PAGEANT Circle

Chelsi Shikongo edged out 14 other finalists to be crowned Miss Namibia 2021 on Saturday, June 5 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino. The 23-year-old beauty from Walvis Bay is an international model, full-time creator, and activist who founded I Can Say No, an empowerment campaign that promotes inclusive education. "I'm overwhelmed, I did not expect this, honestly, and I'm just excited to be representing Namibia as a goodwill ambassador," she said in an interview shortly after winning her title. Annerrie Mare and Michelle Mukuve were the first and second princesses, respectively, while Aurelia Samuyenga and Chane Ann Marshall finished in the Top 5. Miss Namibia organizers have yet to announce if Chelsi will be representing Nambia at Miss Universe or Miss World. Her predecessor, Nadja Breytenbach, was sent to the Miss Universe 2019 pageant. Photos: Miss Namibia

Former Miss World Greece Rafaela Plastira has been named Miss Universe Greece 2021. She succeeds Miss Universe Greece 2018, Ioanna Bella. The 21-year-old model was crowned Star Hellas 2019 and went to compete in the 69th Miss World pageant in London. She holds a degree in the management of social services and aspires to pursue postgraduate study in journalism. "My dream since a young girl has come true. I can't wait to represent my country again," she shared online. "This time it's gonna be very different for me. It will be my last pageant so I will give my all into it," she added. Rafaela is expected to represent Greece at the 70th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2021) pageant whose date and venue have yet to be announced. Photos: Rafaela Plastira / Instagram

Mexicana Universal Organización has been officially named Debora Hallal as Miss Universe Mexico 2021 on Monday, May 31. The 24-year-old beauty who hails from Los Mochis holds a degree in business administration. She represented Sinaloa in Mexicana Universal 2020 competition where she placed first runner-up. Debora succeeded Andrea Meza, who was crowned Miss Universe 2020 last month in Florida, USA. The newly appointed Miss Universe Mexico will try to pull off a back-to-back win for her country in the 70th Miss Universe pageant (Miss Universe 2021) on a date and venue yet to be announced. Photos: Mexicana Universal Organización

The finalists of Miss Nederland 2021 (Miss Netherlands 2021) pageant have been revealed over the weekend at Studio 21 in Hilversum. During the casting day, around 50 beauties presented themselves in front of the distinguished panel of judges including former titleholders. The 10 selected finalists are Marlies Smedinga, Esmee Cornet, Benthe van der Kleij, Eleanor Dingemans, Julia Sinning, Myrthe van der Vlies, Shizen Wong, Kim van der Vlies, Maud van Oossanen and Isa de Bruin. They will be featured in a TV program and follow various training courses and workshops leading up to the final on a date yet to be announced. The winner will succeed Denise Speelman and expected to represent the Netherlands at the next Miss Universe competition. Visit Miss Nederland official website and social media pages to learn more about the finalists and this year's competition. Marlies Smedinga, Esmee Cornet, Benthe van der Kleij, Eleanor Dingemans, Julia Sinning, Myrthe van der Vlies, Shizen Wong, Kim

For the first time in history, the Miss South Africa pageant is now open for transgender women to participate. According to the Miss South Africa organization, interested applicants need to have a valid South African ID document that shows "female" as their amended sex in order to be eligible to compete. South Africa has been blazing a trail in a continent where many countries still consider homosexuality taboo. The rainbow nation was the fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Out of the 54 states recognized by the United Nations or African Union or both, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association stated in 2015 that homosexuality is outlawed in 34 African countries. Spain's Angela Ponce became the first-ever transgender woman to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. Since then, several other national pageants that traditionally only accept naturally born female changed their rules. Photo: Miss South Africa / Facebook

Miss South Africa organizers have announced that applications are now officially open for Miss South Africa 2021 competition. For interested applicants, you may submit your entries until midnight of June 24 and here are the easy steps to follow on how to apply: 1. Complete a few questions via online entry form. 2. Submit 2 photographs in colour (1x head & shoulders & 1 x full body). 3. Post your introduction video on social media to complete your entry. Tell who you are and why you should be #MissSA2021? 4. After you posted your 45 seconds video on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter, copy and paste your video post link in your online entry form. 5. Ensure to use #MissSA2021 in your video post and tag @official_misssa. The winners of Miss South Africa 2021 will have the opportunity to represent the rainbow nation at Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Supranational pageants. You can follow Miss South Africa on its official social media pages or visit its  official website for mo

Following Michael Cinco's "ungrateful rant" towards the Miss Universe Canada (MUC) organization, another Filipino designer shared his "awful experience" with the Canadian team during Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand. The feud between parties involved became a hot topic among news outlets especially in the Philippines and the netizens came swarming into social media pages in support of the Filipino designers. In a lengthy post on its official social media page on Monday, MUC has finally broken its silence over the controversy that recently rocked the beauty pageant community. Below is the full statement from the organization: We at the Miss Universe Canada organization are deeply saddened to read the recent negative online comments directed at us, the current Miss Universe Canada titleholder, some of our designer supporters and third-party organizations. The Miss Universe Canada (MUC) organization appreciates the relationships we have worked hard to build

Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco lashed out at the team behind Miss Universe Canada Nova Stevens for allegedly spreading rumors about him trying to sabotage her chances at the Miss Universe pageant with late arrivals of ill-fitted gowns. Miss Universe Canada's MGmode Communications said, "The truth needs to be told! The gown was sent late by Michael’s team, and when it arrived none of them fitted! We were able to fix one for the finals but the one for prelims, we didn’t have time." In a lengthy social media post on Saturday, May 22, Michael cried foul and responded, "You have been spreading fake news about me and my team being unprofessional days before the pageant but I chose to be quiet and calm. But this time, I need to stand up for me and my team, as it is just so unfair." The designer to Hollywood celebrities, royalties, and wealthy clients, who hails from Catbalogan, Samar (Philippines) said he has been dressing up Canada's representatives a

After three successful years, former Miss Universe Denise Quiñones has resigned as national director of the Miss Universe Puerto Rico organization. Under her directorship, Puerto Rico managed to achieve high placements at Miss Universe with Kiara Ortega (Top 5), Madison Anderson (first runner-up), and Estefanía Soto (Top 10). Wapa Televisión, franchise holder of Miss Universe made the announcement on Saturday, May 21. The network will continue to work with the reigning queen and prepare for the staging of the national competition's next edition that will kick off casting early next month. Prior to becoming an actress, Denise was crowned Miss Universe 2001  at Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez in Bayamón. She was the fourth representative from Puerto Rico to win the pageant. Photo: Denise Quiñones / Instagram

For the former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, hosting the 69th Miss Universe pageant last Sunday, May 14 in Hollywood, Florida was "nostalgia overload." "So crazy how life comes full circle like this. I feel very very lucky," she shared online along with photos taken from the prestigious event. "I will always have the deepest gratitude for what my experience as Miss Universe taught me and it's an honor to be back as a host this year," she said. The 29-year-old beauty stole the show with stunning looks in exquisite gowns by Zuhair Murad, NERVI, and Valentino. Olivia was crowned Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada prior to becoming a fashion influencer and social media personality. She has also appeared in several films and television shows. Photos: Olivia Culpo / Instagram

Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa took her final walk as the longest-reigning Miss Universe at the culmination of the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida last Sunday, May 16. "My Miss Universe win is my ancestors' wildest dream. We are now in a world where a Black African girl from a country that is only 27 years into democracy can represent them on the global stage," she said in her emotional speech. "I want to honor them for fighting for my freedoms so I could be where I am today. I'm proud to know I did my best to make a difference, cementing a footprint for others to follow in the future," she added. Wearing an exquisite Xhosa ensemble perfectly made for the special event by Biji - La Maison de Couture, Zozibini passed on her reign to the new Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico. Photos: Benjamin Askinas / Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James has cried out "stop cyberbullying" after she was incorrectly tagged as "nude model" on the Google knowledge panel. Knowledge panels are information boxes that appear on Google when you search for people, places, organizations, or things and are meant to provide a quick snapshot of information on a topic. The 25-year-old beauty from Kuching, Sarawak, took to social media to air her sentiments against whoever initiated this unacceptable bullying online. In an Instagram story, she said: "You guys really have nothing to do. What is this? Why do you have to do this and lock this information? Any benefits you get from doing this? Have I done anything wrong to you or your family? I think I've been through this enough." Francisca has represented Malaysia at the recently concluded 69th Miss Universe pageant won by  Mexico's Andrea Meza in Hollywood, Florida. Feedback has already been sent to correct the wro

The Miss Universe Philippines organization has already opened applications for its second edition to look for another phenomenal Filipina woman to represent the Philippines at the next Miss Universe. Don’t miss the chance to represent your city or province and advocate for the causes close to your heart at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant. If you are at least 18 to 27 years old, a Filipino citizen, and at least a high school graduate, you may now submit your application for a chance of becoming the next Miss Universe. No height requirement. Visit the official social media pages of the pageant and the website missuniverseph.com for additional details on how you can be part of the prestigious national event. The Philippines currently holds an 11 consecutive year of placement streak at Miss Universe since 2010 with four runners-up (Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon, and Ariella Arida) and two winners (Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray). Photo: Miss Universe Philippines /

Nguyen Huynh Kim Duyen has been officially announced by her national pageant organization on Tuesday, May 18 as the newly appointed Miss Universe Vietnam 2021. The 25-year-old business administration graduate from Can Tho was first runner-up to Nguyen Tran Khanh Van during Miss Universe Vietnam 2019 competition. Kim Duyen is expected to represent her country at the 70th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2021) pageant to be held possibly later this year. The exact date and host country for the international competition are yet to be announced. Vietnam has yet to win the Miss Universe pageant but managed to successfully place in the final of the last three editions. Its highest achievement was in 2018 when H’Hen Nie entered the Top 5. Photo: Hoang Phuc / Makeup: Hang Thanh Thien / Hair: Bi Ha / Stylist: Kiet Cao / Trang phuc: Lafunsy

