MMXXIVSS UNIVERSE

2024 Miss Universe Contestants Gallery


Continuing with the Roman numeral theme, the 2024 Miss Universe contestant gallery will be called MMXXIVSS UNIVERSE since MMXXIV is 2024 in Roman numerals!

The big day for the finals of Miss Universe 2024 is on November 16, 2024 where we will witness the crowning of the new Miss Universe being held at the CDMX Arena in Mexico City, Mexico. The land of the Mariachi is hosting the Miss Universe pageant for the fifth time in history and we learned the location when Mexican businessman, Raul Rocha Cantu made a special appearance to make the announcement during the 2023 Miss Universe pageant which was held on November 18, 2023 in El Salvador. Mexico hosted the Miss Universe pageants of 1978 (won by South Africa's Margaret Gardiner), 1989 (won by Holland's Angela Visser), 1993 (won by Puerto Rico's Dayanara Torres) and 2007 (won by Japan's Riyo Mori). Who will be the lucky woman chosen this year?!?!



OTHER NEWS

(posted 2024 October 14)
Two judges have been confirmed for the 2024 Miss Universe pageant. One is Emilio Estefan who will be judging for the fifth time. He previously judged in 1984, 1996 and coincidentally in ten-year increments in 2004 and 2014 and now for 2024! Lele Pons is also returning as a judge. She previously judged in 2017.

OLDER NEWS

(posted 2024 October 13)
I'm getting dizzy! Fiji's crown has switched heads yet again back to Manshika Prasad. Manshika Prasad was originally crowned but there was an official announcement that was made on September 1 that Nadine Roberts (originally named a runner-up) was the winner only a few days after the Fijian pageant on August 30. On September 6, Manshika was said to be reinstated as Fiji's queen but police have gotten involved and on September 11, Fiji's crown had gone to Nadine Roberts but on October 12, the Miss Universe organization finalized their decision and are accepting Manshika Prasad as Fiji's representative this year and Manshika has received the official letter of acceptance and steps to upload her official photos for the Miss Universe social media and program book. Nadine Roberts says she will hold a press conference protesting the decision but Manshika Prasad will now officially be representing Fiji at Miss Universe 2024.

(posted 2024 October 9)
There will be yet another new Miss Universe crown this year. Instead of Mouawad who designed the crowns used for Miss Universe 2019 to 2023, the 2024 crown will be designed by Jewelmer which is a brand based in the Philippines.

(posted 2024 September 11)
Fiji's crown has switched heads yet again back to Nadine Roberts. Manshika Prasad was originally crowned but there was an official announcement that was made on September 1 that Nadine Roberts (originally named a runner-up) was the winner only a few days after the Fijian pageant on August 30. On September 6, Manshika was said to be reinstated as Fiji's queen but police have gotten involved and on September 11, Fiji's crown has gone back to Nadine Roberts.

(posted 2024 September 7)
The delegate originally chosen to represent Persia (Iran), Fay Asghari (sister of Sam Asghari, ex-husband of Britney Spears) has decided amicably to step down from competing for Miss Universe as her work as a nurse appears to be preventing her from having the time to prepare for Miss Universe so her runner-up, Ava Vahneshan will represent Persia (Iran) for 2024 instead.

(posted 2024 September 6)
Drama in Fiji. Manshika Prasad was originally crowned but there was an official announcement that was made on September 1 that Nadine Roberts (originally named a runner-up) was the winner only a few days after the Fijian pageant on August 30. Weirdly enough, Nadine has been in this position before as she originally placed third runner up at Miss Earth Australia 2014 only to receive the title after the initial winner, Dayanna Grageda was dethroned amidst a corruption scandal but Dayanna was 1st runner up at Miss Earth 2015 whereas Nadine would go unplaced at Miss Earth 2014 but would later represent Australia at Miss Eco International 2015 finishing as 2nd runner-up and then competed at Miss Grand International 2017 representing Fiji but going unplaced. Now, Miss Universe Fiji's organizer and Director of Events Management, Grant Dwyer says that Manshika Prasad is the rightful winner after Dwyer accused Nadine Roberts of having a relationship with the license holder of Miss Universe Fiji, Jamie McIntyre who has since ceased all ties and withdrew funds from the Miss Universe Organization accepting Manshika as Fiji's representative instead of Nadine. Now, there is the question whether or not there will be enough funds to even send Fiji's delegate this year so we'll see if Fiji even participates.

(posted 2024 September 4)
On September 4, a press conference by the Miss Universe organization was held at the Postal Palace of CDMX, where details of what will be the 73rd edition of Miss Universe were given. In attendance were: Raúl Rocha Cantu, Mario Bucaro, Sheynnis Palacios, Osmel Sousa and two representatives of the CDMX government. The most important thing they said at the press conference is what the new format of the contest will be. The delegates will arrive in Mexico City on October 29 and a new change this year is that four continental queens will be evaluated and chosen, from America, Africa, Europe and Asia-Oceania. Miss World has been awarding continental queens for decades now. The continental queens will be announced upon completion of the preliminary competition. They automatically advance to the Top 30. The winner of the online fan vote will also advance to the Top 30. The judges vote will choose the other 25 semifinalists to fill the top 30. From Top 30, there will be a cut to Top 12, then Top 5. There will be 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st runner up like before. Raúl Rocha mentioned that in the preliminary competition the candidates will also parade in their national costumes but apparently, evening gowns will not be featured during preliminaries this year but there will be a separate gala event where delegates will model their gowns... Some speculate the reasoning for this is that with so many delegates and the slower pace of the evening gown competition that they wanted fast-paced events like the swimsuit competition and national costume show for the preliminary show otherwise the show would be too long. The theme song for the 73rd edition of Miss Universe will be a special number performed by Emilio Estefan who has regularly made appearances in Miss Universe pageant since the 80s along with his wife, Gloria Estefan. The theme song will highlight Mexican culture.
This year's stage will be the biggest in history. On November 1, the expected 130 candidates will participate in the Gala de las Catrinas which is a traditional ceremony of Mexican culture. The contest will be broadcast on Telemundo, TV Azteca and Roku for the U.S. and Mexican market. There will be yet another new Miss Universe crown that will be unveiled on November 12. Regarding the inclusion of a Cuban delegate this year, Raúl Rocha said that the Miss Universe organization is highly inclusive and is based on respect for human rights.

(posted 2024 August 25)
Guatemala's representative has been replaced upon the announcement on August 25 that the original winner, Mónica Andrea Aguilar Radford (who won her national crown on July 7) announced that she is pregnant and while this is no longer against the rules, Andrea has decided to step down and crowned her 1st runner-up, Ana Gabriela Villanueva Jolón as the new representative of Guatemala for Miss Universe 2024. It is not known yet if Andrea will return next year.

(posted 2024 August 11)
Raul Rocha Cantu and Osmel Sousa appeared on a show on Telemundo where they revealed important dates. The finals of Miss Universe 2024 will be held on November 16, 2024 with the preliminaries and national costume competition being held on November 14, 2024 at the CDMX Arena in Mexico City.

(posted 2024 May 9)
Hawaii's Savannah Gankiewicz who was originally 1st runner up at the 2023 Miss USA pageant has officially accepted the title on May 9, 2024 after the announcement of the resignation of original winner, Utah's Noelia Voigt on May 6, 2024. Savannah will reign until the new Miss USA is crowned on August 4, 2024.

(posted 2024 May 8)
It was announced today on May 8, 2024 that Miss Teen USA 2023-New Jersey's UmaSofia Srivistava has decided to resign as Miss USA which marks the first time in Miss Teen USA history that a Miss Teen USA titleholder has voluntarily resigned. This is only two days after the resignation of reigning Miss USA 2023, Utah's Noelia Voigt announced her resignation. In a social media post from UmaSofia herself, she cites that her personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization. No encrypted message in this post though. We will find out soon if any of UmaSofia's runners-up accepts the title of Miss Teen USA. Her runners-up were: 1st Runner-Up: New York's Stephanie Skinner, 2nd Runner-Up: Pennsylvania's Maggie Ross, 3rd Runner-Up: Texas' Haylee Puckett, 4th Runner-Up: Ohio's Carolina Sola.
Also, the director to select Mexico's representative at Miss Universe has changed hands once again. Osmel Sousa (the czar of beauty who was responsible for much of Venezuela's success at Miss Universe) who was named MUO's President Advisor replaced Cynthia de la Vega (who replaced Miss Universe 1991-Lupita Jones who long served as Mexico's national director since 1994 and Lupita also worked with Osmel as the two were judges for the reality show 'Nuestra Belleza Latina') with Martha Cristiana Merino (2nd runner up at Miss International 1986) named as Mexico's National Director and Cynthia Velarde as the Mexican franchise's CEO. Cynthia was famously dethroned by Lupita as Mexico's 2011 Miss World representative but Cynthia has posted on social media that she voluntarily left citing changes that have taken place in the organization that contradict her values and principles. 2024 is shaping up to be one turbulent year!

