PAGEANT Circle

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo said "I live in a cruel industry" in the caption of the latest video she posted on her official social media page where she appears without makeup. The 24-year-old beauty shared how she is always being compared to different girls and people have always something to say like “you’re not beautiful enough, you’re so thin, I don’t like what you wear.” "But then life is never superficial. It’s not always what’s attractive to our eyes but it’s the love we choose to build, the connection we make to people, and how we want to celebrate ourselves," she said. "This is the real me. No makeup. No heavy hair extensions. Nothing fancy to wear. Just me," she added. "Even in my simplest form, I know in my heart I am nothing less than phenomenal." With the Filipinos being one the biggest pageant fans in the world, Rabiya carries the pressure to win her country's 5th Miss Universe title in the highly anticipated 69th

Miss Universe Brazil 2020 Julia Gama will wear the "Queen of Cotton" national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The costume created by fashion designer and stylist Michelly X features cotton and crystals on a transparent fabric. It highlights Brazil as one of the largest producers of cotton in the world. In the last years, the country has occupied the fifth position in the production of cotton. It’s not by chance that the product is called “the white gold.” "This year we have decided for a totally innovative typical costume in order to reverence the economic greatness of Brazil," Julia shared on social media. "The costume of my dreams was made by the incredible and amazing hands of [Michelly X]. Having a costume designed by her is like a dream coming true and she has embraced this dream with so much love and dedication," she added. Photos: João Vitor Cruz

Miss Universe El Salvador 2020 Vanessa Velásquez will be wearing a "Flor de Izote" national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The beautiful creation of Francisco Guerrero was inspired by El Salvador's national flower, a symbol of pride that showcases the identity and richness of the country’s people and its breathtaking landscapes. Flor de Izote’s versatility is reminiscent of Salvadorans' rooted inspiration, appreciation, and love for their emblem because of its ability to offset the planet’s carbon footprint. In addition, the flower has medicinal value and the stems are used to create beautiful textiles and nutritious dishes. It’s a reminder to our world and a call for action to protect the environment and to appreciate every blooming flower and plant on our planet. Photos: Estudio Guti

Miss Universe Indonesia 2020 Ayu Maulida has unveiled her national costume for the 69th Miss Universe pageant in a press conference held at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan on Thursday, April 22. Fashion designer Diana Putri of Diana Couture and accessories designer Yuling Hoo and Silvy Prajogo of Le Ciel Design have collaborated to create the costume inspired by the Komodo dragon. Reaching up to 10 feet in length and more than 300 pounds, Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth. Native to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years, the Komodo dragon is often referred to as “the last link to the prehistoric dinosaurs.” Consisting of over 5000 unique scales to create the most opulent yet realistic approach, the national costume features a komodo headpiece, a sequin 3D black and gold reversible base, and a 3D chest piece and dramatic tail. Beadwork was done by hand while all the metal plates to resemble the scales were hand-stitched. The most intricate process

Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil will showcase a black swan-inspired national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA. The costume weighs about 9 kilograms. It was constructed with a total of 105 feathers that were hand-cut from stiffened lightweight fabric and edge bound. Designer Nicola Yeung worked closely with engineer Stuart Bryce of Dugite Designs, who was the mechanical mastermind behind the kinetics. The upper feathers spin, run by a small motor attached to the back. The black swan is a native Australian bird, the emblem of West Australia, and a symbol of hope. Up until the 16th century, swans were widely believed to be invariably white, so much so that the phrase “black swan” was coined to describe an unpredictable event that is beyond what is normal for a situation. "Following its discovery, the black swan is a symbol of the unexpected and overcoming the impossible. It symbolizes the beauty and wonder in being open for change," M

Miss Universe Czech Republic 2020 Klara Vavruskova will be wearing a national costume inspired by the Czech folklore in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. Designed by Yvona Leitner, the modern costume features pleated sleeves that are typical to Czech national dress and a beautiful halo headpiece with handmade flowers created by Anna Skarda of Carbickova Crowns, whose clients include Khloé Kardashian and Beyoncé. The Modrotisk (blueprint), a Czech traditional folk fabric dyeing technology inscribed on the UNESCO representative list in 2018, was used for the costume at a workroom in Straznice, a small village with colorful history in Southern Moravia. Photos: Anna Koniaeva / Ceska Miss

