Introduction
The 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant (Miss Universe 2023) was a spectacular show of beauty, diversity, and empowerment. On November 18, 2023, the National Gymnasium in San Salvador, El Salvador, have hosted the event, marking the second time that the Central American country staged for this prestigious competition. The Miss Universe 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States, crowned her successor Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua as Miss Universe 2023 from among 85 contestants represented their countries from all over the world.
This year’s pageant comes with several historic milestones and changes that reflect the evolving nature of Miss Universe. From the debut of Pakistan to the participation of transgender women, married women, and mothers, Miss Universe 2023 is set to break barriers and push the boundaries of traditional beauty pageants. Let’s explore more about this awesome event and learn all the interesting stuff about it.
Table of Contents
A Showcase of Diversity
Miss Universe has always been celebrated for its ability to bring together women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This year is no exception, with contestants hailing from countries around the globe. The pageant is a melting pot of beauty, intelligence, and personality, and it’s a celebration of the unique qualities that each contestant brings to the stage.
New Entrants and Returning Favorites at Miss Universe 2023
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s competition is the inclusion of new entrants and the return of some long-absent favorites. Here’s a brief summary of what you can anticipate:
1. Debut of Pakistan:
Erica Robin, a 24-year-old model and activist, represented Pakistan. Her goal was to break stereotypes and promote peace, making her a unique and inspiring addition to the competition.
2. Return of 10 Countries:
Denmark, Egypt, Guyana, Hungary, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Mongolia, Norway, and Zimbabwe were making a comeback to the Miss Universe stage, adding to the global representation of the event.
Breaking Barriers
Miss Universe 2023 also made history with the inclusion of contestants who are breaking barriers and challenging conventions. Notable among them are:
1. Transgender Representation:
Rikkie Valerie Kollé of the Netherlands and Marina Machete of Portugal followed in the footsteps of Angela Ponce of Spain, who competed in 2018 as the first openly transgender contestant. Their participation reflects a more inclusive Miss Universe.
2. Married Women and Mothers:
In a groundbreaking move, the Miss Universe Organization has changed its rules to become more inclusive, allowing married women and mothers to compete for the first time in 66 years. Camila Avella of Colombia and Michelle Cohn of Guatemala were the first women to compete under this new policy, challenging societal norms and redefining beauty standards.
The Competition Format of Miss Universe 2023
The Miss Universe pageant is more than just a beauty contest. It’s a platform for women to showcase their talents, personalities, and advocacies. It’s also an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual understanding among different nations. Let’s take a closer look at the competition format.
1. Preliminary Rounds:
The competition kicks off with three preliminary rounds: personal statement, interview, and evening gown. These rounds allow the contestants to make their initial impressions on the judges and the audience.
2. Semifinalists Selection:
The scores from the preliminary rounds determined the top 20 semifinalists, including 1 spot of winner of fan voting. These top 20 are:
- Nicaragua – Sheynnis Palacios,
- Thailand – Anntonia Porsild,
- Australia – Moraya Wilson,
- Colombia – Camila Avella,
- Puerto Rico – Karla Guilfú,
- El Salvador – Isabella García-Manzo,
- Peru – Camila Escribens,
- Philippines – Michelle Dee,
- Spain – Athenea Pérez,
- Venezuela – Diana Silva,
- Cameroon – Issie Princesse,
- Chile – Celeste Viel,
- India – Shweta Sharda,
- Jamaica – Jordanne Levy,
- Namibia – Jameela Uiras,
- Nepal – Jane Garrett,
- Pakistan – Erica Robin,
- Portugal – Marina Machete,
- South Africa – Bryoni Govender,
- United States – Noelia Voigt.
These ladies then competed in swimsuit round on the final night.
3. Top 10 and Question Round:
Based on swimsuit round, Top 10 have been decided. These Top 10 ladies are:
- Nicaragua – Sheynnis Palacios,
- Thailand – Anntonia Porsild,
- Australia – Moraya Wilson,
- Colombia – Camila Avella,
- Puerto Rico – Karla Guilfú,
- El Salvador – Isabella García-Manzo,
- Peru – Camila Escribens,
- Philippines – Michelle Dee,
- Spain – Athenea Pérez,
- Venezuela – Diana Silva.
The top 10 finalists competed in evening gown round to showcase their elegance, charm and grace.
4. Top 5 and Q & A Round:
The top 5 finalists engaged in the Question & Answer round, where they shared their views on a topic asked by the selection committee. This is an opportunity for the contestants to showcase their awareness and advocacy.
Top 5 finalist are:
- Nicaragua – Sheynnis Palacios,
- Thailand – Anntonia Porsild,
- Australia – Moraya Wilson,
- Colombia – Camila Avella,
- Puerto Rico – Karla Guilfú.
