The 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico ended with a grand finale on Saturday evening, November 16. It was a thrilling competition, with Nigeria’s Chidinma Adetshina narrowly missing out on the crown and finishing as the first runner-up.
The title was claimed by Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, a 21-year-old competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer who made history as the first Dane to win the prestigious title.
The grand event, held at the Arena Ciudad de México, featured 130 contestants from around the world. Theilvig’s victory was greeted with applause from her fellow contestants as she accepted the tiara from the reigning titleholder, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
MISS UNIVERSE 2024 IS
— KaMorian (Sparkling Alien…………..
DENMARK !!!!!!#MissUniverse2024 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/IWjbkNWzDK
) (@ka_morian0121) November 17, 2024
In her post-victory speech, Theilvig said, “I stand here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight.”
Enter The Black Beauty
Chidinma Adetshina, carrying the hope of Nigeria, was the only black girl in the final twelve. She earned widespread admiration for her grace and poise throughout the competition. Although the young 23-year-old narrowly missed the top spot, her performance was celebrated by many, and she has a proud and grateful Africa behind her.
“It was an honor to represent Nigeria on such a global platform. I hope my journey inspires many young girls to chase their dreams,” Chidinma posted on the official Miss Universe Nigeria social media account.
Young Chidinma, from Enugu State, had undergone many travails on her journey to this stage. Her maternal homeland in South Africa rejected her due to xenophobic hostilities that questioned her nationality, but she was warmly embraced with fanfare in Nigeria.
She won Miss Universe Nigeria in September, just days after joining the pageant.
Other Runners Up
María Fernanda Beltrán of Mexico secured third place in Miss Universe, receiving a warm reception from her home crowd.
How The Event Unfolded
This year’s Miss Universe pageant made several changes from the past. For the first time in the pageant’s history, women over 28 were allowed to participate, a move aimed at modernizing the competition. The change brought contestants like Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, the first woman in her 40s to reach the grand finale.
The event also featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by Mario Lopez, the star of Saved by the Bell, and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
The pageant began with 130 contestants, but the competition was narrowed down to a shortlist of 30 during the preliminary events, then further narrowed down to the final five.
The final five contestants faced questions on leadership and resilience. When asked what her message was to other girls inspired by and watching the pageant.
Chidinma eloquently replied with a voice still as steel, “As a woman who has faced adversity,” she told her listeners, “I feel I have a powerful story.”
Chidinma gave the best answer tonight. What a star!
— ‘Tunde Omotoye (@TundeTASH) November 17, 2024pic.twitter.com/KnlYq2dv8n
“I don’t stand here as Chidinma Adetshina; I stand here as a symbol of hope, a beacon of faith. As someone who has persevered with grace, I believe I have fought not only for myself but for Africa”.
Then, the crowd broke to a thunderous applause.
About Miss Universe
Organizers of the Miss Universe Pageant say they’re an inclusive global organization that celebrates diverse cultures, backgrounds, and religions and tries to unite people. According to its website, the pageants provide a safe platform for women to share their stories and amplify their personal, professional, and philanthropic impact.
Countries such as Cuba, Belarus, Eritrea, and the United Arab Emirates participated for the first time in this year’s competition.
Although missing the crown, Chidinma’s journey and resilience have inspired many, showing Nigerian and African women’s strength, confidence, and beauty on a global stage. While returning without the crown, Chidinma has stars of love not only from Nigeria but throughout the black race and genuine admiration around the world.
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