PAGEANT Circle

Miss Suomi 2020 Viivi Altonen has revealed her northern lights-inspired national costume for the 69th Miss Universe pageant. The innovative costume designed by her stepfather used the LED lighting technology and its preparations took almost eight months for her team to complete. Viivi shared it represents "the phenomenal development that Finland has gone through within the last century. From a rural society to a global leader in many fields." The 24-year-old social science student will showcase the spectacular ensemble at the 69th Miss Universe competition this May in Florida, USA. Photo: Hans Lehtinen / HLPhotography

Miss Bolivia Universo 2020 Lenka Nemer has left for the US to take part in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. The 24-year-old activist for human rights is determined to win her country's first Miss Universe title. She proudly held her national flag at her departure for the prestigious international competition. In a post on her official social media page, Lenka shared a thank-you message to all her supporters. She said: "To all the beautiful people who follow me, who support me, and who dream with me, I want to thank you. None of this would be possible without you. We are going to the universal contest hand in hand with 11 million restless hearts for a better world." "We are going to the universal contest hand in hand with 11 million restless hearts for a better world. This reign is different, I know, but it is beautiful that it is like that, we learn together. Take hold universe that here comes [Miss Universe Bolivia] to revolutionize eve

Miss Universe Chile 2020 Daniela Nicolás has left for the US to take part in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe competition. The 28-year-old journalist and actress wore an outfit by Ángel Ovidio during her departure at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago. Daniela will compete with over 70 other beauties to win her country's second Miss Universe title at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Chile first won the Miss Universe pageant in 1987 with Cecilia Bolocco. Its last placement was in the Top 15 in 2004 courtesy of Gabriela Barros. Photos: Daniela Nicolás / Instagram

The highly anticipated 69th Miss Universe pageant is about to kick off as over 70 delegates will start arriving at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, the USA this week. There are so many deserving delegates and it's quite difficult to narrow down the choices until they have all arrived in the competition and then you can have a clearer view of who truly stands out. Here are the 10 delegates who scored the highest on our list of pre-arrival favorites to win the 69th Miss Universe competition (in random order): MEXICO - Andrea Meza ROMANIA - Bianca Tirsin PHILIPPINES - Rabiya Mateo PERU - Janick Maceta NEPAL - Anshika Sharma AUSTRALIA - Maria Thattil THAILAND - Amanda Obdam JAMAICA - Miqueal-Symone Williams PUERTO RICO - Estefanía Soto VIETNAM - Nguyen Tran Khanh Van Close shots: Brazil, Canada, India, France, Argentina Photos: Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe Nepal 2020 Anshika Sharma has left for the US on Monday night to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant. The 24-year-old business analyst took to social media to share her photos before departure wearing an outfit by luxury fashion brand Rumor Has It while holding her national flag. "I am overwhelmed with all the love and blessings I am being showered with. Just know that you all are within me and we together will make Nepal proud," she said. Anshika will compete with over 70 other beauties from around the world to win her country's first Miss Universe. She is currently considered one of the strongest delegates in the competition. Since its debut at Miss Universe in 2017, Nepal's highest achievement in the pageant was in 2018 when Manita Devkota placed in the Top 10. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Photos: Anshika Sharma / Instagram

Miss Universe South Africa 2020 Natasha Joubert has departed for the USA to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant. "South Africa I carry you with me. Thank you for your countless messages of support. I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart. I’m ready and so grateful to carry the name of my beloved country across my chest," she said in a post on her official social media page. The 23-year-old entrepreneur from Gauteng was the second runner-up at Miss South Africa 2020 in October last year. She was officially announced as Miss Universe South Africa in December. Natasha will try to succeed South Africa's reigning Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi. A back-to-back win only happened in Miss Universe 2009 when Stefanía Fernández succeeded her fellow Venezuelan Dayana Mendoza. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Photos: Miss South Africa

Miss Universe Russia 2020 Alina Sanko sported green hair before her departure for the 69th Miss Universe competition to be held in the USA. "How wonderful that a dream has an amazing property to come true. I am ready for an unforgettable and fabulous journey," she shared on her official social media page. The 22-year-old matched her look with a short green dress while posing with her luggage. She asked her almost 300,000 followers, "Friends, how do you like my image?" Alina will vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe with over 70 other beauties from around the world at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Photos: Alina Sanko / Instagram

