The 73rd Miss Universe pageant, held on November 16, 2024, at Arena Ciudad de Mexico, concluded with Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig being crowned as Miss Universe 2024, marking the first time a contestant from Denmark has secured the title. This year’s competition saw delegates from 125 countries, with Cuba making its long-awaited return after nearly six decades of absence, alongside the debuts of Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, and Uzbekistan. The event showcased not only beauty but also cultural representation through extravagant national costumes.
During the preliminary competition on November 14, contestants wore colorful, elaborate outfits reflecting their cultural heritage, setting the stage for the final night.
Among notable appearances, Miss Thailand, Suchata "Opal" Chuangsri, earned praise as the third runner-up, highlighting her background and advocacy for breast cancer awareness. Opal, 21, is currently studying international relations and previously had her own health struggles, having undergone surgery to remove a breast tumor at age 16. Her participation was driven by her desire to shed light on important health issues, which resonates with many of her supporters.
The contest was fierce and competitive, with each delegate striving for the coveted crown. Chidimma Adetshina from Nigeria and María Fernanda Beltrán from Mexico secured the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. The evening was held to much anticipation with dazzling performances and heartfelt moments.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig captivated both judges and the audience with her poise and commitment to social issues, standing out during various segments of the competition. The 21-year-old aspiring lawyer expressed her passion for equal rights and women’s empowerment, themes she has been vocal about during her campaign.
This year's national costume event was particularly vibrant, showcasing elaborate designs. Miss Nicaragua, Geyssell García, unveiled her costume inspired by the León Cathedral, reflecting both artistic expression and cultural pride linguistically woven through her theatrical presentation. Similarly, Miss Venezuela’s costume was inspired by the Amazon rainforest, where she expertly embodied the essence of nature and motherhood.
Miss Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube, struck the audience with her eagle-inspired gown, symbolizing the strength and beauty of her country. This costume, with its dramatic purple wings and rock-like skirt, aimed to highlight Zimbabwe’s natural beauty, drawing attention to the cultural narratives found within her design.
Other standout contestants included Miss India, Rhea Singha, who wore armor-like attire adorned with bird motifs, embodying the nickname "Golden Bird" of her homeland, and Miss Kyrgyzstan, Maya Turdalieva, whose design celebrated wildlife conservation through inspiration from the endangered snow leopard.
The final evening showcased not just individual beauty but also the diverse evolutions of female empowerment across cultures. Attendees were treated to various performances, including dance and music, bridging connections among the participants and their audiences.
Many contestants highlighted significant issues within their communities, such as climate change, healthcare, and women's rights, reiteratively linking personal stories to broader social movements, creating ripples far beyond the glitz and glamour of the pageant.
Victoria’s win reinforces her commitment to advocacy, evidenced by her platform devoted to women’s rights and education. During her moment of triumph, she pledged to continue using her newfound platform to champion issues she is passionate about and inspire young women around the globe.
Each contestant displayed immense talent and commitment throughout the various phases of the competition, significantly contributing to the pageant’s atmosphere of support and encouragement among participants. This year’s Miss Universe was not only about beauty but also the impactful stories woven through each participant’s experience.
With this year’s successful event, viewers around the world are already buzzing about the next Miss Universe pageant, eager to witness how these empowered women continue to push boundaries and advocate for change.
