71st Miss Universe will be hosted in New Orleans on January 14

Miss Universe Organization has just announced on social media that the 71st Miss Universe pageant will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA on January 14, 2023.

The highly anticipated announcement read: "The moment you’ve been waiting for… The #71stMISSUNIVERSE Competition is heading to… NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA!"

This is the first time for Miss Universe to be hosted in Louisiana, a state in the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States. Further details on the upcoming competition were announced on the official Miss Universe mobile app.

Situated in the "Pelican State," the city of New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras.

The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street.

Around 70 "beautifully confident" women have already been selected to represent their respective countries in the world's most prestigious beauty competition. The event is expected to feature almost 90 contestants from around the globe.

Harnaaz Sandhu of India, the reigning Miss Universe, will crown her successor during the final show at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in Downtown New Orleans.

According to the MUO President Paula Shugart: "There is no place like New Orleans. This vibrant city has been at the top of our list to host for quite some time due to its rich cultural history, as well as its unique arts, entertainment, and culinary scene."

Photo: Benjamin Askinas / Miss Universe