From training to triumph: Miss Chinese Montreal crowns new queen
Posted October 7, 2025 6:04 pm.
Last Updated October 7, 2025 6:27 pm.
With cheering fans, flashing lights and heartfelt speeches, the Miss Chinese Montreal Pageant crowned its 2026 winner Sunday night, closing the curtain on a three-month journey of personal growth, cultural connection and community pride.
Audrey Turcotte-Miao was named this year’s winner at the 41st edition of the event, which has been a staple in the city’s Chinese-Canadian community since 1984.
“I’m feeling very excited and I’m so happy to be able to now continue to make an impact on this community,” Turcotte-Miao said moments after her win. “I love them so much and I’m just very excited.”
Three months of preparation lead to the crown
The pageant is known not just for its glamorous finale, but for its intensive preparation process. The eight finalists participated in more than three months of training.
“We initially started practicing around this summer,” said Turcotte-Miao. “But it’s honestly been so much fun that you don’t even know how long it’s been.”
Contestants are expected to demonstrate more than outward beauty. According to organizers, the goal is to showcase intelligence, values, ambition and strength — qualities that reflect the future leaders of the community.
“It’s more than three months of very intense training,” said Jimmy Chan, vice-president and chairman of the pageant. “It’s not just only to showcase their wisdom, intelligence and beauty, but also to build unity in the community.”
Chan said each participant undergoes a personal transformation throughout the experience.
“Everybody going to be a winner,” he said.
Beyond a title: A role with responsibility
Returning to the stage this year was Louese Hu, winner of Miss Chinese Montreal 2025, who played a key role behind the scenes as a mentor to this year’s contestants.
“The Miss Chinese Montreal Pageant is not just a title,” Hu said. “It is a responsibility to bring power to the younger generation and to carry on our culture.”
After winning last year, Hu remained active in the community, taking part in events like the Chinese New Year Gala at Place des Arts, the St. Patrick’s Parade, and fundraising galas for local hospitals. She said these experiences helped unify the community and empower young Chinese-Canadians.
“I became part of the committee this year,” she said. “I helped the girls coordinate their dance, gave them power by asking them to smile, saying how beautiful they are. That experience transformed me.”
She added that the support contestants receive from their peers and volunteers creates a lasting impact.
A platform for purpose
Turcotte-Miao says she intends to use her new role to serve and uplift others in the Chinese community.
“It means I’m going to try to do my best to have a voice for them and to help them and create new opportunities for the younger generations,” she said.
Surrounded by cheering supporters waving signs and holding lights, the moment was overwhelming — but motivating.
“I feel very encouraged and excited to continue because they’re all people from the Chinese community and places that volunteer with us,” she said. “It was so good to see everyone’s faces and just come together today.”
Her goals for the year ahead include expanding volunteer efforts and building bridges with other communities in the city.
“My goal for the future is also to create more volunteer opportunities, more events with the Chinese community and other communities,” she said. “ And like I said with the women in this community— because I find that something super important to me so I’m really excited to start stuff with them.”
Turcotte-Miao also shared a personal affirmation that keeps her grounded and inspired.
“The world needs great women,” she said. “So we have to start to do something now.”
Looking ahead
Chan said the pageant will continue to grow, and hopes to see even more participation in the years ahead.
“I hope next year, 2027, will be an exciting pageant for all the girls,” he said. “It’s important to build this important community in the Chinese community, Chinatown.”
As the night came to a close, the pageant once again proved it is more than a show — it is a cultural tradition, a mentorship platform, and a stepping stone for young women to find their voices and serve their communities.
