Photos and story by Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

The twelve Miss Heilala contestants showcased their singing and dancing skills in last night’s talent quest, ranging from hulas to contemporary dances at the Heilala Village in Nuku’alofa on 4 July 2024.

However, three contestants captured the crowds’ attention that night, with their thrilling dance performances.

Miss Ha’apai Masani, Fipe Finau was hand carried onto the stage and lit up stage - literally. Her take on the fire dance or Ailao, left the Heilala staff searching for water to put out the fire caught on stage. The tent was also filled with a lot of smoke. However, the crowd was more wowed than worried.

The Guttenbeil cousins have captured attention, Rachel and ‘Akosita hyped up the crowd with their contemporary dance performances. Both dances were inspired by the Tongan goddess Hikule’o, a powerful feminine deity in Tongan folklore.

However, their dance style and wardrobe were very different. Rachel wore an all-black attire highlighting the darker feminine side of Hikule’o as a warrior goddess.

Meanwhile, ‘Akosita wore red to signify “strength in unity” and Tonga with a spectacular outfit, seemingly inspired by the Greek warrior princess, Diana.

The top five talents were announced in random order:

• Miss FIA Dance Academy, Vaimoana Malupo
• Miss Apraxus New Zealand, Mele Finau
• Miss Ha'apai Masani, Fipe Latai Finau
• Miss AGT and Maa'imoa Catering 2024 – Racheal Guttenbeil
• Miss Apraxus Tonga 2024, 'Akosita Guttenbeil

This category was judged based on the appropriateness of the costume, originality, natural ability in performance, quality of presentation, entertainment and ability to attract audience.