Miss Universe Denmark 2020 Amanda Petri was surprised by her Miss Denmark sisters, national director, friends, and family before taking off at Copenhagen Airport to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in the US. The 23-year-old international business student who hails from Gentofte was officially announced as Miss Universe Denmark 2020 last March. She was crowned Miss Denmark 2017 and went on to compete in the Miss World 2017 pageant in China. "Wow, what a difficult journey it has been with preparations during complete lockdown," Miss Universe Denmark National Director Lisa Lents said on its official social media page. "Still we managed to create home studios with the best crew and do everything we could to prepare in the best possible way," she added. "This time we want to show, that we can do it. Little Denmark, little Europe can compete with the bigger countries with a sash factor. We don’t want Europe to be considered as the weakest link among all

Nguyen Tran Khanh Van has departed Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, May 2 to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe in the USA. The 25-year-old has been waiting for this moment since she was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam in December 2019. She has been training for over a year to win her country's first Miss Universe. Khanh Van is currently the ambassador of One Body Village - an organization that supports, rescues, and helps girls who are exploited, sexually abused, or in danger. She wants to use her voice to fight and protect children and women who are potential victims. Since its debut in 2004, Vietnam has placed three times at Miss Universe and its highest achievement was Top 5 in 2018 with H'Hen Niê. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m ET. Photos: Nguyen Tran Khanh Van / Facebook

Iceland will be represented by Elísabet Hulda Snorradóttir in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida, USA. The 22-year-old beauty is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chinese studies at the University of Iceland. Her fascination with travel and culture has led her to visit 20 countries and finance her own trips to Japan, South Korea, and China. She attended language school in Japan and speaks conversational Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), and Korean. Her community service involvement in Iceland revolves around the Icelandic Red Cross and “Tölum Saman,” a program that teaches immigrants the Icelandic language so they can successfully enter the job markets and educational systems. Elísabet also works with “Bumbuloni,” a charity that provides financial support to families with chronically ill children. Becoming an actress or journalist are Elísabet’s long-term goals because she’d be able to combine her passions for international travel and communication. She hopes t

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

Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam has departed for the USA aboard a Turkish Airlines flight on Tuesday, April 27 to compete at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The 27-year-old Thai-Canadian model looked absolutely stunning in a magenta outfit by Milin during her send-off at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. "Thankful for every single thing in my life right now. Thank you all of my team, without you I wouldn’t be here right now. Thank you to everyone who always supported me, I am forever grateful. I’m going to the Universe everyone!! What a dream come true," she posted on her official social media page. While it has been 33 years since Thailand last won the international pageant with Miss Universe 1988 Porntip Nakhirunkanok, the country has been consistently achieving placements since 2015. Thai fans are "hungry" for their third Miss Universe and they have high expectations that Amanda is more than ready to finally bring the co

A 25-year-old part-time model and former public relations and marketing executive, Francisca Luhong James, will represent Malaysia at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. The Kayan-Kenyah-Iban native from Kuching, Sarawak, is the first woman with full native heritage to win the Miss Universe Malaysia title. She holds a first-class honors degree in mass communications and majored in public relations. Beauty-and-brain Francisca used to be a track-and-field athlete who despite having asthma was awarded three medals and she would like to inspire more native women to pursue their dreams. Besides advocating for women's empowerment, she also started a foundation Beyond Aid to raise money for refugees and underprivileged children. In a recent interview with a Malaysian morning TV show, she was asked "Why should you be the next Miss Universe?" and she genuinely replied: "I should be the next Miss Universe because I am not just representing myself and

Puteri Indonesia 2020 (Miss Universe Indonesia) Ayu Maulida has left for the USA on Tuesday, April 27 to compete in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. Ayu was wearing a classy form-fitting short sleeve pencil dress by Victoria Beckham during her send-off at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The 23-year-old was supported by her national organization, pageant-lover fans, and especially her sister queens Puteri Indonesia Lingkungan 2020 (Miss International Indonesia) Ayu Saraswati and Puteri Indonesia Pariwisata 2020 (Miss Supranational Indonesia) Jihane Almira at the airport. Indonesian fans have high hopes that the statuesque Ayu will surpass her predecessor Frederika Alexis Cull's Top 10 finish at Miss Universe 2019, the highest placement that Indonesia has ever achieved in the competition. Photos: Puteri Indonesia