This past Saturday night, the 95th Miss France contest crowned its newest queen at the Arena Futuroscope, just outside Poitiers. Angélique Angarni-Filopon, representing Martinique, took the coveted title of Miss France 2025, succeeding Eve Gilles, the titleholder from last year.
The event was graced by 30 contestants from various regions, each vying for the crown. Excitement filled the air as the contestants showcased their poise and talent through the evening’s theme, titled "Le Grand Bal des Miss," which featured dance performances ranging from country to tango. The show, which lasted over three and a half hours, was organized under the guiding eyes of the jury, which consisted entirely of women.
Headed by famous singer Sylvie Vartan, the jury included notable personalities such as Olympic champion Marie-José Pérec and fashion expert Cristina Cordula. Each jury member brought their unique perspective to the assessments, contributing to the evening’s lively atmosphere.
Angélique Angarni-Filopon, at 34 years old, makes history as the oldest contestant to ever win the title—a symbolic victory reflecting changing standards of beauty and age within the contest. "I feel a lot of love and pride. I have seen it in the eyes of my parents, who are very reserved," she remarked shortly after her crowning, emphasizing the emotional significance of the moment.
During the event, rival contestants were also recognized for their outstanding performances. Sabah Aib from Nord-Pas-de-Calais claimed the title of first runner-up, followed by Stella Vangioni from Corsica as the second runner-up. Moïra André from Guadeloupe came third, and Lilou-Émeline Artuso from Côte d'Azur was hailed as the fourth runner-up.
The judging process involved public votes, which accounted for half of the decision—a method seen as both democratic and dynamic, inviting viewer interaction through calls and text messages. The tension surrounding the final results added to the evening’s thrill as the audience awaited the reveal of the top contenders.
Throughout the night, contestants dazzled the crowd, not just with their beauty but also with their varied backgrounds and ambitions. Among the participants were health professionals and students, including Miss Auvergne who is also an animal osteopath and Miss Aquitaine, who is training to become a dentist. This diversity highlighted the multifaceted personalities of the candidates, challenging traditional perceptions associated with beauty contests.
The competition’s format has evolved, particularly with the age limit changing from 24 to 34 years, allowing more women the opportunity to participate. This shift has sparked dialogue about inclusion and representation, mirroring the changes occurring within society. Some insiders even speculated how this adjustment might affect voters’ views, as many contestants share relatable life experiences and aspirations.
Prior to the final segment, Angélique had the audience on the edge of their seats as she demonstrated her natural charm and confidence. Her performance was noted as distinguished, making her stand out among the final five candidates who were also required to answer thought-provoking questions posed by former Miss France winners.
Of course, the event's undercurrent of suspense was echoed by predictions made by experts using artificial intelligence. A consultancy firm, Avisia, utilized data analytics to forecast the chances of winning among contestants based on social media popularity and regional demographics. Surprisingly, their predictions had Miss Guadeloupe, Moïra André, favorably positioned, but the public’s preferences led to the unanticipated crowning of Angélique Angarni-Filopon instead.
The assembly of fans and supporters created an electrifying ambiance. The local representation was significant, as many roots were celebrated throughout the evening. When the results were announced, the joy of Angélique's supporters from Martinique was palpable, countered only by the disappointment of those rooting for other contestants. The emotional rollercoaster marked the event, culminating with the celebratory dances and shared joy among the attendees.
With Angélique's reign as Miss France 2025 now underway, she anticipates numerous public engagements and media interactions. Expressing her vision for her term, she stated, "I want to be the voice of my cause.”
This year's Miss France contest not only delivered entertainment but also struck chords on themes of age, perseverance, and representation. It encapsulated the spirit of collective dreams as these remarkable women showcased their individuality and capabilities against the backdrop of glitz and glamour.
Keeping the essence of the contest alive, this year's edition bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, illustrating the changing dynamics of societal expectations. With Angélique Angarni-Filopon at the forefront, the Miss France pageant for 2025 promises to be both refreshing and inspiring, heralding new narratives within the iconic contest's rich legacy.