friendship award Auckland has won!! Their first award came in 1992. Congratulations Auckland!! She may also pull a surprise and place in the top 10. Lastly, I want to mention Montreal because she also speaks Cantonese and managed to beat Miranda Chan (1st RU at Miss Chinese Montreal) so she may also pull a top 10 placement.

With that all said.... it makes matters much more complicated. The girls who I think the top 10 will compose of are:

#1, #2, #3, #6, #7, #9, #10, #11, #13, #15, #16, and #17

If there's a top 12, that's my picks. If only ten will make it, then #10 Montreal and #2 will be top 12 bubbles. Of course the other 6 ladies I didn't mention will be long shots for the top 10. Actual placements to be determined later.

Next is the elite TOP FIVE. #13 Seattle is definitely in. Top 5 I think is guarantee unless she messes up her Q&A portion. Next is..... #7 Kuala Lumpur. Many seem convinced..... Although I don't really like her to make top 3, she has gained momentum and since the press also likes her, I'm giving her a stop. Only three spots left.... next we have #6 Hong Kong. Personally, I think HK can sit out for a year. I can see Veronica not making top 5. But, with TWO FORMER MISS HONG KONGS as judges and Roger Kwok, I think Veronica will at least make top 5. Two more stops left... one goes to #17 Vancouver. She has lost momentum in the pageant but she is trained by Fairchild and so I think top 5 is definitely possible. AND THE FINAL SLOT goes to....... #11 New York!!! It was a hard selection between her and #16 Toronto. The judges may end up liking #16 Toronto. But.. I'm just thinking New York is facially more pretty than #16 Toronto. New York actually has a lot of fans on Weibo!! And #15 Sydney is also worthy of top 5 material and speaks Cantonese so.... this is a TOUGH decision!!!

ONTO top 3..... My top 5 is Seattle, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Vancouver, and New York. I PREDICT 2nd RU will go to....... #6 Hong Kong!!! Are you guys shocked?? I am shocked too!! I honestly don't even have Veronica in my personal top 5. But, I just have a feeling the judges will not let HK go empty-handed. Remember, Carat also placed 2nd RU at MCI 2013 and she was 1st RU at MCV just like Veronica!! See the connection??!?!

1st RU goes to #7 Kuala Lumpur!! My god, is this like 2013's result!?! Personally, I like NY facially more but SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE are highly praising KL (alt. I am NOT seeing it), I am giving her 1st RU. On my personal list, she is not in my top 3...

And in the end.. the woman who tops my list for MCI 2015 is...... #13 SEATTLE!!!!!!!! Leah is gorgeous, beautiful, and one that TVB is interested in. She is the big favorite ever since she got sent by Seattle (which was an amazing decision and selection) and she has not left my top spot ever since she arrived. She looks more and more pretty as the competition progressed and resembles a lot like Christine Kuo. I expect her to win or at least place in the top 3.

Beautiful NY and Vancouver will have to be in the top 5. But, if they really shine, they can overtake KL and HK.

I wish all the girls best of luck and may the best girl win!!!

[samuel]

My final predictions for Miss Chinese International 2015:

WINNER: SEATTLE
1st RU: Kuala Lumpur
2nd RU: Hong Kong
Top 5 (4th to 5th place): #17 Vancouver and #11 New York (go New York!!!! I saw you in Miss NY Chinese and you're beautiful)

Top 10 Finalists (6th to 10th place): #16 Toronto, #15 Sydney, #3 Bangkok, #1 An Hui, #9 Melbourne

Top 16 Bubbles (11th to 16th place): #10 Montreal, #2 Auckland, #18 Zhe Jiang, #5 Jiang Su, #12 San Francisco, #14 Singapore

Special awards:

Miss Friendship #15 Sydney (#2 Auckland has won this award)

IF PRESENTED:
Miss Young: #11 New York, #9, #15 bubbling up
Miss Cosmopolitan: #13 Seattle

[samuel]

Let me repost the predictions since I left out Chicago and Los Angeles...

My final predictions for Miss Chinese International 2015:

WINNER: SEATTLE
1st RU: Kuala Lumpur
2nd RU: Hong Kong
Top 5 (4th to 5th place): #17 Vancouver and #11 New York (go New York!!!! I saw you in Miss NY Chinese and you're beautiful)

Top 10 Finalists (6th to 10th place): #16 Toronto, #15 Sydney, #3 Bangkok, #1 An Hui, #9 Melbourne

Top 18 Bubbles (11th to 16th place): #10 Montreal, #2 Auckland, #18 Zhe Jiang, #4 Chicago, #8 Los Angeles, #5 Jiang Su, #12 San Francisco, #14 Singapore

Special awards:

Miss Friendship #15 Sydney (#2 Auckland has won this award)

IF PRESENTED:
Miss Young: #11 New York, #9, #15 bubbling up
Miss Cosmopolitan: #13 Seattle

[samuel]

My PERSONAL PICKS (what I want to happen) for Miss Chinese International 2015:

WINNER: SEATTLE
1st RU: New York
2nd RU: Sydney
Top 5 (4th to 5th place): #3 Bangkok and #9 Melbourne

