Miss Universe 2024: Celebrating Global Beauty and Empowerment

Introduction

The Miss Universe 2024 pageant, held on November 16, 2024, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, marked a significant milestone in the history of global beauty contests. This edition, the 73rd in the series, attracted considerable attention not only due to its vibrant location but also because it was the first time Mexico hosted the event since 2007. The pageant featured 127 contestants from various countries, each vying for the coveted title and the opportunity to represent their nations on an international stage.

The significance of Miss Universe 2024 extended beyond mere aesthetics; it served as a platform for empowerment and cultural exchange. The event highlighted the evolving standards of beauty and representation in contemporary society. In a notable shift, the Miss Universe Organization eliminated age restrictions for contestants, allowing women over the age of 18 to participate without limitations on height or weight. This change reflected a broader cultural movement towards inclusivity and diversity within beauty pageants, acknowledging that beauty transcends traditional norms.

The pageant’s format also evolved, increasing the number of semifinalists from twenty to thirty, which underscored a commitment to showcasing a wider array of talent and backgrounds. This decision not only enhanced the competition but also provided more contestants with the chance to shine in front of a global audience.

Overall, Miss Universe 2024 stood as a celebration of womanhood, resilience, and cultural richness, reinforcing its status as one of the most prestigious beauty pageants worldwide. The event not only crowned a new queen but also inspired countless women around the globe to embrace their unique identities and pursue their dreams.

Miss Universe 2024: Event Details

Date and Venue

On November 16, 2024, the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant took place at the prestigious Arena CDMX in Mexico City, a venue that has hosted numerous significant events in the past. This year, the pageant was particularly noteworthy as it marked Mexico’s return as a host country after a 14-year hiatus, making it a highly anticipated event in the beauty pageant calendar. The arena was filled with excitement as 130 contestants from around the globe gathered to compete for the coveted title, showcasing not only their beauty but also their talents and cultural heritage.

Presenters and Entertainment

The event featured a lineup of esteemed presenters who added to the glamour of the evening. Notable hosts included Mario López and Olivia Culpo, both of whom brought their charisma and experience to the stage, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Their presence was complemented by a variety of entertainment segments that captivated the audience. These included musical performances and cultural showcases that celebrated diversity and unity among nations. The entertainment aimed to reflect the spirit of empowerment that Miss Universe embodies, providing a platform for women to share their stories and inspire others.

In addition to the live audience at Arena CDMX, millions of viewers tuned in from around the world through various broadcasting platforms. The event was available for streaming on YouTube and other networks, ensuring that fans could witness the spectacle from anywhere. This accessibility underscored Miss Universe’s commitment to inclusivity and global reach, allowing diverse audiences to engage with the pageant’s message of empowerment and representation.

Overall, Miss Universe 2024 not only celebrated beauty but also highlighted cultural diversity and social impact, reinforcing its position as one of the most significant events in the realm of global beauty pageants. The combination of a vibrant venue, engaging presenters, and captivating entertainment ensured that this year’s competition was memorable and impactful.

 Background Information

 Announcement and Location

The announcement regarding the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant was made on November 18, 2023, during the Miss Universe 2023 competition. Raúl Rocha Cantú, the owner of Legacy Holding Group USA Inc., revealed that Mexico would host the prestigious event, marking a significant return for the country, which last held the pageant in 2007. This decision was met with enthusiasm as Mexico is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant history, making it an ideal location for an event that celebrates diversity and beauty on a global scale.

The choice of Arena CDMX in Mexico City as the venue further underscored the importance of this event. The arena is known for hosting major concerts and sports events, providing a grand setting for the pageant. The anticipation surrounding the event grew as details emerged about the planned festivities and the cultural showcases that would accompany the competition.

 Changes in Participation Rules

In a groundbreaking move, the Miss Universe Organization announced significant changes to participation rules ahead of the 2024 pageant. Previously, contestants were required to be between the ages of 18 and 28, but this restriction was lifted, allowing all women over the age of 18 to participate. This change was confirmed by Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel during an event at New York Fashion Week in September 2023. The removal of age limits aimed to foster inclusivity and acknowledge that beauty exists across all ages.

Additionally, the organization eliminated height and weight restrictions for contestants, further promoting a more inclusive definition of beauty. This decision reflected a broader societal shift towards embracing diverse body types and appearances, aligning with contemporary values that champion self-acceptance and empowerment. By allowing women of all shapes and sizes to compete, Miss Universe 2024 set a new standard for beauty pageants, emphasizing that every woman deserves a platform to showcase her unique qualities and talents.

These changes were widely celebrated as they not only opened doors for more participants but also aligned with the evolving narrative surrounding beauty standards globally. The Miss Universe Organization’s commitment to inclusivity positioned Miss Universe 2024 as a progressive event within the landscape of international beauty pageants.

