PAGEANT Circle

Miss South Africa 2021 final in Cape Town saw a reunion of old friends as Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza was reunited with Julia Morley CEO and Chairman of Miss World. Julia was clearly delighted to see Andrea again and said: “I'm so proud of you Andrea, you were a fantastic Miss World America and gave so much support to our Menstrual Hygiene Campaign in India and Africa and then the Beauty With a Purpose Global Humanitarian Tour. We knew you would be a great Miss Universe and you fully deserved to win the Miss Universe crown.” Andrea was a judge for Miss South Africa 2021 where Toni Ann Singh the reigning Miss World was invited as a special guest along with Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss. Toni-Ann has just arrived in Cape Town as part of a 4-day visit to support Beauty With A Purpose projects across South Africa. She will visit Robben Island tomorrow before flying to Johannesburg. On Monday Julia and Toni-Ann will visit Soweto to distribute food for 6000 families where the reignin

Lalela Mswane bested nine other finalists to be crowned Miss South Africa 2021 in a glittering competition held at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town on Saturday, October 16. The 24-year-old model and dancer from KwaZulu-Natal holds a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Pretoria. She succeeds last year's winner, Shudufhadzo Musida. Zimi Mabunzi and Moratwe Masima were named runners-up while Bianca Bezuidenhout and Jeanni Mulder completed the Top 5. The prestigious national pageant was attended by reigning Miss Universe Andrea Meza, Miss World Toni-Ann Singh and Miss Supranational Chanique Rabe. Former queens Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, Zozibini Tunzi and Rolene Strauss also graced the event. Miss South Africa 2021 winner and runners-up are expected to represent the rainbow nation at the next Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Supranational competitions. Photos: Miss South Africa

Naa Morkor Commodore has been officially crowned Miss Universe Ghana 2021 in a special ceremony held on October 13, Wednesday at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. The 26-year-old model and gifted dancer from Prampram in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana succeeded Chelsea Tayui and will now prepare to represent her country at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel in December. "Yesterday marked the beginning of a new journey for another daughter of our motherland. Finally, the crown has been passed on to another young Ghanaian woman. She will be the new leader to all she serves and a role model to many young girls across the length and breadth of this nation. She will be carrying the mantle of our beloved nation," Miss Universe Ghana organizers shared on social media. The newly appointed Miss Universe Ghana is no stranger to pageantry as she placed second runner-up while competing at Miss Intercontinental 2016 and also clinched the runner-up placement during the Miss U

Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzback looked stunning in an off-shoulder creation by Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner at the Miss South Africa 2021 judging day on Tuesday, October 12 in Cape Town. The Filipino-German beauty who won Miss Universe 2015 wore DiaGold pieces of jewelry and paired her beautiful dress with Jimmy Choo’s black Bing pumps during her first look at the official Miss South Africa 2021 Top 10 finalists. Pia joined the reigning Miss Universe Andrea Meza (virtually), and former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe runner-up Tamaryn Green in the all-women judging panel. "I absolutely loved the process of sitting down and having a one on one moment with each of the girls. It was a good full day getting to know them a bit more which will help me and the panel decide who should win Miss South Africa," she shared on social media. Miss South Africa 2021 will air live from the Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town on Saturday, Oct

For the first time in history, Dubai is set to host the first-ever Miss Universe United Arab Emirates pageant, the Miss Universe Organization and Yugen Events announced on Thursday, October 7 at the Armani Ristorante in Burj Khalifa. The applications and casting for Miss Universe UAE will begin from October 7 through online registration at missuniverseuae.com. All UAE residents between the ages of 18 and 28 can register. All selected applicants will be called for a personal casting call on October 15 at Al Habtoor Palace Hotel. Only 30 applicants, announced on October 20, will advance to the live show. The historical Miss Universe UAE final event will be held on November 7 at La Perle in Al Habtoor City, Dubai Miss Universe UAE 2021 official winner will represent the UAE at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Photo: Miss Universe UAE / Facebook

Miss New Providence, Chantel O’Brian, was crowned Miss Bahamas Universe 2021 in a national competition held last Sunday, October 3 in Nassau. The 27-year-old entrepreneur who holds a bachelor's degree in business enterprise bested three other finalists to win her national title. She succeeds Shauntae Miller and will now prepare to represent the Bahamas at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Chantel is no stranger to pageantry as she previously held the title of Miss World Bahamas and went on to represent her country at the Miss World 2015 pageant in Sanya, China. The new Miss Universe Bahamas founded P.S. O’Brian Consulting, a company based in Nassau that offers pageant, runway, and etiquette coaching. Photo: CJermaine Photography