(posted 2024 May 6)
It was announced today on May 6, 2024 that Miss USA 2023-Utah's Noelia Voigt has decided to resign as Miss USA which marks the first time in Miss USA history that a Miss USA titleholder has voluntarily resigned. You will recall that Miss USA 1957, Maryland's Leona Gage was dethroned when it was discovered that she was a twice married mother of two boys who lied about her age but these rules have been changed in 2023 so women who have been married, have children and as of 2024 of any adult age can compete for Miss USA. In a social media post from Noelia herself, she cites prioritizing her mental health as a reason for resignation but many have noticed a seemingly decoded message as every sentence in Noelia's post begins with the letters, 'I AM SILENCED' and many have commented that the titleholders' social media accounts aren't controlled by the titleholders but by the company. In a year full of change with many changes in state directors, there has also been a recent change as to who is managing social media for Miss USA and Teen USA and on May 3, it was recently announced by Laylah Rose's company, VVV Global that their new Co-Director and VP of Social Media Relations on social media was changed to Jordan Kimball who served as a color commentator for the 2023 Miss USA pageant. Jordan replaces Claudia Michelle Engelhardt who announced that she was stepping down as Social Media Director for Miss USA via social media on May 3.
As to who replaces Noelia, it should be the first runner-up in the 2023 pageant which was Miss Hawaii USA-Savannah Gankiewicz but there is a possibility that she may not accept the Miss USA title (which also happened in 1967 when Alabama's Sylvia Hitchcock won Miss Universe as Miss USA but Sylvia was succeeded as Miss USA by 2nd runner up, Florida's Cheryl Patton when 1st runner up, California's Susan Bradley declined to accept the Miss USA title). We will find out soon if Savannah accepts the title of Miss USA but if she doesn't accept the title, the following runners-up might be offered the title in the orders of 2nd runner up-Miss Wisconsin USA 2023-Alexis Loomans, 3rd runner up-Miss Pennsylvania USA 2023-Jasmine Daniels or 4th runner up-Miss Texas USA 2023-Lluvia Alzate.

(posted 2024 April 26)
On the 'perfect date' of April 25, it was announced that the CW network signed a three year deal to broadcast both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. That's right, friends! For the first time since 2007, Miss Teen USA is back on network television!! The finals for Miss Teen USA 2024 will be broadcast on August 1 on the CW and Miss USA 2024 will be broadcast on August 4. (You will remember that Miss Teen USA 2023 could only be watched on the CW app which wasn't available outside the U.S. but Miss USA 2023 did air on the CW boasting approximately 1.1 million U.S. viewers causing Miss USA 2023 to give the CW network their biggest ratings in 3 years!) Bravo to new president, Laylah Rose for getting both the 2024 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants back on the air and they will be held in Hollywood, California with the delegates arriving during the period of July 26, 2024 to August 4, 2024.

(posted 2024 February 10)
Laylah Rose just announced in New York that the 2024 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants will be held in Hollywood, California during the period of July 26, 2024 to August 4, 2024. All state pageants should be concluded by the end of June.

(posted 2024 February 9)
In a year full of change, Amy Emmerich has announced that she is stepping down as CEO of the Miss Universe Organization as of March 1. As you will remember, Paula Shugart who was the president of the Miss Universe organization also left in November 2023 after the recently concluded 2023 Miss Universe pageant. There have also been many changes in state directors for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants and even Karen Celebertti who was last year's director for Nicaragua's pageant to select their representative for Miss Universe was banned from her country along with her daughter as the Nicaraguan government appeared displeased after Sheynnis Palacios' win of the 2023 Miss Universe pageant since it led to mass celebratory events throughout Nicaragua not seen since 2018 when there were anti-government protests in which Celebertti and her husband Martin Arguello participated and the dictatorship banned such peaceful protests. This led to Karen's husband Martin and son being arrested in Nicaragua for 40 days shortly after Sheynnis' win but they were released. Karen's family has now been banished from returning to Nicaragua so Karen and her daughter have now been given jobs by the Miss Universe Organization at their new headquarters in Mexico so hopefully Karen's new job will be some form of consolation for the horrible way this family was treated.

(posted 2024 January 24)
On January 23, 2024, it was announced that Mexican businessman, Raul Rocha Cantu (who recently acquired the franchise to select the Mexican representative for Miss Universe) has purchased a 50 percent share of the Miss Universe Organization from Khun Anne Jakrajutatip's JKN Global Group for $16 million U.S. You will recall that Khun Anne paid $20 million U.S. for the Miss Universe Organization in 2022 but JKN Global group stock has been tumbling significantly since March 2021 causing a filing for bankruptcy but shares look like they are starting to go back up just recently. Raul's company is called Legacy Holdings and the merged company created for the Miss Universe merger is JKN Legacy. The Miss Universe Skincare line with still be under Olivia Quido's directorship. Miss Universe will remain a private corporation based in the United States. The overall direction of the media property will remain unchanged, including recent rule changes and eligibility requirements.
The corporate headquarters will be based in Mexico City; digital, social media, and communications will come out of New York City; and the Thailand branch will be responsible for in-house content and production. Sheynnis Palacios, the 2023 Miss Universe titleholder, will continue to be based in New York City where she fulfills her duties as a global ambassador and mental health advocate.
There are also plans to start a Miss Universe museum in Mexico featuring different crowns used over the years and possibly various artifacts like gowns and pictures and possible replicas of former titleholders so we shall see if this ambitious project comes to fruition.

(posted 2023 November 25)
On September 12, 2023, Miss Universe 2022, USA's R'Bonney Gabriel announced on social media that starting with the 2024 season, there is no longer an age limit so now ALL adult women (be they single, married, with or without children and transwomen) and at least 18 years of age can all compete for their Miss USA state titles or their national titles to get to Miss Universe. 28 years of age used to be the limit but women are delaying getting married and having children to compete in pageants and now they don't even have to do that as married women and mothers with children were allowed to do compete as of 2023 and we saw a married delegate at Miss USA 2023 which was Maine's Juliana Morehouse Locklear who went unplaced. Then, at Miss Universe 2023, Guatemala's Michelle Cohn and Colombia's Camila Avella both competed being married mothers with children and Colombia's delegate made the top 5 at Miss Universe 2023 while Guatemala's delegate went unplaced.

This year's pageant will again be on Roku and Telemundo (Spanish version) for U.S. viewers and on youtube for Canadian viewers.

Are you excited?!?!?! Is it your country's turn?!?!?!

Who will be crowned MMXXIVSS UNIVERSE (a.k.a. Miss Universe 2024?)
Let's meet the contestants crowned so far!!!

Albania-Franceska Rustem

Franceska is a model at 19 years old, born and raised in the city of Durres. Albania has never won the crown but they have placed four times (2002, 2009, 2010 and 2019). Will Franceska be able to bring the glory back to her country?


Angola-Nelma Tchissola Ferreira

26-year-old Nelma was appointed to represent Angola and she has experience as she previously competed in the 2018 Miss World pageant going unplaced but will she charm the judges enough to place at Miss Universe? Angola has placed four times and they won their only Miss Universe crown in 2011 thanks to Leila Luliana da Costa Vieira Lopes but this nation hasn't placed since so could Nelma make a huge comeback?


Argentina-Magali Benejam Corthey

Magali represented Cordoba and is a a 29-year-old model, actress and astrology student. Notably, this year's Miss Universe Argentina contest had a 60-year-old contestant with the age limit eliminated this year and that contestant, Alejandra Rodriguez of Buenos Aires placed among the top 15. The land of tango and Evita Peron has only won the Miss Universe crown back in 1962 thanks to Norma Nolan and they last placed in 2020. Will Magali achieve for her country and prompt her people to not cry for her??


Armenia-Irina Zakharova

Irina Zakharova is a Russian singer going by the name Brilliant and she is also the owner of a law firm in Krasnodar, Russia and won a pageant held in Moscow, Russia but... she's representing Armenia! I guess they are adhering to the words of Venezuela's 1993 representative, Milka Chulina that there should be no barriers that separate us... even if it means representing an entirely different country! Oh well... Armenia hasn't placed yet in Miss Universe history but I don't expect that to change this year especially when the judges find out where she's really from...


Aruba-Stephanie Helen (Anouk) Eman

32-year-old Stephanie Helen (Anouk) Eman previously held the titles of Miss World Aruba 2017 and also participated in Miss International 2018 going unplaced at both pageants. The one happy island has never won the crown but they did come close in 1996 when Taryn Mansell finished as 1st runner up. They last placed in 2021. How will Anouk do for the tourist paradise of Aruba?


Australia-Zoe Creed

Zoe started a pilates fitness program called Born Creed after the demands of a modelling career caused her to experience anorexia and depression but after entering the health and fitness industry, she wanted to empower people to feel good in their bodies. Australia has won the Miss Universe crown twice (1972 and 2004) and finished as 2nd runner up last year so will Zoe be able to keep that momentum going for the land down under?


Azerbaijan-Bahar Mirzayeva

Bahar is a model and blogger who appears to have been appointed to represent Azerbaijan which is only competing for the second time after debuting in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant which was held in Russia but funded by the Agalarov family who was originally from Azerbaijan. Will Azerbaijan have better luck this time around?

Bahamas-Selvinique Wright

With the age limit of 28 years of age being removed this year, we now have 32-year-old Selvinique representing the host country of the 2009 Miss Universe pageant. She wants to use her story to inspire other women that there is no deadline to pursue your dreams. Her story is one of perseverance and dedication, after winning the Bahamas crown on her fourth attempt. The Bahamas only placed once when Chantel O'Brian placed among the top 10 of Miss Universe 2021 but they have never won the crown so will Selvinique's story bring a crown to the 700 islands of exquisite culture??