Mexico's Andrea Meza has officially kicked off her media week as the new Miss Universe after winning the prestigious international competition in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday, May 16. The 26-year-old has already left the sunshine state for New York where she will be based for the duration of her reign. She has now embarked on her new journey representing the Miss Universe brand and the social causes supported by the organization. “I am so honored to have been selected among the 73 other amazing women I stood with tonight,” Andrea said shortly after winning her title. “It is a dream come true to wear the Miss Universe crown, and I hope to serve the world through my advocacy for equality in the year to come and beyond,” she added. Photos: hoy Día, Andrea Meza / Instagram

Julia Morley's Miss World Organization took to social media on Monday, May 17 to congratulate the newly crowned Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico. The 26-year-old software engineer and women's rights activist from Chihuahua has placed first runner-up at Miss World 2017 pageant won by India's Manushi Chhillar in Sanya, China, and was named Miss World Americas 2017. "As part of her duties as Miss World Americas 2017, Andrea joined Miss World 2017, Manushi Chhillar and her fellow continental winners on a Global Humanitarian Tour visiting India, China, Indonesia, British Virgin Islands, and the USA. This was documented in the series Miss World – The Story Never Told," MWO said. Andrea replied in a comment: "Thank you so much. My experience at Miss World was life-changing, will always have you all in my heart." Miss Universe and Miss World are considered two of the world's most important beauty pageants for women. Based in the United Kingdom, Miss World

Prior to their final statement, the Top 5 delegates of the 69th Miss Universe competition went through a question and answer portion. They randomly picked a number that corresponds to the name of the member of the selection committee who then asked them a question and they had to respond within 30 seconds. Here are their answers to the questions: If you were the leader of your country. How would you have handled COVID-19 pandemic? Mexico, Andrea Meza: "I believe there's not a perfect way to handle this hard situation such as COVID-19. However, I believe that what I would have done was create the lockdown even before everything was that big because we lost so many lives and we cannot afford that. We have to take care of our people that's why I would have taken care of them since the beginning." Should countries lockdown due to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies or should they open their borders and risk a potential increase in infection rates? India, Adline

The 69th Miss Universe Top 5 delegates were asked to pick a topic during the final statement round of the competition held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday, May 16. They were each given 30 seconds to speak out on social issues such as mental health, global poverty, and climate change. Here are the final statements of the finalists: Mexico, Andrea Meza Changing beauty standards "We live in a society that more and more is more than advanced and as we advance as a society, we've also advanced with stereotypes. Nowadays, beauty isn't only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirit but in our hearts and the way that we conduct ourselves. Never permit someone to tell you that you're not valuable." India, Adline Castelino Free speech and the right to protest "The right to protest, we've seen many protests in the recent days. Especially I want to point out the protests that women have made throughou

Chihuahua native Andrea Meza became the third Mexican woman to win the Miss Universe crown on Sunday, May 16 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Here are 10 facts about the new Miss Universe: 1. She has a degree in software engineering and is proud to be a woman who graduated in a male-dominated field of study. 2. She is an activist, focused on women's rights and inclusion and currently works closely with the Municipal Institute for Women, which aims to end gender violence. 3. She has been part of a global charity association raising funds in India, Indonesia, and China for the downtrodden. 4. She is a certified make-up artist and model, who is also passionate about being active. 5. She practices CrossFit and extreme sports, such as rappel and sandboarding. 6. Her concern for the wellbeing of the world and animals led her to become a vegan. 7. She is the official Tourism Brand Ambassador for Chihuahua, promoting the best touristic attractions and ric

Andrea Meza of Mexico was crowned as the 69th Miss Universe in a glittering competition held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, USA on Sunday, May 16. She succeeds Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. The 26-year-old beauty who hails from Chihuahua bested 73 other delegates from around the world to win the third Miss Universe title for her country. She previously placed first runner-up at Miss World 2017 pageant. Julia Gama of Brazil was named first runner-up while Janick Maceta of Peru finished second runner-up. Adline Castelino of India and Kimberly Jiménez of the Dominican Republic were the third and fourth runners-up, respectively. Completing the Top 10 were the delegates from Australia, Maria Thattil, Costa Rica, Ivonne Cerdas, Jamaica, Miqueal-Symone Williams, Puerto Rico, Estefanía Soto, and Thailand, Amanda Obdam. The rest of the Top 21 were from Argentina, Alina Luz Akselrad, Colombia, Laura Olascuaga, Curacao, Chantal Wiertz, France, Amandine Petit