MISS P.N.G JOSIE NICHOLAS CROWNED MISS PACIFIC ISLANDS 2023
Miss Papua New Guinea Josie Nicholas
Photo: Eyespy Radio 87.5 FM
Miss Papua New Guinea Josie Nicholas who was crowned as the new Miss Pacific Islands 2023 last weekend stated her drumming talent was dedicated to her church community and her older brother Edward Nicholas.
"I'm so grateful my talent was recognised during the pageant , my older brother Edward taught me how to play the drums and pushed me to do my best. Since he is one of the musicians of our family , I was
excited to present that performance on stage," she said while in tears.
"I am honoured and happy to serve not only my people but the entire Pacific Communities ", said Miss Papua New Guinea. In an exclusive interview with this radio station after the pageant last weekend , she
shared how her talent meant to her when she took the stage.
Mixed emotions circulated on Social Media and at the pageant when Miss Papua New Guinea was awarded as the top in the Talent category with some saying Miss Samoa Haylani Kuruppu should have won talent after an aerial performance dedicated to pacific people recovering from the
COVID-19 Pandemic.
Miss Papua New Guinea Josie Nicholas
Photo: Eyespy Radio 87.5 FM
But Josie Nicholas started with a traditional presentation of what music meant to the people of Papua New Guinea , highlighting this year's theme "Strength in Unity". Her performance started off wearing
a traditional dress and playing a Papua New Guinea drum called the "kundu". She then later on played the modern drum kit , treating the crowd at Tuanaimato on Friday night with an "ACDC" performance.
The crowd who were mostly attended by Samoans heritage cheered loudly after the Talent Presentation from both Miss Samoa Haylani Kuruppu and Miss Papua New Guinea Josie Nicholas. A sudden change of atmosphere was felt at Gym 1 Faleata when the show host announced the winner of
the Talent division during the prizegiving.
Shalom Iafeta, a member of the crowd who watched the pageant, told this Radio Station , that Miss Papua New Guinea's talent was a great performance but "having someone dancing 5 feet in the air and hanging from a fabric could've been thoroughly speculated " Mr Iafeta said.
Queenie Vaesavali who was also amongst the crowd on Friday night and resides in Matautu-Uta stated that "We can't accept defeat , Miss Papua New Guinea did amazing as she presented her traditions and
culture very well on stage. To me she won that category " stated Mrs.Vaesavali
Despite the mixed emotions circulating online , the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant was an overall success according to many on Social Media. People sending congratulatory and best wishes to all the five
contestants of the Miss Pacific Islands First Runner-up Miss Samoa , Second Runner-up: Miss Amerika Samoa ,Best Traditional Wear: Miss Amerika Samoa ,Best Sarong: Miss Samoa ,Miss Internet: Miss Papua New Guinea ,Miss Personality: Miss Nauru , Miss Photogenic: Miss Amerika Samoa ,Tourism Award: Miss Solomon Islands ,Special Award: Miss Solomon Islands and Best Talent: Miss Papua New Guinea.