Bahrain-Shereen Ahmed

This will be Bahrain's fourth consecutive year competing but they have yet to place. This year, they are sending a representative that shares her first name with my 5th grade teacher. Shereen is a Bahraini/Filipina journalist and presenter who hosted a weekly show called Emirates Draw, that premiered in September of 2021. Shereen was previously 2nd runner up to Miss Universe Bahrain 2022, Evlin Abdulla Khalifa so will this small land make a huge impact this year?


Belarus-Karyna Kisialiova

Belarus has competed in other international pageants for years but this year will be their debut at the Miss Universe pageant. Will this 27-year-old minx from Minsk who graduated from the Moscow Aviation Institute with a Public Relations degree pull an Armi/Luz Marina/Mpule and win the Miss Universe crown for her country with their very first delegate?? Karyna has experience in the pageant world previously representing her nation at Miss International 2022 and Miss Earth 2023 going unplaced at both pageants but will beginners luck turn that around? Botswana's Mpule Kwelagobe didn't place at Miss World 1997 before winning Miss Universe 1999. The same can be said for Miss Universe 1971-Lebanon's Georgina Rizk who went unplaced at Miss World 1970 and shockingly Holland's Angela Visser went unplaced at Miss World 1988 before handily winning Miss Universe 1989. Will this be one of those years??


Belgium-Kenza Johanna Ameloot

The diamond capital of Europe sends Kenza this year who models for Dominique Models and holds a bachelor's degree in international business. Belgium did place in 2018 but they have never won the Miss Universe crown but they have placed in the top 6 in 1981 and 1992. Will Kenza's exotic look win Belgium some favor this year?


Belize-Halima Hoy

The land of the jaguar and the Mundo Maya sends us 29-year-old and married Halima Hoy this year. The land of the largest living coral reef hasn't placed since way back in 1979 and they have never won the Miss Universe crown so could Halima change that this year?


Bolivia-Juliana Barrientos Gaidrikh

Juliana is half-Ukranian on her mother's side and is 25 years old hailing from Santa Cruz. Bolivia has never won the Miss Universe crown. In fact, they have only placed three times (1964, 1990 and 2006) and the latter two placements occurred when the Miss Universe pageant was held in Los Angeles! Will Juliana who stands at 5'9" be able to make a significant name for her country this year?


Bonaire-Ruby Pouchet

The diver's dream in the Caribbean sends us Ruby this year after a long absence since Bonaire hasn't competed at Miss Universe since 1999 if you can believe it. Ruby originally won her national crown in 2022 and later represented Bonaire at Miss Grand International 2023 going unplaced but could she give Bonaire their first placement ever at Miss Universe?


Botswana-Thanolo Keutlwile

The land of the Kalahari desert claim its only Miss Universe crown with its first delegate, Mpule Kwelagobe in 1999 but they haven't placed since and their participation has been rather sporadic over the years as they are returning after an 11-year absence last competing in 2013. Will 28-year-old Thanolo who is a medical doctor and a model put Botswana back on the map?


Brazil-Luana Cavalcante

The land of the Samba sends us Luana Cavalcante who shares a last name with Italy's delegate, Glelany Cavalcante who happens to be of Brazilian descent so it looks like we have a cavalcade of Cavalcantes this year! Luana is an anomaly delegate being a 25-year-old with a 4 year-old son named Pedro and is married to business tycoon Luiz Carlos Fassoni. She has been an international model and actress since age 13. Brazil has claimed the Miss Universe crown twice thanks to Ieda Vargas (who was present at this year's Miss Universe Brazil pageant) in 1963 and Martha Vasconcellos in 1968. Brazil even enjoyed an 11-year streak that was broken in 2021 and they haven't placed since. Will Luana bring the glory back to Brazil?


British Virgin Islands-Deyounce Lowenfield

The land of the turtle dove sends us Deyounce who hails from Tortola Island. Could she get Nature's Little Secret their first placement ever at Miss Universe?


Bulgaria-Elena Vian

The land of roses sends us Elena who is a 33-year-old married mother of a young daughter and Elena is also a costume designer and stylist so she should bring something unique to this year's pageant. Bulgaria has never placed so could Elena be Bulgaria's first ever semifinalist?


Cambodia-Davin Prasath

Yet another anomaly delegate, Davin is 33 years old, is married and has one daughter. She is also a model, business woman, actress and philanthropist. She is also a former Universal Woman Cambodia and placed in the top 5 of another pageant called Universal Woman 2024. Cambodia has never placed in Miss Universe history but could Davin change that?


Cameroon-Noura Raïssa Njikam

The land of Bebe Zahara Benet placed for the very first time last year and Noura obviously hopes to continue that trend. Can she do it?


Canada-Ashley Callingbull-Rabbit

I'm proud to say I predicted my country's winner two years in a row! The runaway favorite, Ashley Callingbull-Rabbit makes history as the first Indigenous/First Nations woman to represent the land of the maple leaf. With the age and marriage restrictions removed this year, 34-year-old Ashley tried again and triumphed this time. She was previously 2nd runner up in 2010, placed top 20 (but not top 12) in 2013 and then won a Mrs. pageant (Mrs. Universe 2015). She placed 3rd on Amazing Race Canada 2016 competing with her father. In September 2021, she married hockey player Wacey Rabbit. She was previously married to Ryan Burnham. In 2022, Callingbull was the first Indigenous/First Nations woman to become a Sports Illustrated Model. Canada has won Miss Universe twice (1982 and 2005) so is it time again for the true north, strong and free?


Cayman Islands-Raegan Rutty

22-year-old Raegan stands at 5'9" and holds the distinction of being the Cayman Islands first ever Olympic gymnast having competed in the Tokyo 2020/21 games. There has yet to be a placement for the crystal blue waters and the white coral beaches of the Cayman Islands. Will Raegan also hold the distinction of being her country's first Miss Universe semifinalist and possibly winner??


Chile-Emilia Dides

The land of the Andes sends us a fabulous singer named Emilia this year. Emilia already won her nation's admiration back in 2019 when she won the reality show 'Rojo' and she even studied singing at the university level. Chile has captured the Miss Universe crown once back in 1987 thanks to Cecilia Bolocco but Chile's recent success have been scarce even though they placed last year but prior to that, they hadn't placed since 2004 and prior to that, they hadn't placed since 1990! Emilia certainly to end these long gaps in placement for Chile so will she pull off a successive placement and maybe even win her country's second Miss Universe crown??


China-Jia Qi

The land of the great wall sends us Jia Qi this year who was supposed to compete for 2023 but she was crowned late and got a visa but only arrived after the preliminary interview was completed and therefore could not compete so she will compete for 2024. Jia is a former track and field athlete as well as a fitness enthusiast. China has never won the crown but their best finish was as 2nd runner up in 2002 which was technically elevated to 1st runner up when the original 2002 Miss Universe winner was dethroned and they last placed in 2017. How will Jia do?


Colombia-Daniela Toloza Rocha

The world's finest coffee land sends us Daniela this year who hails from Valle del Cauca and is Colombia's first representative to be 30 years old under the new elimination of age limits this year. Daniela has an inspiring story of personal overcoming and transformation as she revealed on her Instagram account that she struggled for many years with being overweight but lost the weight to become the fit woman she is today. The land of passions and emeralds has captured the Miss Universe crown twice thanks to Luz Marina Zuluaga in 1958 and Paulina Vega for 2014 so could Daniela bring the land of victoric orchids another Miss Universe crown??


Costa Rica-Elena Hidalgo

Elena is another anomaly delegate being a 32-year-old wife and mother who is also a professional model. The land of peace and brotherhood has never won the Miss Universe crown but they have placed among the top 10 a few times with the most recent placement being for 2020 so will Elena be able to bring the glory to her nation?


Côte d'Ivoire-Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala

The Ivory Coast sends us Marie-Emmanuelle this year. This is only the second time that Côte d'Ivoire is competing. The first time was in 1986 when Marie-Françoise Kouamé aggressively said her country's name in that year's Parade of Nations but went unplaced. Marie-Emmanuelle is a 20-year-old student with a passion for environmental conservation and community development and she hails from Sud-Comoé.


Croatia-Zrinka Coric

The greatest treasure of middle Europe sends us Zrinka this year. Hrvatske has never won the Miss Universe crown but they have placed 4 times among the semifinalists with the most recent placement being among the top 20 in 2019. Will Zrinka be able to bring some glory back to her nation?


Cuba-Marianela Ancheta

So...for the first time since 1967 (a whopping 57 years later), a delegate from Cuba has been chosen to represent that country but the pageant was held in Miami and consisted of delegates of Cuban descent and the winner is 31-year-old model Marianela Ancheta who fled Cuba as a child with her mother through Mexico to enter the United States where she actually lives. Many have likened Marianela Ancheta to Venezuela's Irene Esser who was 2nd runner up at Miss Universe 2012. The czar of beauty, Osmel Sousa (who was born in Cuba and was behind Venezuela's success in international pageantry for decades) assisted in the crowning of Marianela and Osmel is employed as an advisor with the current Miss Universe organization so we shall see if the Cuban delegate gets an easy ride in this year's competition. Cuba has placed twice (3rd runner up in 1957 and among the top 15 in 1956). How will Marianela do?


