"I Beg Your Pardon?" Miss Panama’s Onstage Slip At Miss Grand International Is Both Cringeworthy And Adorable

Beauty pageants are supposed to be all glitz, glamour, and perfectly timed smiles. But sometimes, even the most poised contestants find themselves in hilariously awkward moments.

The Miss Grand International pageant, held in Bangkok, Thailand on October 18, was no exception. With 76 contestants vying for a spot in the top 22, tension was practically electric on stage.

One of those contestants was Isamar Herrera, representing Panama. When her name seemed to be called, she literally covered her face in shock before walking down the stage with a mix of disbelief and joy.

Herrera reached the front and struck a pose, while the crowd and fellow contestants went completely silent. Everyone was waiting for the next announcement when the host, Matthew Deane, spoke up.

“Aaah, I beg your pardon, I announced Miss Grand Paraguay,” he said, gently correcting the mistake. Deane explained that the hall was packed and loud, making it easy for anyone to mishear the names.

Paraguay’s representative, Cecilia Romero, then gracefully stepped forward as Herrera stepped aside. The audience applauded both contestants, turning an awkward blunder into a moment of solidarity.

Fans online were quick to show support for Herrera. One Panamanian wrote, “She represented us really well — she’s human, and nerves got the best of her. Excellent job, Isamar, you did great, no matter what others say.”

Another added, “She did an excellent job, and she was so committed and eager that she said ‘Panama.’ Thank you for representing us with such elegance and class.” Meanwhile, some users tried to explain the mix-up, noting that Paraguay and Panama both start with “Pa.”

Even the Canadian contestant had a moment of hesitation, which only shows how nerve-wracking live pageants can be. For Herrera, the incident wasn’t the end of the world — she handled it with grace and humor afterward.

In an Instagram Live following the event, Herrera clarified what happened. She explained that hearing her country’s name through the chaos of cameras and noise made her react naturally, and that it really was no big deal.

“It was my mistake because I heard Panama,” she said. “The same thing happened to Canada, she heard Canada. A live broadcast is one thing, but being behind the scenes, living that moment, is another.”

Herrera, 31, is a student of Advertising and Marketing and has been described as a dreamer who believes that faith, discipline, and love can achieve every goal. Fans praised her composure, noting that she carried herself beautifully despite the slip.

Meanwhile, the Miss Grand International crown went to Emma Tiglao from the Philippines. The 30-year-old news anchor’s win marked the second year in a row the Southeast Asian country took home the title.

Thailand’s Sarunrat Puagpipat was named runner-up, Spain’s Aitana Jiménez placed third, Ghana’s Faith Porter came in fourth, and Venezuela’s Nariman Battikha finished fifth. The top 22 finalists represented countries from all over the globe.

Pageant slip-ups are nothing new, though, and Herrera’s moment is hardly the most infamous. In 2014, Miss Huila Laura Saavedra was hilariously asked who Nelson Mandela was while hula-hooping on stage. Her answer? Let’s just say it didn’t exactly make history books.

Of course, the biggest pageant blunder in recent memory belongs to Steve Harvey at Miss Universe 2015. Harvey mistakenly crowned Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutiérrez as the winner before realizing he should have given the crown to Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach.

The live TV moment left the audience shocked and Gutiérrez heartbroken. Harvey later explained that a teleprompter error led to the mix-up, and he has said in interviews that he regrets fixing the mistake on stage rather than letting organizers handle it quietly.

Social media reactions to Herrera’s blunder showed empathy and humor in equal measure. “Even the camera person was confused,” one viewer commented, summing up the chaotic but endearing moment perfectly.

Watch the moment unfold here.

Sometimes, even the most poised contestants find themselves in hilariously awkward moments.

Miss Grand International

One of those contestants was Isamar Herrera, representing Panama.

missgrandinternational / isamar_herrera_ / Instagram

When her name seemed to be called, she literally covered her face in shock before walking down the stage with a mix of disbelief and joy.

isamar_herrera_ / Instagram

Social Dynamics in Pageantry

Dr. Anne P. Fishel, a renowned psychologist and family therapist, notes that beauty pageants often serve as a microcosm of societal dynamics.

She emphasizes that the supportive atmosphere among contestants during mishaps, like Isamar Herrera's onstage slip, fosters camaraderie and shared experience.

This moment can be particularly valuable, as it highlights the importance of resilience and mutual support in high-pressure situations. Such dynamics can enhance emotional intelligence among participants, enabling them to navigate future challenges more effectively.

Therapists recommend that contestants engage in self-reflection after such experiences, allowing them to process their emotions constructively. Dr. Tara Brach, a psychologist and author, emphasizes that this practice can lead to deeper self-awareness and personal growth.

