The 73rd annual Miss Universe pageant became a historical milestone as Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, representing Denmark, was crowned the winner. The prestigious event took place Saturday night in the vibrant heart of Mexico City, spotlighting over 120 contestants from across the globe, with many newcomers making their pageant debut.
At just 21 years old, Theilvig triumphed over a diverse group of contestants which included formidable competitors from countries like Nigeria and Mexico. This victory not only marked Denmark's first win at Miss Universe but also ended a 61-year drought since the last Danish contestant made it to the top five. Competing before her were standout representatives like Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, and Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, who secured the second and third positions respectively.
During the event, each of the top five finalists faced the same pivotal question: "Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What is your message to the women watching you right now?" Theilvig's inspiring response struck a chord. "No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it to your strength. It will never define who you are. You just gotta keep fighting," she declared. With these words, she encapsulated the spirit of empowerment and resilience, encouraging those watching to embrace their journeys.
Reflecting on her win, Theilvig emphasized her desire to create change and make history. "I stand here today because I want to change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight," she said passionately. The Danish beauty herself is not just about glitz and glamour; she is also known for advocating mental health support and animal rights, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer.
The 2024 edition of Miss Universe was particularly noteworthy not just for Theilvig's triumph, but also for the broader social dynamics at play. The previous year's competition had opened its doors to include plus-size, married, and transgender women. Last year, the event made headlines when Rikkie Valerie Kolle, the first transgender Miss Netherlands, placed within the top 20. This year's pageant returned to a more traditional format, igniting conversations across social media about the notion of what constitutes traditional beauty.
The result sparked immediate reactions on social media, with many celebrating the triumph of biological women amid the pageant's modern adaptations. Several users expressed relief and sarcastic glee, commenting on the significance of Theilvig's win. Comments ranged from humorous memes to statements reflecting the cultural shift evident within the competition. Even high-profile individuals, like Elon Musk, found humor in the situation, posting memes commenting on the pageant’s surprises.
From the moment the crown was placed on Theilvig’s head, it was clear she had sparked significant conversation. Fans of the beauty pageant took to platforms like X to voice their opinions, celebrating what they saw as restore traditional values against the backdrop of changing societal norms surrounding gender and beauty. One such user articulated, "Beauty pageants were once celebrated for grace, poise, and natural femininity. It’s bewildering this standard has become so contentious!"
Overall, Theilvig's victory at the Miss Universe pageant serves as more than just another addition to pageantry history; it also highlights the intersection of beauty, culture, and inclusivity. Each year, the Miss Universe competition captivates viewers worldwide not only with stunning gowns and talent presentations but also with messages of self-empowerment and community connection. From the inclusion of diverse contestants to setting standards of beauty reflective of broader societal changes, this year's event reaffirmed the power of representation on such prestigious platforms.
Through competitions like Miss Universe, the beauty and fashion industry continue to engage with pressing social issues. Theilvig’s win is not only about glimmering crowns and applause but about the conversations it kindles surrounding what it means to be beautiful, powerful, and empowered today. With strong declarations from its contestants, Miss Universe continues to evolve, echoing the realities of modern society and the voices of women everywhere. Theilvig’s message of strength and persistence carries with it the hope of encouraging future generations to embrace their uniqueness and ambitions with pride.
