A contestant from Panama found herself in an awkward situation during the Miss Grand International 2025 competition in Thailand, after a stage mix-up that quickly went viral online.

Isamar Herrera, 31, who represented Panama, mistakenly thought she had secured a place among the Top 22 finalists during the coronation night.

Herrera stood on stage with 76 other contestants from across the globe as the host began announcing the finalists’ names. Herrera stepped forward, smiling and celebrating what she believed was her advancement, only to realise moments later that it was all a misunderstanding.

The host promptly corrected the error, clarifying that he had actually called out “Miss Grand Paraguay”, not Panama, and blamed the confusion on the loud cheers from the audience.

Cameras captured the uncomfortable moment as Herrera awkwardly returned to her spot, while Paraguay’s Cecilia Romero took her place on stage.

The incident has since gone viral, with clips circulating widely across social media platforms.

A video on TikTok alone has garnered nearly five million views, drawing a wave of sympathy and support from viewers around the world.

Many social media users defended Herrera, suggesting the confusion may have been caused by similar-sounding country names or a language barrier. “Panama, Canada, Paraguay, they sound alike.

Don’t judge her,” one user commented, while another added, “Maybe she didn’t fully understand because of the noise and accents.”

Despite the awkward moment, Herrera handled the situation gracefully. “These things happen. It was a mistake, and this is a competition.”

She said later. “You have to know how to lose and recognise the success of others.”