Curaçao-Kimberly De Boer

This artistic beauty is a painter and a mental health advocate. The sunny island of Curaçao has never won the crown but they have come close three times earning a first runner-up placement in 1968 with Anne-Marie Braafheid in addition to two ladies finishing in the top 5, Verna Vasquez in 1997 and Gabriëla Dos Santos in 2022 when they last placed. Is it finally time for this unique blend of cultures to capture the Miss Universe crown and will Kimberly do it??


Czech Republic-Marie Danci

Marie previously competed at Miss Global 2023 going unplaced. This model certainly has a unique look. The Czech Republic has never won the crown but they did enjoy a four-year streak in the semifinals from 2007 to 2010 which was the last year they placed. Will Marie's distinct features make her a standout and cause her to bring some glory to her homeland?


Democratic Republic of the Congo-Ilda Amani

Ilda is a Menstrual Health Advocate and seeks to empower women. The Democratic Republic of the Congo used to be called Zaire and under that name, they previously placed in 1985 as 2nd runner up and among the top 10 in 1986 and even winning the Congeniality in 1972 to which then host Bob Barker cheekily asked, 'What's the difference between here and Zaire(there)?' but it's not pronounced Zair, it's pronounced Za-eer which Bob later pronounced correctly in the 80s. Will Ilda be able to do miracles for her country?


Denmark-Victoria Kjaer Theilvig

The birthplace of the Little Mermaid has never won the crown but their best placement was as 1st runner-up in 1963 thanks to Aino Korwa and Denmark last placed in 2007. 21-year-old Victoria previously competed at Miss Grand International 2022 placing among the top 20 in that pageant. Will she be able to pull off a similar or even better feat at Miss Universe?


Dominican Republic-María Celinée Santos Frías

The land where your heart flames to the rhythms of merengue sends us this exquisite law student, model, actress and digital creator this year. The land where culture reaches your heart and the host country of the 1977 Miss Universe pageant has only captured the Miss Universe crown once back in 2003 thanks to Amelia Vega and they have been competing with much strength in recent years despite going unplaced last year but earning a 2nd runner up placement for 2022 with Andreina Martinez and a 4th runner up placement for 2020 with Kimberly Jimenez. Will Celinée keep the momentum going for the Dominican Republic and capture them another Miss Universe crown??


Ecuador-Mara Štefica Topic Verduga

The land where the hemispheres meet had a really intense competition this year. Mara is a seasoned pageant veteran for her nation having represented Ecuador at Miss Grand International 2019 placing among the top 10 at that pageant. Mara's possible high placement at Miss Universe will certainly be a "Topic" of discussion as it has been rumored that she may have said some unfavorable things about the reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios who crowned her as Ecuador's Miss Universe representative. Mara had two very notable runners-up. The 1st runner up was Nadia Mejia who was previously Miss California USA 2016 and placed in the top 5 of Miss USA 2016 and you will also remember her as having two notable parents: singer Girardo who had a hit with 'Rico Suavé' and Nadia's mother is Kathy Eicher-Miss West Virginia USA 1989. If that wasn't enough, Mara's 2nd runner up was Katherine Espin who previously won the Miss Earth 2016 crown for Ecuador. Ecuador has never won the crown but has placed as 2nd runner up in 2013 which was also the last time they placed. Is Mara's intense competition already at the national level an indication that she is a frontrunner for the 2024 Miss Universe crown???


Egypt-Logina Salah

A contestant with vitiligo??? Yes, please!!! I smell an instant semifinalist with this one because I'm sure audiences worldwide will be intrigued by a contestant with vitiligo. Logina is a 34-year old mom, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates but is of Egyptian descent and she is also an influencer, model, make-up artist, TV presenter and vitiligo advocate. The land of ancient wonders and modern progress has never placed at Miss Universe despite having a Miss World winner in 1954 so could Logina be highly rewarded for her uniqueness and even win her country's first Miss Universe crown???


El Salvador-Florence Garcia

The gentleman of the Americas and the host nation of both last year's Miss Universe pageant as well as the 1975 Miss Universe pageant sends us 25-year-old Florence this year who represented San Miguel at her national pageant. El Salvador has never won the crown but their best placement was back in 1955 when Maribel Arrieta finished as 1st runner up and of course, they finished among the top 10 last year so can Florence keep the momentum going for the country of the eternal smile?


Equatorial Guinea-Diana Dashaira Mouhafo

Equatorial Guinea started competing at Miss Universe in 2019 and has competed every year since except for the Covid year of 2020 so 24-year-old Dashaira has a chance to be her nation's first semifinalist at Miss Universe. Will this year's delegate be able to do it?


Eritrea-Snit Tewoldemedhin

Snit isn't having any of your... So, Eritrea is making its debut at Miss Universe this year so can they pull an Armi/Luz Marina/Mpule and win the crown with their very first delegate?? Snit is quite brainy being a 25-year-old recent Neuroscience graduate from George Mason University in Virginia, USA and she is a certified Lead Guide at a Montessori school who speaks Tigrigna, Italian, English, Amharic, and French and she won the title of Miss Africa USA in 2023. Isn't Snit it??


Estonia-Valeria Vasilieva

22-year-old striking Valeria marks Estonia's return to Miss Universe after a long absence as they haven't competed since 2013 but they have sent us some of the most memorable contestants in history with two semifinalists, Kristiina Heinmets, who was quite the character in 1997 as was Evelyn Mikomagi in 2000 and both ladies happened to place 7th in their respective Miss Universe pageants. Valeria previously won the 2024 Global Model of the World Grand Prix title so will she further that success onto the Miss Universe stage and possibly win Estonia's first Miss Universe crown??


Fiji-Manshika Prasad

Fiji has only competed twice before at Miss Universe (1979 and 1981) with both delegates going unplaced so after a long 43 years, Fiji returns to the Miss Universe stage. But, there was a scandal... Manshika Prasad was originally crowned but the votes were supposedly retabulated and then runner-up Nadine Roberts was named winner and the official announcement was made on September 1, a few days after the Fijian pageant on August 30. But on September 6, Manshika was reinstated as Fiji's queen when Nadine was accused by event organizer, Grant Dwyer of having a relationship with Fiji's license holder, Jamie McIntyre who has since ceased all ties with Miss Universe organization. Police got involved and now, as of September 11, the Fiji crown had gone back to Nadine Roberts but as of October 12, the Miss Universe organization has finalized their decision and has accepted Manshika Prasad to represent Fiji this year. Will all this drama get Manshika noticed in a big way??


Finland-Matilda Wirtavuori

The land of thousands of lakes sends us a very photogenic favorite this year with Matilda who hails from the city of Tampere. Despite having won two Miss Universe crowns including the very first one in 1952 thanks to Armi Kuusela and then again in 1975 thanks to Anne Marie Pohtamo, Finland surprisingly has not placed since 1996 when Lola Odusoga finished as 2nd runner up. Matilda has great catwalk skills so is she about to make a huge comeback for the land where tolerance and northern lights shine bright??


France-Indira Ampiot

Indira hails from Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe and won the Miss France 2023 which was held on 17 December 2022 in Châteauroux and was crowned by Diane Leyre who represented France at Miss Universe 2023 going unplaced. Partially of Indian origin through her maternal grandfather, Indira now has her opportunity to capture a third Miss Universe crown for the land of the Eiffel Tower. France won two Miss Universe crowns (1953 and 2016) and they last placed in 2021 and is one of only two countries that has competed at every Miss Universe pageant since its inception in 1952 (Canada is the other one and USA was disqualified in 1957 after preliminaries but before finals).


Germany-Pia Theissen

The land of Bach and Beethoven sends us Pia who shares a first name with Miss Universe 2015 so will this win this new Pia favor amongst the judges?? Pia is 25 years old, hails from Cologne and is a social worker, occupational therapist and yoga teacher who is fluent in German, English and Spanish. Germany has an amazing attendance record having only missed one Miss Universe pageant (2020-the Covid year) but has competed in every other year so will lovely Pia bring Germany back in the game? Germany hasn't won the crown since way back in 1961 when the stunning Marlene Schmidt captured the crown and they haven't placed since 2002 with my prediction that year, Natascha Borger who had previously competed in Miss Venezuela 2000 as Miss Yaracuy. Pia even aspires to be a DJ so will the country that has produced some of the best music (including my beloved genre of 90s Eurodance) triumph this year??


Gibraltar-Shyanne McIntosh

Gibraltar hasn't competed at Miss Universe since way back in 1990 and even during that time, they won the Miss World crown in 2009 thanks to Kaiane Aldorino. The rock of Gibraltar sends us 25-year-old Shyanne this year after a long absence. How will she do?


Great Britain-Christina Dela Cruz Chalk

The land where royalty reigns sends us 31-year-old Christina this year. Christina was born in the Philippines and moved to Britain as a child. She is half-Filipina on her mother's side and half-Scottish on her father's side and she even recently finished in the top 20 of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 this past May and won the British title in July. That's a fast country-hop!! Christina had also placed as 1st runner up twice in the Miss Universe Great Britain pageant when she competed in 2016 and 2021 so now her dream has finally come true and she will compete on the Miss Universe stage. The land of the Union Jack has yet to claim the Miss Universe crown so could Christina being an experienced pageant veteran win Great Britain's first Miss Universe crown??


