Not every beauty queen gets a second chance at Miss Universe, but Xuhe Hou's journey is proving that an unexpected setback does not necessarily mean the end of a dream.
The newly named Miss Universe Macau 2026 is getting another opportunity to compete for the prestigious international crown after her previous attempt ended before she could step onto the global stage.
© Eyepix Group/LightRocket via GetHou was originally selected to represent China at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand. However, she withdrew before the competition, leaving fans wondering what had happened to the beauty queen who was expected to carry China's hopes at the international pageant.
Now, one year later, Hou is returning to the Miss Universe spotlight under a different sash, representing Macau at the competition's 75th anniversary edition in Puerto Rico.
© Miss Universe MacauHer return adds an interesting twist to the Miss Universe 2026 lineup, especially because she is not a former international contestant seeking another victory. She is a previously selected national titleholder finally getting the opportunity she missed.
Why Did Xuhe Hou Withdraw From Miss Universe China 2025?
Xuhe Hou's first opportunity to compete internationally came when she was selected as Miss Universe China 2025. She was expected to represent China at the 74th Miss Universe competition, held in Thailand in November 2025.
However, her pageant journey took an unexpected turn in October, just weeks before the international competition.
© Getty Images for China InstituteAccording to Puerto Rican newspaper Primera Hora, Hou announced on October 19, 2025, that she would not participate, citing circumstances beyond her control. Other reports described her withdrawal as being for personal reasons.
Although speculation emerged about possible age-related eligibility restrictions, the exact circumstances behind her departure were not publicly established.
Who Replaced Xuhe Hou at Miss Universe 2025?
Following Hou's withdrawal, first runner-up Zhao Na was appointed to represent China at Miss Universe 2025. The replacement allowed China to maintain its participation in the international competition while Hou stepped away from the opportunity she had originally earned.
The change was among several unexpected contestant withdrawals and replacements ahead of the 2025 pageant in Thailand.
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© Getty ImagesFor Hou, the withdrawal meant that although she had secured a national title, she never actually competed on the Miss Universe international stage. That detail is especially important to understanding why her 2026 appearance is being described as a second chance.
Xuhe Hou's Miss Universe Macau 2026 Comeback Explained
In October 2026, Hou emerged as Miss Universe Macau 2026, setting the stage for an international debut that had previously slipped away.
Her selection was publicized on October 18, with pageant accounts introducing her as Macau's representative for the 75th Miss Universe competition. Pageant records also list her as Macau's 2026 delegate.
© Getty Images for China InstituteWhat makes her comeback particularly interesting is the change in representation. In 2025, Hou was preparing to compete under China's national sash.
In 2026, she is representing Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China that participates separately in Miss Universe.
© Miss Universe MacauIs Xuhe Hou the First Contestant to Compete Twice at Miss Universe?
No. Although Hou has been selected to represent two different delegations in consecutive Miss Universe editions, she did not compete internationally in 2025.
Her withdrawal meant that she never made her official Miss Universe debut that year. Therefore, her appearance in Puerto Rico should be considered her first international participation.
The pageant's activities have already begun in Puerto Rico, ahead of the final competition in San Juan on November 24, 2026.
Macau made its Miss Universe debut in 2024 through Cassandra Chiu, who reached the Top 30. Kristen Feng continued the territory's participation in 2025.
© Getty ImagesHou now follows those two representatives as Macau's third Miss Universe delegate.
