Kiwi polyglot stuns top pageant

Otago University student Latafale Auva'a sang the Frozen theme song in 25 languages.

A Kiwi beauty contestant has impressed the judges of one of the world's top international pageants by singing Disney's Frozen theme song - in 25 different languages.

Otago University student Latafale Auva'a, who hails from Auckland, is representing Samoa at Miss World in Sanya, China.

The 22-year-old was among 13 contestants who competed for the top five places.

Miss Auva'a was placed fifth overall for her talent, singing Let It Go from wildly popular children's film Frozen.

She went one further, however, performing the multi-language version of the song, which features 25 languages including Japanese, Korean, Italian, Swedish and Mandarin.

She told supporters on social media she had been taught by Otago University's Nick Hollamby. Miss Auva'a is studying towards a double degree in law and music.

"With a very tough competition and an array of great singers, I am blessed to be placed in the top five of the talent [category] with three other great dancers and the beautiful, soulful winner from Guyana!" she said.

The contestants' performances will not be available to view until after the competition airs on television this weekend.

Miss Auva'a told Miss World she decided to learn the theme song in different languages "because this is what Miss World is about - internationalism and multiculturalism".

Meanwhile, Miss World New Zealand, Dr Deborah Lambie, is at the top of the leader board for the competition's Multimedia Award.

The 24-year-old, who recently qualified as a doctor, performed a haka at the talent category final.