Greece-Christianna Katsieri

Christianna was appointed to represent the birthplace of the Olympic spirit after winning her national title back in 2022 and she recently represented the land of ancient gods at the 2023 Miss Earth pageant in Vietnam but going unplaced but we all know that one pageant can have completely different results than another so will Christianna be able to do wonders for Greece this year? Greece has only captured the Miss Universe crown once back in 1964 thanks to the effervescent, Corinna Tsopei and they last placed in 2005 just after hosting the Olympics in 2004. Will Christianna bring the birthplace of civilization back in the spotlight?


Guadeloupe-Coraly Desplan

For decades, Guadeloupe competed in the Miss France competition as a French territory but now for the first time since 1984, Guadeloupe is competing in the international Miss Universe competition just in the same way that nations like Puerto Rico and Guam compete for Miss Universe. Coraly now has a chance to get a first Miss Universe placement for Guadeloupe but interestingly enough, this year's French representative Indira Ampiot also hails from Guadeloupe! Even Clemence Botino who won Miss Guadeloupe 2019 and then won Miss France 2020 representing Guadeloupe would go to make the top 10 at Miss Universe 2021! Are we about to get some Guadeloupe overload this year?


Guatemala-Ana Gabriela Villanueva Jolón

Here's an interesting plot twist! Guatemala's original 2024 representative has been replaced upon the announcement on August 25 that the original winner, Mónica Andrea Aguilar Radford (who won her national crown on July 7) announced that she is pregnant and while this is no longer against the rules, Andrea has decided to step down and crowned her 1st runner-up, Ana Gabriela Villanueva Jolón as the new representative of Guatemala for Miss Universe 2024. It is not known yet if Andrea will return next year. Ana Gabriela is 22 years old and originally from Santa Cruz Naranjo, Santa Rosa and is the daughter of a Mexican father and a Guatemalan mother and a student of a Bachelor's Degree in Legal and Social Sciences. Even the reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios from the neighboring country of Nicaragua attended Guatemala's national pageant and assisted with Andrea's crowning. The heart of the Mundo Maya has placed only three times (1955, 1984 and 2010). Will this new replacement put the spotlight on Guatemala this year?


Guinea-Nene Mariama Saran Bah

Saran Bah travelled to the capital of Guinea, Conakry for her official appointment as Guinea's representative since she resides in Canada... Saran was previously Miss World Guinea and placed among the top 40 in Miss World 2021/22 in Puerto Rico so will that experience help her earn her country's first ever semifinalist spot at Miss Universe??


Guyana-Ariana Blaize

Ariana has competed for Miss Georgia USA. She studies nursing at Georgia State University with a minor in international business affairs and held various other Georgia titles in other systems and she founded Dorothy's House, a 501c3 non profit. Ariana hopped to represent Georgetown, Guyana and won that country's title so she now has the opportunity to compete for the Miss Universe crown and possibly be her country's first representative to ever place.


Honduras-Stephanie Cam

Stephanie is yet another anomaly delegate being a 31-year-old mother of a young daughter. Stephanie was actually born in New York, USA and was raised by a Honduran mother and Peruvian father. Honduras has had to wait the longest of all the countries that have placed for a repeat placement since they haven't placed since 1955! Will Stephanie be the one to bring some glory back to the heart of Central America?


Hong Kong-Joanne Rhodes

Hong Kong has returned to the Miss Universe pageant for the first time since they last competed in 2000 which was a few years after the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1997. Hong Kong has never won the crown but they have come close three times finishing as 2nd runner up in the very first Miss Universe pageant in 1952, then 3rd runner up in 1954 and 4th runner up in 1988 when Pauline Yeung became the last Miss Hong Kong to place. Will Joanne bring the glory to the most expensive region to live in the world?


Hungary-Nóra Kenéz

The land of the blue Danube is sending us a stunning pharmacist and freelance model originally from Szombathely but now living in Budapest. 28-year-old Nóra placed third at Miss Universe Hungary 2023 before claiming her national crown for 2024. Hungary has never won the Miss Universe crown but they have placed 4 times (2006, 2008, 2012 and 2018) with the 2012 delegate making top 10. Will the judges say yes to Nóra??


Iceland-Sóldís Vala Ívarsdóttir

Sóldís aspires to study piloting and her main interests are exercise and health-related issues. She practiced gymnastics for ten years, from the age of two, and then switched to soccer. She is also very interested in fashion and makeup. Iceland has never won the Miss Universe crown but they have come close in 1962 when Anna Geirsdóttir placed as 1st runner up but they haven't placed since 2019. Will Sóldís be able to bring some glory to land of glaciers and lava?


India-Rhea Singha

Rhea previously held the title of Miss Teen Earth in 2023 at age 18. Only one year later, this young woman is now off to seek the Miss Universe crown. Interestingly enough, the 2nd runner up for India's national pageant was Chhavi Verg (who was 1st runner up at Miss USA 2017 representing New Jersey) who was allowed to compete being of Indian descent. Rhea previously placed among the top 6 at an unaffiliated Miss Teen Universe pageant in 2023. The country which embodies unity through diversity has claimed the crown three times thanks to Sushmita Sen in 1994, Lara Dutta in 2000 and Harnaaz Sandhu in 2021 and they have placed 5 years in a row so will Rhea keep the streak going and possibly claim the crown?


Indonesia-Clara Shafira Krebs

Also known as Clara Sha, Indonesia's delegate was born and raised in Germany on May 19, 2002 to a German father and an Indonesian (Sundanese) mother. After vacationing in Indonesia in 2019 and unable to return to Germany due to the Covid pandemic, she started to stay in Indonesia and pursue modelling and attend university graduating cum laude from Pelita Harapan University majoring in International Business Management. Indonesia has never won the crown but did enjoy a streak of success from 2013 to 2020 placing among the semifinalists in 7 of those 8 years but they haven't placed since. Is Clara about to do some wonders for her multiracial land?


Ireland-Sofia Labus

The land of shamrock and leprechauns sends us lovely Sofia this year who is a 21-year-old from Montenotti in Cork studying Criminology in University College Cork. Her parents are from Serbia. Ireland hasn't quite been lucky enough to win the Miss Universe crown but they do have two delegates that ranked as high as 2nd runner up in 1963 and 1983 but they haven't placed since 2018. Will Sofia change that?


Israel-Ofir Natalie Korsia

Due to the situation in this country, a pageant was held in Miami, Florida, USA to select a representative for this ancient land and they chose Ofir Korsia who is an actress living in Los Angeles, California, USA but she did live previously in Israel and even competed at the 2021 Miss Israel pageant and placed among the top 4 that year which was the final year that the official Miss Israel pageant was held. After being absent in 2022 and 2023 after hosting the 2021 Miss Universe pageant, the holy land returns to the Miss Universe stage. Israel has claimed the crown once back in 1976 thanks to Rina Messinger-Mor but they haven't placed since 2005.


Italy-Glelany Cavalcante

The land of culture, pasta and fashion sends us Glelany this year who is a 30-year-old model. Italy has never won the crown but they are the highest ranking country without a winner in the list of Who Has the Most Miss Universes since they have two 1st runners-up thanks to Bond girl, Daniela Bianchi in 1960 and Roberta Capua in 1987 so is it finally time for the land of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?


Jamaica-Rachel Silvera

Rachel is a 25-year-old pharmacy student and entrepreneur who is passionate about the environment. Jamaica has never won the crown but they have placed as 1st runner up in 2010 and 2nd runner up in 2017 and they last placed in 2023. Will Rachel bring some glory to the island of reggae?


Japan-Kaya Chakrabortty

Born to a Japanese mother and Bangladeshi father, Kaya is a figure skating champion in her country. Japan has won Miss Universe twice (1959 and 2007 thanks to Akiko Kojima and Riyo Mori respectively) but they haven't placed since 2021 and their placements have been more sporadic in recent years. Will Kaya's interesting background and figure skating skills give her the stage presence needed to stand out in the competition?


Kazakhstan-Madina Almukhanova

Kazakhstan has never placed at Miss Universe so Madina has a chance to make a name for her country. Will she achieve that elusive first placement for this land rich with accessible mineral and fossil fuel resources and can she even go all the way and capture her country's first Miss Universe crown?


Kenya-Irene Ng'endo Mukii

Irene is 26 years of age and hails from Juja City. Irene previously held the title of Miss Africa 2019 and was Top 21 of Miss Grand International 2020. Irene was crowned by the current Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios. The country of love, peace and harmony has never won the Miss Universe crown but they did come close in 2016 when Mary Esther Were made the top 6 that year. Will experienced Irene capture the crown for Kenya?


Korea-Ariel Han

Ariel is a 22-year old student majoring in Fashion Business Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, USA. With the age limit eliminated, this year's Korean pageant featured this year's oldest contestant at a national pageant to select a Miss Universe entrant ever, an 81-year-old contestant Soon-Hwa Choi who won the best dressed award at the Korean pageant. The land of Kimchi hasn't placed since 2007 when Honey Lee finished as 3rd runner up but their best placement was as 1st runner up in 1988 with Yunjung Chang so will Ariel be able to bring some glory back to the host country of Miss Universe 1980?


Kosovo-Edona Bajrami

Edona was born and raised in Pristina but her family moved to Belgium when she was a child but Edona currently lives in New York. Kosovo has never won the Miss Universe crown but they have placed four times (2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012) with the 2009 titleholder, Gona Dragusha finishing as 2nd runner up. Will Edona bring Kosovo back in the game?