After five editions, "Family Feud" host Steve Harvey will not be hosting the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida this May. The Miss Universe Organization announced on Tuesday, April 20 that "Access Hollywood" co-host Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo will host the upcoming competition. Steve left the comment "I’ll miss you guys — but I’ll see you for the 70th" to the announcement of MUO on its official social media page. Olivia, who turned actress and model after winning the pageant in 2012, also commented "so excited" about the good news. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on the FYI channel and numerous TV stations across the world. Roku will also stream the competition for free the next day. Photos: Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe Bangladesh 2020 Tangia Zaman Methila will no longer participate in the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA next month. Her profile has already been removed from the official Miss Universe website. The actress and model has been very controversial since winning her national pageant earlier this month. Her crowning was met with huge public backlash and disappointment. According to reports, Tangia filmed a man in a public men’s restroom without his consent. Although a public apology was already issued after admitting to the act, the viral video still resurfaced. Another issue was her age of 27 as many people have claimed that she lied about it to enter the competition. In 2019, she joined Miss Supranational at already 27. The age requirement for Miss Universe is 18 to 28 years old. Despite people crying out "a sexual harasser has been chosen to represent our country," the Miss Universe Bangladesh organization has decided to remain silent on the controversies

Canada's representative to the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida next month, Nova Stevens, has finally reunited with her family in Ethiopia after 21 years. The 25-year-old professional model and activist was sent to Canada at age 6 to have a better life while her family settled in Ethiopia after fleeing the civil war in South Sudan. "For a parent to send a child away on their own is one of the biggest sacrifices. My parents took a chance and sent me away to Canada for the opportunity to have a better life," Nova wrote on social media. "I am forever grateful to everyone that has been instrumental in making my dream come true. Ethiopian Airlines [Fly Ethiopian] thank you so much for bringing me back to my roots. God knows had it not been for your generous sponsorship, I wouldn’t have been able to see them this year." Nova has won the Miss Universe Canada 2020 title in October last year after joining the national pageant three times. She will be the first-ever

Miss Universe Brazil 2020 Julia Gama has today departed for Cancun to take the necessary quarantine before going to the USA for the 69th Miss Universe pageant. Since winning her national title last year, the 27-year-old actress and entrepreneur have her eyes set on winning her country's third Miss Universe crown. In a post on social media, Julia said: "I feel even closer to the final destination of this amazing journey. Being the Miss Universe while a pandemic is going on demands quite a great level of adaptation, patience, and sense of purpose." "So far, times have been challenging, beautiful, and unforgettable. What I have been through in a few months as Miss Brazil feels like years of experience. It’s been an honor to represent Brazil and the love for our nation, which have kept me, through the ups and downs, focused and dedicated," she added. "I travel today with a great sensation. A beautiful and positive feeling, being totally sure I am exactly where

Miss Universe Organization has announced Jojo Bragais as the official footwear sponsor of the 69th Miss Universe pageant. The Filipino entrepreneur has made shoes worn by many local and international beauty queens and celebrities including former Miss Universe Catriona Gray. In a post on social media, MUO said: "All of our delegates walk with purpose, strength, and in their own unique stride. Presenting the official footwear sponsor of the 69th MISS UNIVERSE competition Jojo Bragais, who empowers women to 'Walk. Win.'" According to ABS-CBN News, between 150 to 200 pairs of "Jehza" shoes were prepared for the contestants of the upcoming competition in Hollywood, Florida. "I am grateful for the Miss Universe organization for the trust they have given Bragais. They made my dream possible by becoming the first Pinoy footwear partner for the pageant," Jojo told the news outlet. Photo: Miss Universe / Facebook

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

Miss Universe South Africa, Natasha Joubert, has revealed the national costume she will wear at the 69th Miss Universe pageant this May in Florida, USA. The national costume created by Gert-Johan Coetzee features fabric wings that were printed with drawings made by young children from Diepsloot and Randburg. It tells the story of pre-school children’s very personal experiences of lockdown and how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted their young lives. “We wanted to create something special and proudly South African. We not only created a garment to show off our skills and for dramatic effect, but it also had to be something truly meaningful and represent a cause close to Natasha’s heart. That is why we decided to take sketches from local children, to portray how they currently see the state of the world in their own ‘words.’ We took their actual sketches, digitized them and printed them on white flowy fabric, and created an angelic silhouette for Natasha to symbolize overcoming hardship

Here is the reported schedule of events for the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant (subject to change): May 6 & 7  - Delegates Arrivals at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino May 7, 8 & 9  - Delegates Registration and Fittings, Photography with Fadil Berisha, Video Shoots with MUO Digital Production Crew, Telecast Film Crew shoots May 10, 11, & 12  - Choreography Rehearsals May 13  - Delegates Interviews/Judging, National Costume Show May 14  - Preliminary Competition May 15  - On-Camera Rehearsal May 16  - Dress Rehearsal, Live Telecast May 17  - Delegates Departure Photo: Miss Universe Organization