Participant Selection and Changes

 Replacements and Withdrawals

As the Miss Universe 2024 pageant approached, several notable changes occurred in the lineup of contestants due to withdrawals and replacements. The representative for New Zealand at first was Franki Russell. However, the franchise owner withdrew her representation, citing non-compliance with guidelines set by the Miss Universe Organization. Subsequently, a new organization was awarded the franchise, and Victoria Vincent was crowned as the new representative for New Zealand.

In Iran, Fay Asghari, who had won the title of Miss Universe Persia 2024, relinquished her crown due to conflicts with her professional commitments. Her first runner-up, Ava Vahneshan, took over her title. Similarly, Andrea Radford, who had been crowned Miss Universe Guatemala in July 2024, stepped down after announcing her pregnancy. Ana Gabriela Villanueva, her first runner-up, was appointed as the new representative for Guatemala.

The case of Irina Zakharova was particularly controversial; originally crowned as Miss Universe Armenia 2024, she faced significant backlash after it was revealed that she was a Russian national. Following public outcry regarding her eligibility, the Miss Universe Organization disqualified her. Emma Avanesyan, one of her runner-ups, subsequently replaced her.

 Debuts and Returns

The 2024 edition of Miss Universe marked a historic moment with several countries making their debut in the competition. Belarus and Eritrea were among the nations that participated for the first time, joining a diverse group of contestants from around the globe. Other countries making their debut included Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova, North Macedonia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

Additionally, this edition featured the return of several countries that had not competed for years. Notably, Cuba returned to the pageant after last participating in 1967. Fiji made its comeback after an absence since 1981, while Guadeloupe and Martinique returned after competing last in 1984. Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) also rejoined after last competing in 1986. Here is the detailed list of countries that have returned to the competition:

Despite these exciting developments, some contestants faced challenges leading up to the event. Bahar Mirzayeva of Azerbaijan did not compete due to undisclosed internal matters. Italy Mora of Panama was disqualified during the pageant for leaving her hotel without consent from the Miss Universe Organization. Furthermore, Mia le Roux of South Africa and Edona Bajrami of Kosovo withdrew prior to the preliminary competition for medical reasons.

Overall, these changes in participant selection underscored the dynamic nature of Miss Universe 2024. The adjustments not only showcased a variety of talents from around the world but also emphasized the pageant’s commitment to adapting its rules and representation to reflect contemporary values and societal progress.

Pageant Format

Competition Structure

The Miss Universe 2024 pageant introduced a revamped competition structure that significantly enhanced the overall experience for both contestants and viewers. This edition marked a historic increase in the number of semifinalists, rising from twenty to thirty, which represented the highest number of semifinalists in the pageant’s history. This change allowed for a broader representation of talent and diversity among the contestants, reflecting the global nature of the event.

The preliminary rounds, which included three main sections—the swimsuit portion, the evening gown competition, and closed-door interviews—were essential in selecting the semifinalists. Each contestant showcased her confidence and poise during these segments, which played a vital role in the judges’ evaluations. At the conclusion of the preliminary competition, four continental queens were crowned along with one fan-vote winner, each securing an automatic advancement to the semifinals.

During the semifinals, contestants first competed in the swimsuit segment, where twelve participants progressed to the evening gown competition. Following this, five finalists were selected to participate in a question-and-answer round, culminating in the announcement of the winner and her four runners-up.

 New Crown

On November 14, 2024, just days before the grand finale, the Miss Universe Organization unveiled a stunning new crown named “Lumière de l’Infini,” which translates to “The Light of Infinity.” Crafted by Filipino artisans over two years using traditional techniques from Place Vendôme, this exquisite crown was adorned with diamonds and 23 golden South Sea pearls, symbolizing elegance and sophistication. The introduction of this new crown added an exciting element to the pageant, highlighting its commitment to artistry and cultural heritage.

 Selection Committee

The selection committee for Miss Universe 2024 comprised a distinguished group of individuals from various fields, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in evaluating contestants. Notable members included:

This esteemed panel brought a wealth of experience and insight to the judging process, contributing to a fair evaluation of each contestant’s performance throughout the competition.

Overall, the format changes implemented for Miss Universe 2024 not only elevated the competition but also reinforced its status as a premier global event that celebrates beauty, talent, and cultural diversity. The combination of an expanded semifinalist pool, an elegant new crown, and a diverse selection committee set the stage for an unforgettable pageant experience.

Contestants Overview and The Result

The Miss Universe 2024 pageant witnessed the participation of 125 contestants from around the world, representing a diverse array of countries. The competition was one of the year’s most anticipated events since each candidate brought her own charisma, ability, and advocacy to the stage. The global nature of the pageant was evident, with women from all corners of the globe vying for the coveted crown, each telling her own story of resilience, beauty, and empowerment.

Final Result

As the tournament came to an end after Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe 2024.  The Danish beauty queen captivated audiences with her advocacy, eloquence, and captivating presence. This victory marked a significant achievement for Denmark, continuing the country’s legacy in the international beauty pageant world. The final results were as follows:

• Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, who went on to win the Miss Universe 2024 title, showcasing poise, elegance, and a passion for global change.

