The dreams in the eyes of an ambitious woman, Miss Universe 2023 was back with its 72nd edition of the beauty pageant contest on November 19th, 2023 at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador. 84 beauties from across the country competed with the best in beauty to earn the coveted crown of Miss Universe 2023 and to represent their homeland on the prestigious stage.
The high on glitz and glam event was hosted by Menounos alongside Olivia Culpo & Jeannie Mai who added extra stars to the dazzling event. The Miss Universe 2023 competition, which is known for its dazzling display of national costumes and the crowning of the queen, made a groundbreaking history of inclusivity and representation through its contestants. The pageant selection community of the year consisted of exemplary figures including Halima Aden, Mario Bautista, Giselle Blondet, Janelle Commissiong, Nadia Ferreira, Avani Gregg, Carson Kressley, Connie Mariano, Iris Mittenaere, Sweta Patel and Denise White.
23 years old Nicaragua’s beauty Sheynnis Palacios received the crown and sash from reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the United States and became the first woman from Nicaragua to win the title. Antonia Porsild from Thailand emerged as the first runner-up and Moraya Wilson from Australia was named the second runner-up at the glamorous event. The historic crowning moment was unfolded by tears of joy and honour as Miss Nicaragua was all teary-eyed and thrilled to win the title. At the 72nd Miss Universe pageant this year, Chandigarh-born Shweta Sharda represented India. She made it to the top 20 finalists. This year, Pakistan also debuted at the Miss Universe for the first time.
The final question of Miss Universe 2023 which garnered the finalists sparkling crowns and proudly earned sashes was “If you could live one year in another woman’s shoes who would you choose and why?” While Miss Australia honoured her mother by saying that she would like to step into her mother’s shoes, Miss Thailand named Malala Yousafzai as her answer. She said her struggle and achievements highly inspire her. However, Miss Nicaragua’s answer was the most unique and unexpected. She mentioned the name of Mary Wollstonecraft who is known as the women’s rights activist and mother of feminism. The judges were impressed by the answer as it struck all the right chords. Showcasing grace, eloquence, and cultural heritage these beauty queens have marked their imprints all over the world and have made history.
