HIGHLIGHTS: 73rd Miss Universe coronation night
We have a new Miss Universe queen!
Denmark's Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned the 73rd Miss Universe after Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios.
This year, 125 candidates from different countries and territories showcased their beauty, charisma, and elegance at the coronation night, held at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday, Nov. 17, Philippine time.
The new edition also introduced a new format. From the 125, the first cut saw 30 semifinalists advance to the next round of the competition, the swimsuit portion. The 30 semifinalists include the four continental queens representing Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and one fan vote winner.
Afterward, seven more candidates were eliminated as only 12 continued for the evening gown runway.
The final five were then selected to compete in the question-and-answer round. After the Q&A, the winner and the four runners-up were named.
The 25-year-old beauty queen Chelsea Manalo ended her Miss Universe journey at the Top 30 bid. The country is still waiting for the fifth crown after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
The grand coronation night will have replays on ABS-CBN platforms including A2Z Channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC.
Miss Universe 2024 is Denmark's Victoria Klaer Theilvig
After a series of competitions, Victoria Klaer Theilvig of Denmark has been hailed the new Miss Universe queen. She bested other 124 candidates from around the globe. Aside from the new Infinity of Light crown by Jewelmer, she also won prizes for global travel, a one-year supply of Miss Universe cosmetics, luxury jewelry, a Bulova watch, and being a host of the Miss Universe travel show.
Her win also makes history as this is the first time since 1963 that Denmark landed in the Top 5.
Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina placed as the 1st runner-up, while Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico placed as the 2nd runner-up. Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsr was named third runner-up, while Venezuela's Ileana Marquez Pedroza was hailed fourth runner-up.
Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios makes her final walk
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua bids farewell to her reign as Miss Universe as she takes her final walk.
The beauty queen wore a white, ruffled balloon gown, and looked back on her reign from last year’s coronation.
In her speech, Palacios thanked her supporters throughout her journey.
“Thank you for choosing me as your People queen, because when you are chosen as Miss Universe, you will never stop being Miss Universe. Women from all over the world, remember [to] make your voice heard, I believe in the change that you can make. Remember, we’re women, there are no limits,” she said.
The Top 5 candidates showcase their wits in the Q&A round
In the final round of competition, the top five candidates showcased their wits and intelligence in the question-and-answer portion.
The questions explored more on the personality and way of thinking of the candidates, including how they strive to thrive on bad days, how would they live their lives differently in different circumstances, weighing between being liked or respected, how would they describe a successful leader, and what’s the ideal woman of today.
In the final Q&A, they were asked the same question: Miss Universe has inspired generations of women, what do you want to say to the ones watching you now?
The Top 5 candidates announced
We’re now a step closer to meeting the Miss Universe 2024 winner. Here are the top 5 candidates who will advance to the final round, the Question and Answer portion.
- Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina
- Mexico, Maria Fernanda Beltran
- Denmark, Victoria Klaer Theilvig
- Thailand, Opal Suchata Chuangsr
- Venezuela, Ileana Marquez Pedroza
The top 12 candidates stun in their evening gowns
The Miss Universe 2024 top 12 candidates showcased their charisma and elegance as they walked the stage in their dazzling dresses during the evening gown segment at the coronation night.
Following this, the organization will announce the top 5 candidates who will advance to the Q&A round.
The segment also featured a special performance by American singer Robin Thicke.
Top 12 announced by Miss Universe
The competition is heating up as the Top 12 finalists of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant have been revealed.
Out of the 30 semifinalists, these names were called to move on to the evening gown competition:
- Bolivia
- Mexico
- Venezuela
- Argentina
- Puerto Rico
- Nigeria
- Russia
- Chile
- Thailand
- Denmark
- Canada
- Peru
Miss Universe 2024 candidates sizzle in their swimwear
The top 30 candidates are setting the stage on fire as they walk the runway for the Swimsuit Competition, wearing their handpicked suits from the official collection of the Miss Universe organization, they topped the look with mesh gold capes.
Afterward, the top 12 candidates who will be advancing to the Evening Gown Competition will be announced.
PH's Chelsea Manalo makes it to the Top 30!
The 25-year-old beauty queen is among the candidates who will be advancing to the semifinals.
The top 30 candidates will compete in the swimsuit competition. Following this, the top 12 will advance to the evening gown competition.
Meanwhile, only the top five will face the judges in the Q&A round, where the ultimate winner and her court will be crowned.
Miss Universe announces the Top 30 semifinalists
From 125 delegates, the Miss Universe organization has announced the Top 30 queens who are advancing to the next round. They are:
- France, Indira Ampiot
- India, Rhea Singha
- Serbia, Ivana Trisic Relic
- Vietnam, Ky Duyen
- Puerto Rico, Jennifer Colon Alvarado
- Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina
- Canada, Ashley Callingbull
- Cuba, Marienela Ancheta
- China, Jia Qi
- Japan, Kaya Chakraborty
- Egypt, Logina Salah
- Mexico, Maria Fernanda Beltran
- Argentina, Magali Benejam
- Thailand, Opal Suchata Chuangsr
- Peru, Tatiana Calmell
- Macau, Cassandra Chiu
- Philippines, Chelsea Manalo
- Ecuador, Tema Mara
- Bolivia, Julianna Barrientos
- Malaysia, Sandra Lim
- Russia, Valentina Alekseeva
- Aruba, Anouk Eman
- Finland, Matilda Wirtavouri
- Dominican Republic, Celine Santos
- Cambodia, Davin Prasath
- Nicaragua, Geysell Garcia
- Denmark, Victoria Klaer Theilvig
- Venezuela, Ileana Marquez Pedroza
- Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube
- Chile, Elimia Dides (Winner of People's Choice Fan Vote)
According to Miss Universe correspondent Catriona Gray, Cuba last placed in 1957, while Egypt, Macau, and Cambodia have made history by qualifying for the semifinals for the first time.
The Miss Universe 2024 coronation night has begun!
The 125 delegates from around the world have shown their introductions wearing bedazzled silver ensembles.
Hosts Olivia Culpo and Mario Lopez have introduced the panel of judges for the finals night, including Gabriela Gonzalez, Jessica Carrillo, and head judge Emilion Estefan.
Three performers will grace the stage.
The top 30 candidates will be announced shortly.