• Chidimma Adetshina from Nigeria, who placed 1st Runner-Up, impressing judges with her advocacy and stage presence.
• María Fernanda Beltrán from Mexico, who earned the 2nd Runner-Up spot, demonstrating her commitment to social issues and beauty with purpose.
• Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand, who was named 3rd Runner-Up, adding to Thailand’s long-standing success in the Miss Universe competition.
• Ileana Márquez from Venezuela, who secured the 4th Runner-Up position, further solidifying Venezuela’s reputation for excellence in international beauty pageants.

The Top 12 contestants who made it to the semifinals were:

• Argentina: Magalí Benejam
• Bolivia: Juliana Barrientos
• Canada: Ashley Callingbull
• Chile: Emilia Dides (voted in by viewers)
• Peru: Tatiana Calmell
• Puerto Rico: Jennifer Colón
• Russia: Valentina Alekseeva

Other notable contestants in the Top 30 included representatives from countries such as Aruba, Cambodia, China, Cuba, and Vietnam, each of whom contributed to the pageant’s vibrant and diverse atmosphere. The Top 30 also saw rising stars from India, Philippines, France, and Japan competing fiercely for a spot in the finals.

Special Awards

During the preliminary competition, various special awards were presented to acknowledge the dedication and passion of both contestants and national directors.

Special awards for contestants included:

• Miss Congeniality: Jenelle Thongs (Trinidad and Tobago), recognized for her friendly and supportive demeanor throughout the competition.
• Best Skin Award: Stephanie Cam (Honduras), celebrated for her flawless complexion.
• People’s Choice Award: Emilia Dides (Chile), who was voted into the Top 30 by the public.

The Best National Director award went to Dennis Dávila from Canada, highlighting his exceptional leadership in preparing Miss Universe Canada for the competition. Other notable national directors were:

• Best National Pageant: Nguyễn Thị Hương Ly from Vietnam, lauded for her work with Miss Universe Vietnam.
• Best National Host Tour Country: Jonas Gaffud from Philippines, recognized for his exceptional efforts in hosting the Miss Universe Philippines.
• Beyond the Crown Award: Yizette Cifredo from Puerto Rico, acknowledged for her unwavering commitment to the Miss Universe organization.

Voice for Change Competition

The Voice for Change competition, an important aspect of the pageant, saw contestants present their social advocacy through a three-minute video. Sponsored by Mouawad and CI Talks, this competition recognized contestants who demonstrated passion for social causes.

The Gold Winners of the Voice for Change were:

• Juliana Barrientos (Bolivia)
• Davin Prasath (Cambodia)
• Ana Gabriela Villanueva (Guatemala)

Seven Silver Finalists were also recognized for their impactful videos, including contestants from Aruba, Bahrain, Cayman Islands, and Finland, as well as Thailand, Guinea, and Eritrea.

These awards served as a reminder that Miss Universe is not just a competition about beauty, but also about the platform it provides for contestants to advocate for meaningful change across the world. The winners and finalists of the Voice for Change competition not only showcased their eloquence but also their determination to address issues like poverty, education, and environmental conservation.

Miss Universe 2024 celebrated not only beauty but also empowerment, advocacy, and the collective strength of women across the globe. With Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned as the new Miss Universe, the pageant continued its legacy of elevating women who are agents of change in their communities.

Conclusion

The anticipation surrounding the Miss Universe 2024 pageant culminated in a spectacular event held on November 16, 2024, in Mexico City. As fans from around the world eagerly awaited the crowning of the next Miss Universe, the excitement built through various preliminary events, including the national costume parade and the swimsuit competition. This year’s edition was particularly notable for its record-breaking number of semifinalists, with 30 contestants competing for the title, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

The impact of Miss Universe 2024 on future pageants is poised to be significant. The introduction of new rules, such as the removal of age restrictions and the elimination of height and weight requirements, set a precedent for future competitions. These changes not only broadened participation but also aligned the pageant with contemporary societal values that emphasize self-acceptance and empowerment. The unveiling of the new crown, “Lumière de l’Infini,” symbolized a fresh chapter for the organization, reinforcing its dedication to artistry and cultural representation.

Moreover, with an esteemed selection committee featuring influential figures from various industries, Miss Universe 2024 demonstrated a commitment to fairness and diversity in judging. This approach may encourage more countries to participate in future editions, fostering a global community that celebrates beauty in all its forms.

As Miss Universe 2024 crowned its winner, Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, it not only marked a new chapter for her but also set the stage for future contestants to follow in her footsteps. The event’s success is likely to inspire ongoing changes within the Miss Universe Organization, further enhancing its reputation as a platform for empowerment and cultural exchange. The excitement generated by this year’s pageant will undoubtedly resonate in future competitions, encouraging more women to pursue their dreams while representing their countries on an international stage.