5. Top 3 and Final Look Round:
The top 3 finalist were asked the common question to share their views. Based on this the winner and runner up have been decied. The final look round showcases the top 3 finalists in their evening gowns, building anticipation before the announcement of the winner. The top 3 ladies are:
- Nicaragua – Sheynnis Palacios,
- Thailand – Anntonia Porsild,
- Australia – Moraya Wilson.
Based on the Q&A and final look, Miss Nicaragua- Sheynnis Palacios have been declared as MISS UNIVERSE 2023.
Where to Watch Miss Universe 2023 Finale
Miss Universe 2023 was streamed live on The Roku Channel and broadcasted by Telemundo within the United States, as well as on local channels around the world. This global reach ensures that millions of viewers have the opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of the competition. Moreover, the event was featured a musical performance by Grammy-winning singer John Legend, adding to the entertainment and glamour of the evening.
Beyond Beauty: A Platform for Empowerment
The Miss Universe pageant is more than just a beauty competition; it’s a platform for empowerment. It provides women with the opportunity to make a difference and create positive change in the world. Contestants often use their platform to raise awareness about crucial social issues and advocate for the causes they care deeply about. These women are more than just beauty queens; they are agents of change.
Miss Universe 2023 Contestants: Trailblazers and Achievers
The contestants in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant represent a diverse array of backgrounds, careers, and experiences. Many of them have made history and achieved remarkable accomplishments in their lives. Here are some of the notable contestants you should keep an eye on:
- Rikkie Kollé (Netherlands) and Marina Machete (Portugal): Breaking barriers as transgender contestants, they are paving the way for greater inclusivity in beauty pageants.
- Camila Avella (Colombia) and Michelle Cohn (Guatemala): As the first married women and mothers to compete in Miss Universe, they are challenging traditional beauty standards and societal norms.
- Erica Robin (Pakistan): Making history as the first representative of Pakistan at Miss Universe, Erica is on a mission to break stereotypes and promote peace.
The Cultural Exchange
Miss Universe is not just about competition; it’s also an opportunity for cultural exchange. The contestants learn about each other’s cultures, traditions, and customs, fostering mutual understanding and building bridges between nations. It’s a celebration of the global tapestry of diversity.
Celebrating El Salvador: A Beautiful Host
El Salvador, the host country for Miss Universe 2023, is a nation with a lot to offer. From its stunning natural landscapes to its rich historical and cultural heritage, El Salvador is a destination that’s ready to welcome the world. As a nation, it embraces visitors with open arms, offering a taste of Central American hospitality and charm.
Miss Universe and Social Causes
Miss Universe is not just about glitz and glamour; it’s also about making a positive impact on the world. The pageant supports various social causes through the Miss Universe Organization. These include HIV/AIDS prevention, women’s health and rights, education, and environmental protection. The platform provided by Miss Universe allows contestants to raise awareness and funds for these vital issues, making a tangible difference in the world.
Rewards and Price money for Winner of Miss Universe 2023
The winner of Miss Universe 2023- Sheynnis Palacios got some amazing prizes and perks, including:
- A cash prize of $250,000, which is roughly equivalent to 1.85 crore in Indian Rupees and 40,02,645.00 rands.
- She got to live in a fancy apartment in New York City, provided by the Miss Universe Organization.
- She has the chance to wear a stunning crown called the Mouawad Miss Universe Power of Unity Crown. It’s worth a whopping $5 million (which is about P238 million) and is adorned with 1,770 diamonds, with a dazzling 62.83-carat golden canary diamond at its center.
- She will spend a year traveling and making appearances at various events and causes like raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, promoting women’s empowerment, and supporting environmental protection.
- She’ll receive a fantastic collection of designer clothes, shoes, and accessories from different sponsors to enhance their style.
- She’ll also get a scholarship to the New York Film Academy College of Visual and Performing Arts.
- The winner will have their modeling portfolio created by top fashion photographers
- She’ll receive professional representation from the Miss Universe Organization, helping them in their career.
- She’ll have access to a variety of beauty products, treatments, and services from different sponsors to maintain their beauty and wellness.
Conclusion
Miss Universe 2023 promises to be an event that celebrates beauty, diversity, and empowerment. With contestants breaking barriers, making history, and advocating for important causes, it’s clear that this pageant is more than just a beauty competition. It’s a platform for change and a celebration of the incredible women who participate.
So, mark your calendars for November 18, 2023, and tune in to watch the Miss Universe pageant. Celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable women, witness the diversity of cultures, and join in the excitement as the next Miss Universe is crowned. It’s an event that reminds us that beauty, intelligence, and advocacy know no boundaries and that women from all corners of the world have the power to make a difference.
Also read about “Shweta Sharda- Miss Universe India 2023: The Dancer Who Became Beauty Queen“.
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