By journaling or discussing their feelings, contestants can transform moments of embarrassment into valuable lessons about vulnerability and resilience. This approach not only aids in personal development but also fosters a supportive community among participants.

Encouraging such practices can enhance the overall pageant experience.

Herrera reached the front and struck a pose, while the crowd and fellow contestants went completely silent.

missgrandinternational / Instagram

Everyone was waiting for the next announcement when the host, Matthew Deane, spoke up.

Klausfigu / X

“Aaah, I beg your pardon, I announced Miss Grand Paraguay,” he said.

Klausfigu / X

Experts suggest that beauty pageants should incorporate training sessions focusing on handling unexpected situations gracefully. This could include workshops led by public speaking coaches or trauma-informed professionals.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a brain scientist and author, emphasizes the significance of emotional regulation techniques. Learning how to manage stress and anxiety can transform potentially embarrassing moments into opportunities for personal growth.

Contestants who practice these skills are more likely to feel empowered and confident, turning mishaps into memorable experiences.

Deane explained that the hall was packed and loud, making it easy for anyone to mishear the names.

Klausfigu / X

Paraguay’s representative, Cecilia Romero, then gracefully stepped forward as Herrera stepped aside.

Klausfigu / X

The audience applauded both contestants, turning an awkward blunder into a moment of solidarity.

ceciromeroo / Instagram

The Power of Humor

Dr. Robert Provine, a neuroscientist and expert on laughter, explains that humor plays a crucial role in social bonding. When Isamar Herrera stumbled on stage, the audience's laughter transformed her embarrassment into a shared moment.

Provine's research indicates that laughter releases endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being and connection. This is particularly vital in competitive environments like pageants, where stress can run high.

Such moments of levity remind us that vulnerability can foster connection and strengthen relationships among contestants and their supporters.

Pageant slip-ups are nothing new, though, and Herrera’s moment is hardly the most infamous.

ceciromeroo / missgrandparaguay / Instagram

Social media reactions to Herrera’s blunder showed empathy and humor in equal measure.

ceciromeroo / missgrandparaguay / Instagram

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Marisol Marisol

Psychologists recommend that beauty pageants integrate mindfulness practices into their training. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, can help contestants maintain composure during high-pressure moments.

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in mindfulness research, emphasizes that these practices can enhance emotional resilience and reduce anxiety. By adopting mindfulness, contestants can cultivate a greater sense of presence and calm, allowing them to handle unexpected situations with poise.

Incorporating mindfulness into pageant training could lead to more confident and composed participants.

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Resilience in Competition

Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist known for her work on grit, highlights the importance of resilience in competitive environments. Moments like Herrera's slip can serve as powerful lessons in adaptability.

Duckworth suggests that viewing failures as opportunities for growth can foster a mindset of perseverance. Contestants who learn to embrace their shortcomings are more likely to develop a resilient approach, ultimately enhancing their performance in future endeavors.

This shift in perspective can significantly impact their journey beyond the pageant stage.

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Experts in public relations recommend that beauty pageants implement robust training on crisis management. Understanding how to navigate unexpected situations can empower contestants.

Dr. Jennifer Aaker, a social psychologist at Stanford, suggests that sharing personal narratives can humanize contestants, allowing them to connect with audiences more authentically. By preparing contestants for potential missteps, pageants can enhance the overall experience for both participants and viewers.

This proactive approach can help mitigate any negative fallout from embarrassing moments and foster a culture of support.

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Emotional Intelligence in Action

Dr. Daniel Goleman, a psychologist renowned for his work on emotional intelligence, asserts that the ability to navigate social situations is crucial in competitive settings. Isamar Herrera's experience exemplifies this idea.

Goleman notes that the crowd's supportive reaction transformed her blunder into a bonding experience, showcasing the power of empathy. By fostering emotional intelligence, beauty pageants can create a more inclusive environment that celebrates shared experiences and personal growth.

Such initiatives can lead to healthier relationships among contestants, positively impacting their overall journey.

At the end of the day, Herrera’s reaction was classy, relatable, and human. In the world of pageantry, sometimes the moments that don’t go perfectly are the ones that people remember most fondly.

In summary, moments like Isamar Herrera's slip at the Miss Grand International pageant serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of live events. Experts across psychology and emotional intelligence emphasize the importance of resilience, humor, and community support in transforming potential embarrassments into shared experiences.

By implementing training focused on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and crisis management, beauty pageants can enhance contestants' confidence and performance. Ultimately, fostering an environment of empathy and support can empower participants to embrace their journeys, both on and off the stage.