Miss Tahiti Crowned Miss France 2026: TF1 Shatters Ratings Records in Historic Night

AMIENS, France — December 2025

In a glittering ceremony that captivated the nation, TF1 reasserted its dominance

over the French television landscape on Saturday night. The Miss France 2026 pageant,

broadcast live from the Zénith d’Amiens, drew a staggering 6.46 million viewers,

culminating in the emotional crowning of Miss Tahiti, Hinaupoko Deveze.

The broadcast was not merely a victory for the new beauty queen, but a

resounding triumph for the network. Despite the fragmentation of modern media

audiences, the 96th edition of the pageant proved that live event television

remains a potent force in French culture. The sheer scale of the production, combined

with the suspense of the vote, kept millions glued to their

screens until the final moments in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A Night of Elegance in Amiens

The atmosphere inside the Zénith d’Amiens was electric as the 30 regional candidates took to the stage.

The show, themed “The Great French Odyssey,” saw contestants

guiding the audience through tableaus representing the rich history and

diverse landscapes of France and its overseas territories. From the lavender fields

of Provence to the snowy peaks of the Alps, the production design was a technical marvel,

utilizing cutting-edge LED backdrops and intricate choreography.

Veteran presenter Jean-Pierre Foucault, a staple of the ceremony for decades,

once again steered the ship with his characteristic mix of solemnity and wit.

Hosting from Amiens, Foucault navigated the live broadcast’s complexities effortlessly.

At 78, his presence provided a sense of continuity and tradition that viewers clearly cherish.

His rapport with the jury and the contestants helped pace the marathon broadcast, which stretched well past midnight.

The Rise of Hinaupoko Deveze

While the production was slick, the heart of the evening belonged to the contestants.

As the field was whittled down from thirty to fifteen, and then to the final five, tension mounted.

The final group included strong favorites from Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Miss

Provence, but it was Miss Tahiti who steadily gained momentum throughout the night.

Hinaupoko Deveze, a 20-year-old student of environmental science, captivated both the jury

and the public with her poise and eloquence. During the dreaded interview segment

—often the stumbling block for many aspirants—Deveze spoke passionately about the

preservation of marine ecosystems in French Polynesia. Her articulate response,

combined with a radiant presence in the evening gown segment . solidified her status as the frontrunner.

At exactly 12:50 a.m., the envelope was opened. When her name was announced, the

auditorium erupted. Deveze, overcome with emotion, was crowned by her predecessor,

marking a celebrated victory for the overseas territories. Her win is expected to bring a

festive atmosphere to Tahiti, where the pageant is

followed with fervor bordering on religious devotion.

Broadcast Dominance: By the Numbers

While the confetti fell in Amiens, executives at TF1 were celebrating a different kind of victory in Paris. The ratings figures released Sunday morning painted a picture of absolute hegemony.

To put these numbers in perspective, two out of every three women under the age of 50

watching television in France on Saturday night were tuned into Miss France. In an

era where streaming services and social media usually fracture attention spans,

capturing two-thirds of a prime demographic is a rare feat. These numbers ensured

strong advertising gains for the network, with spots during the broadcast commanding premium prices.

The broadcast peaked during the final minutes, as the winner was announced.

The retention rate was remarkably high, suggesting that the pacing of the show—

balancing musical acts, video portraits, and the elimination rounds—was perfectly tuned to modern viewing habits.

The Enduring Power of the Brand

TF1 has confirmed the appeal of the annual contest remains unshaken.

Critics often predict the decline of the beauty pageant format, citing changing social

mores and a desire for different types of entertainment.

Yet, year after year, Miss France defies these predictions.

The brand remains powerful with families and younger adult viewers.

Social media engagement during the broadcast was at an all-time high, with hashtags related to Miss Tahiti and Miss France trending globally on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. This “second screen”

engagement is vital for TF1, as it drives live viewership and creates a feedback loop that keeps the event relevant for Gen Z audiences.

As Hinaupoko Deveze begins her reign as Miss France 2026, she steps into a role

that is as much about cultural ambassadorship as it is about media presence.

For TF1 and the Miss France organization, the 2026 edition was a masterclass

in event television, proving that when it comes to gathering the nation around a single “campfire,” the sash and crown still reign supreme.