The Top 18 semifinalists of Miss Universe Nepal 2021 have been officially announced on Sunday, October 10. From the Top 50, only 18 beauties were selected for the close camp & grand final following their commendable scores from the average in swimsuit walk, live interview, and voting. The Top 18 semifinalists are Anuska Adhikari, Pratikshya Mahara Chhetri, Bristi Acharya, Arya Nishaant, Sadiksha Khadka, Anisha Poudel, Smarika Karki, Swikriti Khadka, Mandira Karki, Nina Kant Mandal, Bibhuti Gautam, Sagarika Malla, Sujita Basnet, Smita Neupane, Sagun Gurung, Keshu Khadka, Pritima Panthi, and Rakchya Upreti. Miss Universe Nepal 2021 final will be held this October 30. The winner will represent her country at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Photo: Miss Universe Nepal Official

Miss Polski 2021 Agata Wdowiak has been officially confirmed as Miss Universe Poland 2021. The 24-year-old model from Lodz was crowned Miss Polski 2021 back in August. Miss Polski organization made the announcement on its official social media page on Friday, October 8. Agata, who is currently studying nanotechnology at the Lodz University of Technology, will now represent Poland at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this coming December. Photo: Dorota Czoch / Miss Polski Official

The reigning Miss Universe from Mexico Andrea Meza has been invited to sit as one of the judges in the upcoming Miss South Africa 2021 national competition. "With her vast pageant experience as a reigning Queen who also placed first runner-up at Miss World 2017, we have no doubt that she will add so much value in selecting a great woman fit for the role of Miss South Africa," Miss South Africa organization said in a post on its official social media page. Andrea will be joined in the all-women selection panel by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach while two other former winners Catriona Gray and Zuzibini Tunzi will be the backstage hosts at the finale. Miss South Africa 2021 will air live from the Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town. The show will be broadcast Live on M-Net & Mzansi-Magic. Photo: Miss South Africa

Caterina Di Fuccia was crowned Miss Universe Italy 2021 during a national competition held in Rome last Sunday, September 26. The 24-year-old teacher and runway coach from Marcianise is no stranger to pageantry as she was Top 16 at Miss Mondo Italia 2016 and Top 10 at Miss Italia 2019. Caterina succeeds Viviana Vizzini and will now prepare to represent her country at the 70th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel in December. Photos: Miss Universe Italy

Elísa Gróa Steinþórsdóttir was crowned Miss Universe Iceland 2021 in a glittering national competition held at the historic Gamla Bíó in Reykjavik on Wednesday, September 29. The 27-year-old dancer who hails from Gardabaer succeeds Elísabet Hulda Snorradóttir and will now prepare to represent Iceland at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Íris Freyja Salguero  Kristinardottir, who placed second, was named Miss Supranational Iceland 2021. The 22-year-old will be sent to the Miss Supranational competition next year in Poland. Photos: Miss Universe Iceland

Loíza representative, Michelle Colón, was crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2021 in a glittering competition held on Thursday, September 30 in San Juan. The 21-year-old model and pre-medicine student who created the CARE Empowerment Program succeeds Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020 and Miss Universe Top 10 finalist, Estefanía Soto. San Lorenzo’s Jaylene Marie Álvarez and Dorado’s Oxana Isabel Rivera were respectively named the first and second runners-up while Toa Baja’s Heilymar Rosario, Trujillo Alto’s Sthephanie Marie Miranda, and Villalba’s Gabriela Guzmán completed the Top 6. Michelle will now prepare to represent Puerto Rico at the 70th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel this December. Photos: Miss Universe Puerto Rico

Chandigarh's Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2021 in a glittering event held at Famous Studio in Mumbai on Thursday, September 30. The 21-year-old beauty succeeds last year's winner and Miss Universe 2020 third runner-up, Adline Castelino. Pune’s Ritika Khatnani clinched the Miss Diva Supranational 2021 title and Jaipur’s Sonal Kukreja was named Miss Diva first runner-up. Harnaaz will represent India at the 70th Miss Universe competition to be held in Eilat, Israel this December while Ritika will be sent to the next Miss Supranational pageant. Catch the grand finale episode of LIVA Miss Diva 2021 Co-powered by MX TakaTak & Kailon on Saturday, October 16 at 7 p.m. (India time) on MTV. Photos: Rohan Tulpule / Miss Diva