Kyrgyzstan-Maya Turdalieva

Maya was originally supposed to compete for Miss Universe 2023 but she was among the later delegates to be crowned on October 3 with the 2023 pageant on November 18 so to give her ample preparation time, Maya has been assigned to compete for 2024 instead. Kyrgyzstan has never placed so Maya has a chance to get her country's first placement.


Laos-Phiranya Thipphomvong

Phiranya is an actress and model who previously worked for Lao Airlines and founded We All Together which supports Laotian women and children. Laos has never won the Miss Universe crown but they did place once in 2022 thanks to Payengxa Lor so will Phiranya be able to bring her country some glory?


Latvia-Maria Vicinska

Latvia hasn't placed since 2005 with their only top 10 semifinalist, the stunning Ieva Kokorevica. Will Maria be able to put Latvia on the map in a big way??


Lebanon-Nada Koussa

Nada is 26 years of age and hails from Akkar. She's a licensed clinical psychologist and appears to have aspirations to become a model or actress. Lebanon won their only Miss Universe crown in 1971 thanks to Georgina Rizk but they haven't placed since 1973 when the late, sexy Marcelle Herro belly-danced her way into the top 12 that year. Marcelle passed away in 1979 at age 27 from cancer. Can Nada bring the glory back the land of the cedars? If Nada ever says, 'Muchas gracias' to me, I will reply, 'De nada, Nada!'


Macau-Cassandra Chiu

Like Hong Kong, Macau (which is considered an administrative region of China) is a territory allowed to compete in Miss Universe this year so Macau is competing for Miss Universe for the very first time despite having competed in many other international pageants. 23-year-old Cassandra is a Chinese-Portuguese model and dancer who graduated from the University of Macau in 2023. Will Cassandra make a name for an island where east meets west?


Malaysia-Sandra Lim

Sandra was previously 1st runner up at another international pageant, Miss Global 2022. Despite having a huge fanbase, Malaysia has only placed once in Miss Universe history which was back in 1970 thanks to Josephine Wong. Will Sandra finally make a huge comeback for the land of hornbill birds and get that long-awaited placement and possibly even Malaysia's first Miss Universe crown??


Malta-Beatrice Njoya

I'm intrigued by enchanting Beatrice. Will the judges also enjoy Miss Njoya?? First of all, she is now the oldest contestant to be competing for Miss Universe 2024 at age 39 and she is a single mother of 3 children. Beatrice was born in Cameroon, is a survivor of domestic abuse and is also the first black Miss Malta so will the heart of the Mediterranean finally get their first placement with Beatrice and her infectious smile and could she even win the Miss Universe crown??


Martinique-Catherine Edouard

Martinique hasn't competed since 1984 so they return 40 years later! In fact, they have only competed for Miss Universe five times (1957, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984) and after that Martinique competed at Miss France being a French territory. 25-year-old Catherine studied luxury management and marketing and hails from the city of Fort-de-France. How will she do?


Mauritius-Vishakha Tania René

The peaceful island of paradise has never placed in the history of Miss Universe. Could Tania finally be the first? a She is a project manager and has been modeling for 10 years in Mauritius. She loves manga, anime and Japanese culture and her favorite quote is, "Nanakorobi Yaoki" (Fall seven times, stand up eight), which reflects her resilient and optimistic outlook on life.


Mexico-Maria Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa

This year's host delegate hails from Sinaloa and also won the fan vote at her national pageant. 24-year-old Fernanda even has her own make-up line called Glaze. She previously represented Mexico at Miss Grand International 2023 but didn't place among the top 20 but surely, the host delegate will not be denied at Miss Universe this year! Can you just imagine the booing if she didn't place?? The host country won as recently as for 2022 when the USA's R'Bonney Gabriel won the crown in her own country so will Fernanda pull off a similar feat? The land where the optimism lives in their hearts has claimed the Miss Universe crown three times thanks to Lupita Jones in 1991 (who was ousted last year as Mexico's national director for Miss Universe with the new management but it shifted a few more times and landed with George Figueroa), Ximena Navarrete in 2010 and Andrea Meza for 2020. Is it time again for the land of the Mariachi?


Moldova-Djulieta Calalb

Djulieta will be the first entrant ever to Miss Universe from the small country of Moldova which was formerly of the Soviet Union. Djulieta previously represented Moldova at Miss International 2023 going unplaced. Could she pull off a similar feat accomplished by Miss Universe 1999-Botswana's Mpule Kwelagobe and win the first Miss Universe crown for her country being its first entrant?


Mongolia-Nominzul Zandangiin

Nominzul was originally supposed to compete for Miss Universe 2023 but she was among the later delegates to be crowned on October 10 with the 2023 pageant on November 18 so to give her ample preparation time, Nominzul has been assigned to compete for 2024 instead. Mongolia has never placed so Nominzul has a chance to get her country's first placement.


Montenegro-Rumina Ivezaj

Montenegro hasn't placed as an individual country yet but Sanja Papic placed for the combined nation of Serbia & Montenegro back in 2003 finishing as 3rd runner up that year. Rumina is 19 years old and was actually born and raised in Germany but has roots in the Montenegrin cities of Tuzi and Malësia e Madhe. She is the oldest of 4 children and lost her mother who passed away when Rumina was 13 years old. She has been living with her sisters and brother with their grandparents since. Will stunning Rumina be able to make a name for her country in a very big way??


Myanmar-Thet San Andersen

Myanmar's representative is of Burmese descent on her mother's side and Swedish descent on her father's side and she is quite artistic running her own company called Seint Studios and she is also a Media Marketer and Product Designer/Developer. Myanmar has only placed once in Miss Universe history which was when Thuzar Wint Lwin made the top 21 for 2020. Will Thet San be able to bring the coveted crown to Myanmar?


Namibia-Prisca Anyolo

The smile of Africa and host country of the 1995 Miss Universe pageant (the only Miss Universe pageant to be held in Africa) sends us Prisca this year who is an award winning journalist. Namibia won the crown once back in 1992 thanks to Michelle McLean and they did place last year thanks to Jameela Uiras but they have never placed two years in a row so could Prisca change that??


Nepal-Sampada Ghimire

Sampada is a 23-year-old model hailing from Bhaktapur. The land of Mount Everest has placed twice (2018 and 2023) so we shall see if Sampada can get a streak in the semifinals going for Nepal and if she can get their first Miss Universe crown.


Netherlands-Faith Genneviève Landman

Faith is a 27-year-old mother of one son, Ace and is engaged to her fiancé. She works as a maternity photographer and is an advocate for providing equal opportunities for children. Faith's grandmother is from Tanzania and so Faith has a heart for the impoverished children there and she and her son are involved in charitable acts there. Faith also previously represented her nation at Miss Earth 2017 placing among the top 8 at that pageant and we have seen many successful (and some unsuccessful) Miss Earth top 8ers that have had similar successes at Miss Universe. The land of tulips and windmills won the crown in 1989 thanks to Holland's Angela Visser but they haven't placed since 2014 when Yasmin Verheijen finished as 3rd runner up so will the judges have faith in Faith??


New Zealand-Victoria Velasquez Vincent

Well, isn't this interesting? 29-year-old Victoria (formerly known as Kim-Victoria) of Auckland becomes the third delegate who has competed at Miss Universe Philippines 2024 to compete at Miss Universe 2024! The other two are (of course): Philippines' Chelsea Manalo and Great Britain's Christine Dela Cruz Chalk who placed top 20 at Miss Universe Philippines 2024 prior to countryhopping to Great Britain and Victoria (who was top 10 at Miss Universe Philippines 2024) hopped to New Zealand and she is now representing the Kiwis! These three ladies will compete with each other again but rather than on the national stage, this time, it's on the international stage for Miss Universe 2024. This is similar to Canada's scenario with Ashley Callingbull competing again with Somalia's Khadija Omar who was 3rd runner up at Miss Universe Canada 2024. Previously appointed delegate, Franki Russell (who also happens to be of Filipina descent) had acted in some controversial film roles. As a result of that and the previous team's non-compliance with a specific order from the Miss Universe Organization, they cancelled the franchise previously held by Yugen PR for Miss Universe New Zealand for 2024 leading to Franki's withdrawal and the New Zealand franchise was awarded to Maria Siayngco who held a new pageant with Victoria as the winner. New Zealand won its only Miss Universe crown in 1983 thanks to the breathtaking Lorraine Downes but surprisingly they haven't placed since 1992.


Nicaragua-Geyssell García

Geyssell was originally the first runner-up of Miss Nicaragua 2020 but she has been appointed as Nicaragua's representative for Miss Universe 2024. Of course, the reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios represented Nicaragua but the government didn't respond well to Nicaraguans celebrating in the streets when Sheynnis won and even last year's director, Karen Celebertti and her family were impacted by this so Karen is now employed with the Miss Universe organization and is no longer Nicaragua's director. Will Nicaragua ever win again given that Sheynnis did not have a homecoming event in her country? Only Venezuela has won successive Miss Universe crowns (2008 and 2009) so does the land of lakes and volcanoes have a chance to be the next?


