A historic moment unfolded on November 16, 2024, as Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024 at the grand event held at the Arena Ciudad de México. This landmark victory not only marks her as the first Danish contestant to achieve this title but also resonates amid shifting perceptions surrounding beauty and representation on the global stage.
During the much-anticipated ceremony, Theilvig, who celebrated her 21st birthday just days earlier, triumphed over 124 other contestants from various countries, including Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, who took the first runner-up spot, and the third-place title was claimed by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán. The event proved to be one for the books, as it not only highlighted individual beauty and poise but also aimed to redefine the standards of elegance and femininity.
The evening's celebrations began with captivating performances, including 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, who set the stage for the glamour and excitement of the night. The gala was hosted by well-known figures, including Mario López and former Miss Universe winners Olivia Culpo and Catriona Gray. The atmosphere was electric, filled with colorful flags, cheers, and high expectations from the audience, all eager to witness this prestigious competition.
Theilvig's win signifies more than just personal achievement; it resonates within the broader discussions about beauty standards and representation. Beauty pageants have evolved, accommodating diverse contestants, including those from nontraditional backgrounds. For many years, the competition showcased women who fit conventional representations of beauty, limiting opportunities for those who did not conform to those ideals. With this victory, Theilvig encourages dialogue around the expectations placed on women, both within pageantry and society.
Commentators and social media users alike celebrated Theilvig’s win with remarks reflecting on the changing narrative. “It’s great to see a biological woman win Miss Universe after the controversy surrounding the inclusion of transgender women,” one commentator noted, relating this year’s outcome to prior contests. The 2023 competition had seen action among contestants where Miss Netherlands, Rikkie Valerie Kolle, became the first transgender woman to participate. This shift prompted mixed feelings among viewers and pages noted for their traditional beauty representations, as many had anticipated another trend of inclusion based on social identity rather than classic beauty.
Theilvig, who is more than just her title, began her pageantry career as early as five years old. With her participation spanning multiple competitions, including placing as second runner-up at Miss Denmark 2021, she is now poised to utilize her platform for advocacy beyond merely personal satisfaction. “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the impact you can have,” she remarked during her victorious interview, emphasizing her hope to champion animal rights and mental health awareness. Having grown up amid personal struggles, Kjær's commitment to uplifting others through her platform has become central to her identity.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s holistic vision for her reign focuses heavily on advocacy. She expressed the desire to shine a light on animal protection issues, frequently sharing updates and engaging with rescue shelters. Her approach includes positive messaging about overcoming adverse experiences, crafted from her own background of facing childhood difficulties, including abuse and family trauma. “You don’t let your past define the person you are,” she conveyed, reflecting on her path to healing.
Post-crowning, the new Miss Universe is set to enjoy various benefits, including substantial monetary rewards and opportunities to travel worldwide, leaping from the platform of beauty to global advocacy. She will receive $250,000, alongside $50,000 monthly during her reign, and will have all travel expenses covered, enabling her to speak on behalf of numerous charitable causes.
The impact of Theilvig's win extends beyond the spectacle of the event. Beyond representing the interests of women through empowerment and inclusion, her presence signifies the decade-long evolution toward diversity within such platforms, where traditional norms are continuously challenged. Her poise and articulate responses during the final question and answer segment emphasized this cultural shift. Asked to share her messaging with women globally, she stated, “No matter where you come from, you can always choose to turn it to your strengths. Just keep fighting.”
Theilvig’s accomplishment sets forth new expectations for future beauty pageants and reinforces the need for representation. Following the event, social media buzzed with reactions celebrating her win. Even industry stalwarts like Elon Musk humorously noted the outcome by sharing memes depicting surprise over Theilvig, a ‘biological woman,’ winning over competitors.
Overall, Victoria Kjær Theilvig's reign as Miss Universe is expected to focus on advocacy for societal change, with immediate effects on how beauty contests are perceived and celebrated. Her background, coupled with her vision, emboldens future generations to redefine conventions and challenge norms, engaging everyone toward conversations of equity and self-worth.