Beatrice Luigi Gomez, representing Cebu City, bested 27 other beauties to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021 in a national competition held on Thursday, September 30 at the Henann Resort Convention Center at Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol. The 26-year-old model and athlete succeeds last year's winner, Rabiya Mateo. She will now prepare to represent the Philippines at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Katrina Dimaranan of Taguig City was named Miss Universe Philippines - Tourism and Victoria Velasquez Vincent clinched the Miss Universe Philippines - Charity title. Pangasinan's Maureen Christa Wroblewitz and Cebu Province's Steffi Rose Aberasturi were the first and second runners-up, respectively. Photo: Miss Universe Philippines

Miss Armenia 2021 national competition was held last Tuesday, September 21 in Yerevan where the Armenian representatives for this year's Miss Universe and Miss World pageants have been crowned. A 24-year-old lawyer from Yerevan, Nane Avetisyan, was named Miss Universe Armenia 2021. She will be sent to the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Mirna Bzdigian won the title of Miss World Armenia 2021. The 19-year-old student and professional swimmer will represent her country at the 70th Miss World pageant to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico also in December. Photos: Miss Armenia

Juri Watanabe was crowned Miss Universe Japan 2021 in a national competition held in Tokyo last Wednesday, September 22. The 25-year-old beauty bested over 30 other contestants to win her title and succeed Aisha Harumi Tochigi. She will represent Japan at the 70th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2021) pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Juri holds a bachelor’s degree in development economics and international development from the University of California. She is no stranger to pageantry as she won Miss Asia USA 2016 and a Top 10 finalist during Miss World Japan 2019. Photo: Miss Universe Japan

Xaria Penn was named Miss Universe British Virgin Islands 2021 in a national competition held on Saturday, September 25. The 18-year-old and six-feet tall beauty from Tortola succeeds Bria Smith and will represent the British overseas territory at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel this December. Lia Claxton and Kasaddi Chalwell completed the Top 3 finalists. Photos: Miss Universe British Virgin Islands

Susy Sacoto, the representative of Portoviejo (Manabí), was crowned Miss Ecuador Universo 2021 in a national competition held on Saturday, September 11 in Quevedo, Los Ríos. The 24-year-old lawyer and medicine student succeeds last year's winner, Leyla Espinoza. She will represent Ecuador at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Valeria Gutiérrez, the representative of the Ecuadorian community in the United States, was the first runner-up and received the title of Miss Ecuador International 2021. She will go to the Miss International pageant in Japan. Runners-up Karla Romero, Génesis Guerrero, Valeri Carabalí will be sent to Miss Charm, Reina Hispanoamerican and Miss Supranational competitions, respectively. Sofia Jiménez Thompson and Melane Rubio completed the Top 7 finalists. Photos: Miss Ecuador

Miss Coquimbo, Antonia Figueroa, was crowned Miss Universo Chile 2021 (Miss Universe Chile) in a national competition held in San Fernando on Saturday, September 11. The 26-year-old "MasterChef" finalist and professional model is a civil environment engineer, taekwondo champion, and former professional violinist of the municipal theater in her region. She is also the president of an NGO called “Voluntarios por la Infancia” (Volunteers for Children) that helps children and adolescents at SENAME. She fluently speaks English, German and Portuguese. Miss Los Ángeles, Daniela Riquelme, and Miss San Fernando, Maria José Norambuena, were named Miss World Peace Chile and Miss Tourism Global Chile 2021, respectively. Miss Iquique, Daniella Morgado, Miss Valparaiso, Bárbara Pacheco, Miss La Serena, Amanda Fidalgo, Miss Temuco, Angela Aguila, and Miss La Reina, Amanda Fidalgo completed the Top 7 finalists. The new Miss Universe Chile bested 14 other finalists to win her beauty title. Sh

Nadia Ferreira was officially announced by the Promociones Gloria organization as Miss Universo Paraguay 2021 last August 31. The 22-year-old stunning model and student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business engineering from Villarica succeeds last year's titleholder, Vanessa Castro. "This is a dream come true. I will officially be Paraguay to the eyes of the universe. I can’t help but feel so much happiness and joy for this great honor and for the support, I’m already receiving from a whole country, my country," she shared on social medial. The new Miss Universe Paraguay will represent her country at the 70th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2021) pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel this December. Photo: Promociones Gloria