Nigeria-Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina

Chidimma had quite the interesting year! Born in South Africa, Chidimma initially entered the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant only to withdraw due to evidence of fraud and Identity theft committed by Chidimma's mother to obtain South African citizenship in 2001. Online critics claimed that Chidimma was ineligible to participate in Miss South Africa due to her mixed heritage but Chidimma studies at the University of Pretoria and was even born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother who also claimed to be Zulu South African. Chidimma did a fast country-hop to her father's country of origin and won the Nigerian title! It will be interesting to see how the Nigerian delegate fares compared to the South African delegate this year! Chidimma just got divorced in February and has one child. Nigeria has only placed twice (2001 and 2019) with their 2001 delegate, Agbani Darego, going on to win Miss World 2001 so will Chidimma's unique story get the attention of the judges in a big way for the 6th most populated country in the world?


North Macedonia-Tea Gjorgievska

North Macedonia is making its debut as an independent nation at Miss Universe so could 21-year-old Tea pull an Armi/Luz Marina/Mpule and win the Miss Universe crown being her country's very first delegate??


Norway-Lilly Sødal

The land of the fjords, mountains and the midnight sun sends us Lilly who has pageant experience placing in the Top 20 at Miss Earth 2022 and the Top 15 at Miss Globe 2023. Norway won its only Miss Universe crown in 1990 thanks to Mona Grudt but their success rate hasn't been great in recent years as they haven't placed since 2005 so will Lilly be the flower that blooms for her country?


Pakistan-Noor Xarmina

Pakistan placed among the top 20 last year with their very first delegate, Erica Robin so could Noor pull off a consecutive placement for Pakistan? Having lived in nine different countries, Noor's academic background includes degrees in biology and business, and she previously worked as a venture capital investor in London. Noor’s seeks to promote the work of Pakistani performers in the international entertainment industry, bringing greater recognition to their talents on a global stage.


Panama-Italy Johan Peñaloza Mora

Italy is representing Panama? Si! Fashion model, Italy Mora is a 19-year-old fashion model studying for her Bachelor's Degree in Social Communication. Panama inherited their only crown in 2002 when Justine Pasek took over for original winner, Russia's Oxana Fedorova who stepped down from her position during her reign. Panama last placed in 2021 when former Miss Missouri Teen USA, Brenda Smith-Lezama made the top 16 that year. Will Italy take the coveted crown for the tropical isthmus?


Paraguay-Claudia Naomi Mendez

There's an interesting story behind this one as Naomi was appointed to represent Paraguay with the official announcement on May 29 and an appearance the same day in Marie Claire magazine indicated that she was actually selected a while ago. A speaker of four languages, Naomi actually lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and she even previously represented another country (Argentina) in the Miss Eco Universe 2016 pageant which triggered some curiosities. Paraguay has never won the Miss Universe crown but their best placement was as 1st runner up in 2021 thanks to Nadia Ferreira who recently married Marc Anthony and gave birth to their son. Marc Anthony was previously married to Dayanara Torres-Miss Universe 1993 who bore two sons with Marc. Will Naomi be able to bring a first Miss Universe crown to the world's largest exporter of organic sugar, Paraguay??


Persia (Iran)-Ava Vahneshan

Instead of competing under the name of Iran, a delegate from the region of Persia has been crowned. The delegate originally chosen to represent Persia (Iran), Fay Asghari (sister of Sam Asghari, ex-husband of Britney Spears) has decided amicably to step down from competing for Miss Universe as her work as a nurse appears to be preventing her from having the time to prepare for Miss Universe so her runner-up, Ava Vahneshan will represent Persia (Iran) for 2024 instead. This competition just keeps getting more interesting, doesn't it?? We shall see if this first time competing country can pull off the rare first win for her nation as was most recently done by Botswana's Mpule Kwelagobe in 1999.


Peru-Tatiana Calmell del Solar

Let's have Tea with Tati! The land of the Incas and Machu Picchu is being represented by Tatiana who was previously Miss Peru International 2022, where she placed 2nd Runner-Up at Miss International 2022 to Germany's Jasmin Selberg. Of all the countries that have won Miss Universe, Peru has had to wait the longest for a repeat win as they won their only Miss Universe crown way back in 1957 thanks to Gladys Zender but Peru has been faring well lately placing in 4 of the last 5 Miss Universe pageants including a 2nd runner up placement for 2020 so will Tatiana bring home the glory for the host country of the 1982 Miss Universe pageant??


Philippines-Chelsea Anne Manalo

The pearl of the Orient seas has crowned an early favorite with their first delegate of African-American descent on her father's side with Chelsea Anne Manalo who represented Bulacan. Chelsea previously competed in the Miss World Philippines 2017 pageant placing among the top 15 there so that experience has paid off. The pageant-obsessed nation of the Philippines has captured the Miss Universe crown 4 times (1969, 1973, 2015 and 2018) and they have hosted the Miss Universe pageant 3 times (1974, 1994 and for 2016). Chelsea also has a similar name and an African-American father just like the late, great Chelsi Smith-Miss Universe 1995 so is it time again for the tropical haven of Asia to capture the crown with Chelsea??


Poland-Kasandra Zawal

The land of Chopin sends us Kasandra this year. She is 22 years old and is pursuing a degree in International Relations, with a focus on global development. Poland hasn't placed since 2018 and they have never won the crown but twice placed as 3rd runner up (1986 and 1989) so with a recent Miss World win, will Poland be able to finally capture the Miss Universe crown?


Portugal-Andreia Cristina Correia Pinto

The land of explorers is sending its first black delegate this year with Andreia being yet another history-making delegate following their delegate last year, Marina Machete who became the first openly trans delegate to place at Miss Universe. Portugal has yet to win the crown and only placed for the first time in 2011 and again in 2019. Andreia previously won Miss Portugal UK 2019 and she has even already won another international crown previously winning the title of Miss Aura International 2020 but went unplaced at the inaugural 2023 Miss Charm pageant. Will Andreia's early success translate over to the Miss Universe stage and get Portugal their first Miss Universe crown??


Puerto Rico-Jennifer Colón Alvarado

The shining star of the Caribbean sends us Jennifer this year who has quite the pageant history. She was the 2nd runner-up at Miss Teen Puerto Rico 2006, 1st runner-up at Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2009 and won Miss World Puerto Rico 2009 but went unplaced at Miss World 2009. Jennifer is a single mother of three children and at age 36 and is her nation's oldest contestant ever to compete at Miss Universe since the age limit has been removed as of this year. Jennifer won her nation's coveted crown in an extremely competitive pageant and even Genesis Davila (who was top 5 at Miss USA 2018 representing Florida and a former Miss World Puerto Rico) competed for the 2024 Puerto Rican crown but didn't even place among the 15 semifinalists! Puerto Rico has captured the Miss Universe crown a whopping 5 times (1970, 1985, 1993, 2001 and 2006) and they have placed in the top 10 every year since 2018 boasting several runners-up so will Jenny from the block be Puerto Rico's next Miss Universe???


Romania-Loredana Salanta

The land of mysterious Dracula sends us 33-year-old Loredana who is a mother of a 2-year-old daughter. Loredana who was previously Romania's representative at Miss World 2009 going unplaced but later represented Romania at Top Model of the World 2011 and winning that title so will she be able to parlay that success into Romania's first placement ever at Miss Universe and possibly pull off a win for the country where the Danube makes its Delta?? Loredana is a journalist who has worked prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival and she has even voted as a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press for the Golden Globes so will being surrounded by celebrity cause Loredana to become a celebrity herself by winning Miss Universe??


Russia-Valentina Alexeeva

At age 18, young Valentina of Chuvashia is among the youngest contestants competing this year (along with Iceland's delegate). However, Russia has fallen out of favor with the rest of the world and we all know why so chances of this delegate placing are slim as a result. Russia has won the Miss Universe crown once back in 2002 when Oxana Fedorova won the title only for her to part ways with the Miss Universe organization a few months later. Russia hasn't placed since 2012 which was the year before they hosted in 2013.


Saint Lucia-Skye Faucher

Skye has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, USA graduating in 2021 and she also plays volleyball. Will Skye aim sky high and inspire the judges enough to get St. Lucia's first ever Miss Universe placement??


Samoa-Haylani Pearl Kuruppu

26-year-old Haylani of Apia was previously the first runner-up of Miss Global 2023 and with that experience, she has now been appointed to represent Samoa at Miss Universe so will this published author who represents the land of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's mother be able to get her country's first Miss Universe placement ever and possibly the crown? This nation previously competed as Western Samoa from 1981 to 1986 but returns this year after a long absence.


Senegal-Fatou Bintou Gueye

Fatou Bintou Gueye was originally 1st runner up at the official Miss Senegal so she has been appointed to represent Senegal at Miss Universe 2024. This will only be the fourth time that Senegal is competing in the Miss Universe pageant. The previous years they competed were 1974, 1985 and 1987 so this is a very much long-awaited return. Will Senegal get some special attention this year?


Serbia-Ivana Trišic

Ivana was previously Serbia's representative at Miss World 2018 but went unplaced. Ivana was born in Belgrade and holds a degree in law yet she has been travelling the world working as a model, journalist and host for at least 5 years. She is the founder of Labutter which is a California-based cosmetic brand using only natural ingredients. Serbia hasn't placed as an individual country yet but Serbia & Montenegro's 2003 representative, Sanja Papic finished as 3rd runner up that year. Will Ivana be able to make a name for her country?


