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Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil has left for the US to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. The 28-year-old Indian-Australian beauty posed with her national flag and luggage wearing Eliya the Label dress during her departure at Melbourne Airport. "I consider myself a storyteller. And today, I depart for the US where I plan on telling a story on a global stage. The story of people who are both like me and those who are not - but have once been told they are ‘less than.’ The story of the true Australian spirit and being open to all. The story of the world I believe we can have when we champion inclusivity. My story, our story - I’m ready for the global mic," she said in a post on her official social media page. "Powered by all of you, a vision bigger than I and gratitude - I’m ready to conquer the universe with my story of unity and love," she added. "I am going to Miss Universe not as one, and not even as Australia...

Miss Universe Albania 2020 Paula Mehmetukaj will be wearing the "Queen of Earth and Skies" national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. The beautiful costume designed by Enada At 'Nikolla was inspired by the Albanian flag. It will be showcased at the prestigious international competition this May. "Humbled and privileged to be able to show the true colors of our country, the pride, and soul of our people," Paula said in a post on her official social media page. "Red like blood that runs through the veins, embroidered with red crystal stones from our underground treasures, this dress is the flag and I am the eagle that spreads her wings and flies as high as possible with all the Albanian pride to represent her country and show the world that just like eagles, we soar high and break all the barriers and limits." Photos: Endrit Mërtiri

Rabiya Mateo paid homage to former beauty queen and Indian actress Priyanka Chopra in her latest Instagram post as she celebrated over 800,000 followers on the social media platform. The 24-year-old beauty of mixed Filipino and Indian descent shared her "favorite layout shoot" wearing an ensemble inspired by Priyanka's red carpet look at the 2018 Met Gala. "Thank you for the love! I can't believe I already reached 800k followers here on IG. From the bottom of my heart, 'Palangga ko guid kamo tanan' (I really love you all)," Rabiya said in her caption. "Your power comes with acknowledgment," she wrote in another post that also gained over 100,000 likes. Rabiya is currently the most followed delegate in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant. She will compete with over 70 other beauties to win her country's fifth Miss Universe crown in Hollywood, Florida on May 16. Photo & Creative Direction: Seven Barretto / Photography Team: Claude...

Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam sparked a controversy for her answer in a viral video from her question and answer training for Miss Universe. The question was "If you have to choose a leader, between a smart person with a bit of corruption or somebody who is quite incapable but then he is very clean, which kind of leader would you choose?" Amanda replied: "Corruption is never right and should not be in any country. However, I would have to choose a leader who is capable of leading the country even though that would cause corruption. Because I firmly believe that a country can flourish in a forward direction if there is a leader who is there to back the economy, to make the country a better place for everyone and so that the citizens can have all their trust in him." The original video has immediately been taken down but unfortunately copies of it still resurfaced. It has ignited an online outrage from some disappointed Thai fans who do not support her answ...

Monika Grigoryan has departed for the USA on Thursday, April 29 to represent Armenia in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant. "And finally off we go. I would like to express my gratitude to you for being always with me. It is a real privilege, that gives me the confidence to attain goals," she said in a post on her official social media page along with the photos of herself during her departure at the Zvartnots International Airport. The 21-year-old social science student from Yerevan was officially named Miss Universe Armenia 2020 last March. She is no stranger to pageantry as she finished first runner-up at Miss World Armenia 2019 competition. "It's never too much to dream and it's never too late. Life is wonderful. Dream until they become reality. Dream while you live," she shared to her online followers shortly after she was named the new titleholder. Monika will be the third Armenian representative at Miss Universe since her country's debut at th...

Denise Speelman, 24, of the Netherlands will be wearing a symbolic orange national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida, USA. Created by Miss Pearl Couture, the beautiful costume represents the "colorful open-minded country where the foundation is freedom." It features a spring-inspired floral crown, a dramatic three-color flowy veil that represents the Dutch flag, and acrylic handpainted symbols that the Netherlands is known for such as the windmill and tulip flowers. Denise is also proud to present her roots as she brings her family business and Dutch heritage together with symbols of the funfair and cotton candy. Photos: Selina De Maeyer / Designer: Miss Pearl Couture / Silk painting: Rattiya Mahawan / Makeup:  Dainora Dulcyte / Drone pilot: David Van de Ville / Location: Michel Passion for Tulips

Argentina's Alina Luz Akselrad has departed for the USA after completing her self-quarantine and finally tested negative for COVID-19. The 23-year-old writer and volunteer will compete with over 70 other beauties vying for the 69th Miss Universe title at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16. During her departure, Alina took to social media to share a personal message for her country. She wrote: "I am just a passenger destined to be happy. My beloved Argentina, the universe is waiting for us. These suitcases are full of dreams, illusions, and a lot of love for our country." "This title that I have the honor to hold represents the 45 million of us, I am not alone, we are a great team. I invite you to dream together," she said in another post. It has been 59 years since Argentina captured its first Miss Universe title. Since Norma Beatriz Nolan was crowned Miss Universe 1962 in Miami Beach, Florida, no other Argentinian represen...