PAGEANT Circle

Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020 Estefanía Soto Torres will be wearing a stunning Walter Mercado-inspired national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant. In honor of the Puerto Rican astrologer's life trajectory and unifying message of love and acceptance, Joshuan Aponte created the costume with 86,400 pieces of Austrian crystals. The beautiful headpiece is made of gold jewelry and precious stones that denote the 12 zodiacal signs and the stars in the sky. It is designed and composed of 78 separate pieces, one for each town of Puerto Rico, and includes six last quarter moons that embody the search for the country's 6th Miss Universe crown. "Walter Mercado inspired us to live embracing our identity and valuing our differences. The unifying force behind his message of universal positivism gives us the extraordinary power of progress in the face of the challenges we face as humanity," Estefanía shared on social media. "With this national costume, we celebrate Wa

Russia's representative to the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant, Alina Sanko, has recently been the subject of a controversial video that went viral. In the video, the 22-year-old was heard laughing while another person was leaving harsh comments to her fellow contestants. Fans were appalled for such unacceptable behavior considering the Miss Universe pageant is about women supporting and uplifting other women. Alina has posted a public apology on her official social media page. She explained: "I am endlessly sorry that I couldn’t stop the man from saying rude words about the contestants. It is painful. Now I’m apologizing to everyone affected. I am sorry that I didn’t say anything to protect the girls on time." The Russian beauty also considered the current situation as a harsh lesson. "I’ve learned one significant thing, now I’m sure being able to use your voice is necessary for every woman," she said. "I hope my example can prevent every woman from ma

Vanessa Velasquez of El Salvador, Rabiya Mateo of the Philippines, and Laura Olascuaga of Colombia were in Los Angeles, California for a promotional event ahead of the 69th Miss Universe pageant next month in Florida. They were invited to do a special shoot for O Skincare & Luxury Spa, one of the official sponsors of the competition, owned by Filipino skincare guru Olivia Quido. The three beauties will join over 70 other contestants at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida to compete for the coveted Miss Universe title on May 16. Photo: Olivia Quido-Co / Instagram

Miss Universe Ecuador 2020 Leyla Espinoza will wear the "SUMAQ" national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant this May in Florida, USA. The 24-year-old international business student who hails from Quevedo, Los Rios, will compete with over 70 other contestants from around the world in the upcoming competition. Created by Cuenca designer Andrea Segarra from the University of Azuay, the costume is inspired by "the importance of the popular festival" of the Inti Raymi or the Andean people's Fiesta del Sol (Festival of the Sun). Ecuador has yet to win Miss Universe since its debut in 1955. The country's highest placement was second runner-up in 2013 courtesy of Constanza Báez. Photo: Bernardo Arteaga / BAPH

For the first time in over 20 years, Nigeria will not be represented at the Miss Universe pageant due to "the situation arises from last year’s unfortunate suspension of what would have been the 33rd edition of MBGN in 2020." The Silverbird Group, organizers of the annual Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), and national franchise holder for Miss World and Miss Universe, broke the news on its official social media page. Prior to the announcement, the organizers officially opened registration for the MBGN 2021 competition, whose grand final is scheduled for September. Nigeria has yet to win the Miss Universe pageant. Its highest placement was Top 10 in 2001 courtesy of Agbani Darego, who was crowned Miss World that same year. Photo: Miss Universe Organization

India's representative in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant this May, Adline Castelino, has been tested positive for COVID-19. In a post on social media, she revealed having recently developed mild symptoms and her test results came back positive for the infection. "I have quarantined myself and am taking the necessary precautions to get better. If you have come in contact with me in the past week, I urge you all to please get yourself tested," she said. The 22-year-old is determined to fight through this and asked everyone to wear masks and follow government protocols. "We need to be a symbol of strength in challenging times." Photo: Shreyans Dungarwal

Italy's Viviana Vizzini is considered one of the early front-runners in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant this May in Florida, USA. The 27-year-old communications sciences and marketing student who hails from Sicily was crowned Miss Universe Italy 2020 last December and earned her right to represent her country at Miss Universe. In her official bio at Miss Universe, Viviana is described as someone who uses her knowledge to leverage herself as Miss Universe Italy and is committed to seeking ways to improve the lives of women around the world. She works as an ambassador for the Italian Red Cross and provides support to Casa Penelope, a place of refuge for women who need safe housing. Viviana is proud of her Sicilian heritage and believes life is about the journey and that with each day, she can find something new to learn or appreciate about humanity. If she wins Miss Universe, she will be the first-ever Italian representative to take home the title. Italy has never won Miss Un