Singapore-Charlotte Lucille Chia

Charlotte is a 26-year-old public relations account executive who previously won a Global Model of the World competition in 2023 and also represented her nation in Miss International 2019 going unplaced. Singapore has never won the crown but they have placed three times: 1983, 2021 and 1987-which was the year they hosted the Miss Universe pageant.


Slovakia-Petra Sivakova

Slovak Republic has only placed once back in 1994 when Silvia Lakatosova made the top 6. Could 24-year-old Petra (who reminds me a lot of Dua Lipa) be the biggest hope for her country? Petra previously represented Slovakia at Miss Supranational 2024 winning the Supra Model of the year award propelling her into the top 25 at that pageant so will she do even better at Miss Universe??


Somalia-Khadija Omar

Originally, it was thought that Aisha Osman Iikow would represent Somalia at Miss Universe but no, apparently Khadija Omar who was 3rd runner up at Miss Universe Canada 2024 earlier has been appointed to represent Somalia at Miss Universe so Canada's representative, Ashley Callingbull and Khadija will be competing with each other once again on the Miss Universe stage. Will the results be similar or completely different? The birthplace of supermodel Iman sends us their very first delegate this year so it will be interesting to see how Khadija fares.


South Africa-Mia Le Roux

Mia makes history as the first hearing-impaired Miss South Africa. The 28-year-old from Western Cape has a cochlear implant. South Africa has enjoyed much success in recent years and they have won the Miss Universe crown three times thanks to Zozibini Tunzi in 2019, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017 and Margaret Gardiner in 1978 who was in attendance when Mia won the rainbow nation's crown. Will Mia make even more history and be the first hearing-impaired Miss Universe?


Spain-Michelle Jiménez

The land of flamenco sends us tattooed Michelle who is a model from Barcelona and this is the first set of black-to-black representatives of Spain in history as Michelle who is of Ecuadorian and Dominican descent succeeds last year's first black Spanish representative, Athenea Perez. Spain has captured the crown once in 1974 thanks to the late Amparo Munoz who didn't complete her reign but Spain has had sporadic successes over the years even finishing among the top 10 last year so will Michelle claim the crown for the land of the sun, rich in culture and beauty?


Sri Lanka-Melloney Dassanayake

The multilingual and multireligious country of Sri Lanka sends us 25-year-old Melloney this year. Sri Lanka has only placed twice (1955 back when they were called Ceylon when Maureen Hingert finished as 2nd runner up and among the top 16 (62 years later) for 2017 thanks to Christina Peiris.) How will Melloney do?


Suriname-Pooja Chotkan

Suriname hasn't competed in Miss Universe since 1999 and they did place once way back in 1958 when Gertrud Gummels made the top 15. Will Pooja make a name for Suriname??


Switzerland-Laura Bircher

The land of the Alps and great chocolates sends us 23-year-old artist Laura. Interestingly enough, there was an appearance during the Swiss pageant by Nepal's Jane Dipika Garrett who was a judge and you will remember Jane as the notable plus-sized semifinalist at Miss Universe 2023. Switzerland last placed in 2013 and they have never won the crown but got as high as 2nd runner up in 2006 thanks to Lauriane Gillieron. Will Laura use her aura and be sublime for the land of time??

Thailand-Opal Suchata Chuangsri

The golden kingdom sends us the big favorite from Bangkok. Opal is 20 years old and previously placed as 2nd runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2022. She is a student in the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University majoring in International Relations. Thailand has been making waves in the pageant recently and last year placed as 1st runner-up with Anntonia Porsild and they have claimed two Miss Universe crowns thanks to Apasra Hongsakula in 1965 and Porntip Nakhirunkanok in 1988. Is Opal the jewel that will get Thailand's third Miss Universe crown??


Trinidad & Tobago-Jenelle Thongs

Jenelle previously competed at the 2021 Miss Supranational pageant placing among the top 24 and she works as a dental practice manager at age 32. Trinidad & Tobago has captured the Miss Universe twice thanks to Janelle Commissiong in 1977 and Wendy Fitzwilliam in 1998 and the last placed in 2022 so will Jenelle bring more glory to the island that created Carnival and gave it to the world??


Turks & Caicos-Raynae Myers

The peaceful pearl of the Caribbean sends us Raynae this year who is a 23-year old youth advocate and mentor. The Turks & Caicos islands have never won the crown and they have only placed once when Carmelita Ariza made the top 10 in 1987. How will Raynae do?


Ukraine-Alina Ponomarenko

Alina hails from the city of Odesa and due to the ongoing invasion, the selection of Ukraine's representative to Miss Universe has moved to an online format without the traditional festive award ceremony as they do not consider it appropriate to do entertainment events in these dark times. Alina is 20 years old and graduated from the National University Odesa Law Academy majoring in International Justice and Law and has extensive experience working as a model. Last year, she won the Miss Odesa 2023 competition and entered the TOP 10 of the Miss Supertalent 2023 international competition held in South Korea. Alina created the social initiative "Tree of Love", which is aimed at supporting grandparents in the city of Odessa who need help. Ukraine has never won the Miss Universe crown but they did place as 1st runner up in 2011 thanks to Olesya Stefanko so is it time for breadbasket of Europe?


Uruguay-Ana Yanina Lucas Rodríguez

28-year-old Yanina represents the land of the Gauchos who is a professional model and has studied Computer Engineering at her country's Universidad de la República. She also previously competed at the 2022 Miss United Continents pageant going unplaced. Uruguay has never won the crown and they haven't placed since 1985 with their only top 5 finalist, Andrea López. How will Yanina do?


USA-Alma Cooper

Alma is Afro-Latina but will she be warmly received by the Mexican audience? Alma serves as a 2nd lieutenant and Military Intelligence Officer in the United States Army. She graduated in the top 5% of her class from Westpoint. The USA has captured the Miss Universe crown nine times which is easily more than any other country with Venezuela next in line with 7 wins. USA's most recent win was just two years ago in 2022 and they hold the longest current streak in the semifinals placing every year since 2011. Is this the year the streak breaks? Coincidentally, the last Miss USA to not place at Miss Universe in 2010, Rima Fakih also represented Michigan like Alma Cooper.


US Virgin Islands-Stephany Andujar

The land of beauty and culture sends us 21-year-old Stephany from St. Joseph & Rosendahl in St. Thomas this year. The U.S. Virgin Islands only placed once which was back in 1971 thanks to Sherri Creque. How will Stephany do?


Uzbekistan-Nigina Fakhriddinova

This landlocked country in Central Asia is making its debut at Miss Universe this year. Will Nigina be able to do what Armi did in 1952, Luz Marina did in 1958 and Mpule did in 1999 and win the Miss Universe crown with their very first delegate?? 25-year-old Nigina is very creative and artistic and previously competed in Miss Intercontinental 2019 winning the Photogenic award there and Miss International 2022 winning the National Costume award but going unplaced at both pageants.


Venezuela-Ileana Marquez Pedroza

Ileana is the first mother chosen to compete for 2024. She gave birth to one daughter, Guadalupe Antonella when Ileana was 16 and raises her as a single mother but Ileana is now 27 years of age and with the new rules instated in 2023, mothers can now compete for Miss Universe and Colombia's 2023 representative placed in the top 5 of Miss Universe 2023 (Another mother that placed in the top 5 was Wales' Helen Morgan who was 1st runner up at Miss Universe 1974 and later the dethroned Miss World 1974). Ileana studied to educate elementary students but she is currently a television host and model. Of course, Venezuela has done extremely well in international pageantry claiming 7 Miss Universe crowns. Venezuela has placed in 14 of the last 17 Miss Universe pageants missing the semifinals only in 2010, 2016 and 2020 and last winning the crown in 2013. Ileana apparently has tattoos but she does seem to have a compelling story but then there's that whole story about Venezuela bailing on hosting 2024 resulting in Mexico being the 2024 host but could they host in the future? Will any of this affect Ileana? We shall see!


Vietnam-Ky Duyên Cao Nguyen

The host country of the 2008 Miss Universe pageant is thirsty for that Miss Universe crown staging a very grand show with great contestants. Vietnam has been competing quite strongly in the international pageant arena claiming crowns in other systems but their best placement at Miss Universe was in 2018 thanks to H'Hen Nie being our henny! Ky Duyên hails from Nam Ðinh and is 28 years old. Will she be able to claim her nation's first Miss Universe crown?


Zambia-Brandina Lubuli

The land of the smoke and thunder of Victoria Falls sends us 28-year-old Brandina this year. Zambia's participation has been quite sporadic throughout the years as this is the first year in which they are participating since 2018 and they have never placed so will stunning Brandina make a name for her country this year??


Zimbabwe-Sakhile Dube

The big favorite, Sakhile won the crown to represent the land of Victoria Falls and she is very familiar to the pageant scene as she previously represented Zimbabwe at Miss Earth 2022 placing among the top 8 there and also competing at Miss Supranational 2023 placing among the top 24 earning the highest African placement at that pageant and winning the African division of the Supra model of the year award. Zimbabwe has only placed once when the outstanding Corrinne Crewe finished 8th at Miss Universe 2000. Will Sakhile's experience cause her to triumph and win Zimbabwe's first Miss Universe crown??





Keep checking back regularly and pick your favorites for the 2024 Miss Universe title otherwise known as...
MMXXIVSS UNIVERSE!



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