And the Miss Universe 2023 crown goes to… Sheynnis Palacios, 23, of Nicaragua. Thailand’s Danish-Thai model Anntonia Porsild, 27, placed second, while the third place went to model Moraya Wilson, 22, from Australia. The annual beauty pageant was held in El Salvador’s capital San Salvador on Sunday (Nov 19).
The 72nd Miss Universe pageant saw 84 countries and territories compete, and was hosted by Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, TV personality Jeannie Mai and TV presenter Maria Menounos.
The judging panel was made up of model Halima Aden, Queer Eye star Carson Kressley, TikTok influencer Avani Gregg and two former Miss Universe winners, Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad & Tobago (Miss Universe 1977) and Iris Mittenaere of France (Miss Universe 2016).
But if you thought it was all simply swimsuits, evening gowns and “world peace”, there were also some firsts in this year’s event. Here’s a round-up:
Miss Nepal is the first body-inclusive contestant
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Jane Dipika Garrett’s presence is a big win for all plus-sized women but the 22-year-old Kathmandu native isn’t done. The part-American model, nurse and business developer wants to use her platform to advocate for mental health, revealing that she has struggled with depression caused by polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS.
Miss Pakistan wore a burkini for the swimsuit segment
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Erica Robin, 25, was the first woman to represent Pakistan and in a baby-pink burkini, no less. In her Miss Universe bio, the model said she has “received some backlash from different sectors of the community”.
But “despite these criticisms, I was ready to face any challenges ahead of me while maintaining my values as a young modern Pakistani woman, representing our rich culture and heritage, and showing the world that Pakistan can celebrate the success of women”. Robin placed in the top 20.
Miss Colombia is the first mother to compete
