PAGEANT Circle

Ina Dajci was crowned Miss Universe Albania 2021 in a national competition held last Friday, July 9 at Adorions Palace in Tirana. The 27-year-old architect and model from Tirana bested over 20 other contestants to win her national title. Ina succeeds last year's winner Paula Mehmetukaj and will now prepare to represent Albania at the 70th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2021) pageant. Photos: Miss Universe Albania & Kosova Instagram

Andrea Meza has finally returned to Mexico for the first time after being crowned the 69th Miss Universe in Florida last May. Wearing a black ensemble, the beauty queen arrived in her home country after over four hours flight from JFK in New York to Mexico City on Monday, July 5. Former Miss Universe Lupita Jones graciously welcomed her at the airport along with a large group of journalists and eager fans. "I come with a pretty busy tour. I am happy to return to Mexico, I come with all the interest to generate conversation, to speak with various organizations about gender violence, violence against women. It is vital to talk about it," she said. Photos: Mexicana Universal Organización / Facebook

Miranda representative and Miss Venezuela 2020 Top 5 finalist, Luiseth Materán, has been officially announced as Miss Universo Venezuela 2021 on Friday, July 2 in Caracas. The 24-year-old social communication graduate is a model and actress. She is currently filming "Intriga tras cámara" television series that will premiere on Televen, in which she will play the leading character. Luiseth will represent Venezuela at the 70th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2021) pageant, whose date and venue are yet to be announced. "Today more than ever I assume with honor the commitment to call myself Venezuela before the universe and I promise to work tirelessly to represent my country as it deserves. I love you and thank you so much affection and support," she said. Photos: Miguelángel Miquelena / Makeup & Styling: Erick Gabriel Díaz / Accessories: Yoel Accesorio / Wardrobe: ZAR DESIGN

Miss Silver State, Kataluna Enriquez, edged out over 20 other contestants to be crowned Miss Nevada USA 2021 in a state competition held on Sunday, June 27 in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old Filipino-American beauty succeeds last year's winner Victoria Olona of Paradise. She will represent the state of Nevada at the Miss USA 2021 pageant in Tulsa, Oklahoma this November. Kataluna has made history by becoming the first ever transgender woman to compete at Miss USA. Photos: Kataluna Enriquez / Instagram

Andrea Meza has attended the special screening of the 2021 American action comedy film "The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard" at Crosby Street Hotel in New York on Monday, June 14. Directed by Patrick Hughes, the film is a sequel to "The Hitman's Bodyguard" (2017) and features Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Richard E. Grant reprising their roles, with Frank Grillo, Tom Hopper, Antonio Banderas, and Morgan Freeman joining the cast. Styled by fashion stylist Emma Pritchard, the reigning Miss Universe from Mexico wore a Mac Duggal dress with shoes and bag by Giuseppe Zanotti and Piper & Skye, respectively. Andrea was also joined by Miss USA 2020 Asya Danielle Branch at the premiere night event. Photo: Andrea Meza / Instagram

Miss Universe Philippines organization has finally got rid of its minimum height requirements for this year's competition. Maria Thattil, Miss Universe Australia 2020 and 69th Miss Universe Top 10 placer, has lauded the national organization for changing its rules. The age requirement was also adjusted. Although the minimum age is still 18 years old but entrants should be under 28 years old at the time of the national pageant. Other requirements stayed the same. Entrants must be Filipino citizens and Philippine passport holders, at least a high school graduate and female, who has never been married nor has borne children. National director Shamcey Supsup-Lee's statement in an interview regarding transgender women became controversial. She said that they will accept transgender applicants as long as they can provide legal proof of being female and have already gone through reassignment surgery. The organization has yet to announce the final date and venue for Miss Universe Phili

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