By: Arnav Singhal
Sports Editor
On Friday, Nov. 21, the world crowned its 75th Miss Universe. After five long years without a victory, Mexico has won its fourth Miss Universe title.
The Miss Universe competition has taken place every year since 1952, with Finland as the first champion country. The competition is an international beauty pageant in which women from around the world can compete, on par with Miss World, Miss Earth, and Miss International competitions. Together they are known as the Big Four, the most famous international beauty pageants for women.
Countries that compete register their contestants months in advance. In 2012, it allowed transgender women to participate. In 2018, Ángela Ponce of Spain became the first openly transgender competitor, a notable milestone for such a prestigious event. The Miss Universe Organization hosts the competition and judges the contestants in categories such as evening gown, swimsuit, and interview. The winner of this competition is considered a significant voice for humanitarianism and for change within the world. Gaining victory in the competition is an honor far beyond the contestants’ appearance but serves as a testament to the women’s stunning intellect.
The Miss Universe title also requires signing a contract with the organization lasting from seven months to a year, during which crowned individuals take stances on public causes and serve as ambassadors to spread awareness of AIDS, women’s health, or racial issues. The winner also receives a $50,000 per month salary, an apartment in NYC, a New York Film Academy scholarship, and opportunities to model beauty products. If the winner isn’t able to perform any of the duties that come with winning the competition, then the first runner-up takes over. There are also a myriad of side competitions including Best National Costume, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Congeniality. Along with all the fame, Miss Universe receives a unique crown that changes every few years. The most recent one is the “Lumière de l’Infini,” also known as the “Light of Infinity,” featuring gold, pearls, platinum, and metal foundations, as well as hundreds of diamonds and 23 golden South Sea pearls.
The Miss Universe competition unites nations and allows them to stand behind women leading causes for change and aid. This year, there were controversies in the pageant’s history, including an online public vote for the first time for the Miss Congeniality award and judging scandals in crowning the winner. This year it became one of the most-watched Spanish-language entertainment specials in the United States.
In a video announcement during the competition, Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González-Colón confirmed that next year’s pageant will take place in Puerto Rico.
(Source: CBC, The Economic Times, The Straits Times)