Top 10 Finalists (6th to 10th place): #7 Kuala Lumpur, #6 Hong Kong, #16 Toronto, #4 Chicago, #8 Los Angeles

Top 18 Bubbles (11th to 16th place): #17 Vancouver, #1 An Hui, #2 Auckland, #4 Chicago, #18 Zhe Jiang, #10 Montreal, #5 Jiang Su, #12 San Francisco, #14 Singapore

Special awards:

Miss Friendship #15 Sydney (#2 Auckland has won this award)

IF PRESENTED:
Miss Young: #11 New York, #9, #15 bubbling up
Miss Cosmopolitan: #13 Seattle

[VANILLAWINKIE]

I kinda agree with your prediction.
I have the same feeling that Veronica can get into top3 just because she is representing hk!><

For #7 and #13, both are strong and have biggest chance to be the champion.
However, I don't think TVB will let both of them get into top3. I have the feeling that one of them will be kicked out ><...

I love #9, such a cutie!! But she is really too short and can't speak cantonese...
what a pity...

[samuel]

Again, like I predicted, the quality is good and competitive and results will be shocking. I will not go into detail bec. I haven't watched the full pageant yet. And I need to post my Miss Universe predictions.

BUT, how on earth did Seattle not make the top 10!?!?! I heard she gave a slightly bad response in the top 18 interview and was nervous, but facially, she must be the best MCI contestants to grace the stage. How can she be left clapping while Los Angeles and Auckland (who many like her figure) advance!?!?!? Leah deserves at least top 10.

And then the stunning Bangkok, liked by the TVB artistes was also eliminated after top 10.

Alt. all of the top 5 was predicted in my elite strong group, Sydney ultimately finished 7th in my predictions list. I didn't see her performance at the Australian pageant but I did heard she had eloquence. DESPITE SO, like I emphasized, the Q&A portion of the pageant shouldn't be ranked that highly. And, see the similarities!? Monica Chan, one of the judges (who has bad taste imo) lost to Sydney's Kit Wong in 1989. In the end, HK ALSO lost to Sydney. AND, when asked who is her favorite, she chose Hong Kong. She must be joking!!! Veronica must be the most facially weak Miss Hong Kong's since 2010!! And even Toby didn't make the top 3 that year (rightfully so imo). BUT, in a much more competitive year than 2010, HK still manages to place in the top 5 and even win a title! The spot should've gone to Seattle or Kuala Lumpur.

And, did you guys recognize that when Roger Kwok judges, Sydney wins? Alt. I did heard he was supporting New York, Sydney ended up winning in apparently "cancelling out" of votes. Let me explain. Roger likes NY, Monica likes HK. Most likely, the male judges voted down HK; the female judges voted down NY and what ends up happening is the middle girl, the one that scores 2nd in the judges' scoring ends up winning. And that would be Sydney!!

The judges must have liked her eloquence (even though I consider her answer to be polishing Dodo's shoes) just like how Sarah Song (2007) won. Out of all 3 Sydney winners, I honestly don't like any of them. Kit is okay (she was a favorite to win that year) BUT NOT SARAH SONG NOR MANDY CHAI.

Mandy is a little too tan; something also criticized by the Weibo and Baidu fans. I think so too.

In terms of looks, I do prefer Sydney over HK. But, HK had no business in the top 5, let alone top 3. It seems like TVB loves giving MSHK titles and not let them go empty handed. Just like the controversial Kayi in 2008. The beautiful Sydney rep. that year should've placed 1st RU. SEE THE IRONY HERE?!?!

New York deserved her placement. Many said that. Many Weibo and Baidu fans praised her performance. She gave a strong piano talent and has the beautiful looks. The strongest rep. since Sarena Wang (who also should've made the top 3 that year) BUT THANK GOD NEW YORK AT LEAST MADE THE TOP 3. If any other city replaced NY (even KL or Vancouver who I actually predicted to place higher than NY), the result WOULD BE WORSE. No facially strong girl in the top 3.

And I am glad Vancouver didn't win or place in top 3. Sydney winning their 3rd title is surprising but at least Vancouver didn't win again.

As for KL, facially, I do prefer Sydney over her but performance wise, I heard fans love KL more. Will need to see her performance to comment.

However, I am not shocked she didn't make top 3. Like I said earlier in my predictions, I put her in because of hype. The press named her a favorite late in the competition and many Baidu fans had her as 1st or 2nd. Therefore her exclusion didn't really surprise me.

THE REAL SURPRISES WERE:

1. Seattle shut out of top 10.
2. Los Angeles and Auckland making it over Seattle.
3. Bangkok kicked out of top 5 even though she supposedly had artistes' support and a decent translator.
4. New York placing as 2nd RU only despite that facially beautiful face. I guess TVB doesn't like facially beautiful faces now..... They prefer girls that speak Cantonese only LMAO.
5. HK making it to 1st RU even though I don't see it facially.

But, I'M GLAD Hong Kong or Vancouver didn't win. AND I'M GLAD NEW YORK AT LEAST MADE THE TOP 3.

More comments to come after I watch the entire pageant.