PAGEANT Circle

The Miss South Africa Organization has just announced that the reigning Miss South Africa Mia le Roux has withdrawn from Miss Universe 2024. In an official statement, the organization wrote, "It is with deep regret that we share the news that Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, has had to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns." According to Mia, "Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me." "I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength," she added. The Miss South Africa Organization also expressed their full support of Mia's decision to leave the competition. They said: "Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health." The 73rd Miss Universe pagea...

The Miss Universe 2024 preliminary competition and national costume show will take place tonight at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City. Contestants from 127 countries and territories will each present themselves in their swimsuits, evening gowns, and national costumes. Tonight's show, to be hosted by reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios and former Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel, will start at 8 p.m. local time. The crucial event will help the  selection committee determine who will advance to the Top 30 to be announced during this Saturday's final show. If you can't be at the venue, you can also watch the preliminaries in the comfort of your own home. Live streaming will be available on Telemundo  and the official Miss Universe YouTube channel (accessible only for members). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe (@missuniverse) Photos: Miss Universe

A new Miss Universe crown made by Filipino jewelry brand Jewelmer was officially unveiled on Thursday, November 14 in Mexico City. Handcrafted by Filipino master craftsmen, the new crown features the rare golden South Sea pearl, the national gem of the Philippines. The "Lumière de l’Infini" (Light of Inifinity) crown is proudly the first-ever Filipino-crafted crown for the Miss Universe pageant. Contestants from 127 countries and territories are currently vying to become the 73rd Miss Universe. The much-awaited Miss Universe 2024 grand final show and coronation will be held on November 16 at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. Meet the new crown: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe (@missuniverse) Photos: Miss Universe / Instagram

This year's Miss Universe pageant has drawn the largest number of contestants in its 73-year history. A total of 127 equally stunning and empowered women from around the world are currently vying for the highly coveted international beauty title. The final competition will happen on November 16 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City and a new queen will be crowned by reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios at the conclusion of the upcoming event. Don't forget to help your favorites take a step closer to the Miss Universe 2024 crown by voting on the Miss Universe official app  who you want to advance to the semifinals. Based solely on their official headshots posted on the app, here are our Top 16 favorites: (in alphabetical order) Colombia - Daniela Toloza Dominican Republic - Celinee Santos Estonia - Valeria Vasilieva Great Britain - Christina Chalk Hong Kong - Joanne Rhodes Latvia - Maria Vicinska Macau - Cassandra Chiu Malaysia - Sandra Lim Netherlands - Faith Landman Peru - Tati...

The 73rd Miss Universe is underway in Mexico, and this year's pageant is already considered a historic one. More than 120 contestants from around the globe have come together in the host country to vie for the prestigious crown. The beauty queens have all brought their A-game since arriving at their official hotel in Mexico City, the InterContinental Presidente. Everyone has been serving looks and glamour from day one. After arrivals, early favorites have emerged from Albania, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Turks and Caicos, USA, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. In addition to registration, fittings, and photo shootings, the red carpet "Gala de las Catrinas" took place on November 1 to benefit the underprivileged. The Catrina is an iconic figure of Mexican culture that symbolizes death in an elegant and festive way. The contestants also had their orientation day with the presence of...

Chiara Wijntuin was crowned Miss Suriname 2025 in a national competition held on Saturday, November 2 at the Assuria Event Center in Paramaribo. The 21-year-old student bested 14 other contestants to win the title and she is now expected to represent Suriname at Miss Universe 2025. Kyran Rampersad and Kimberly Kersting were announced as the first and second runners-up, respectively. Suriname has officially returned to the Miss Universe pageant this year with Pooja Chotkan who was appointed Miss Universe Suriname 2024 in August. Pooja will compete with over 100 women at the Miss Universe 2024 final this November 16 in Mexico City. Meet the new Miss Suriname: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Suriname (@miss_suriname) Photos: Suriname Pageantry, Miss Suriname / Instagram

Miss Universe Panama 2024 Italy Mora has spoken out for the first time since her departure from the ongoing Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico. According to Italy, she was informed by the Miss Universe Organization on Friday, November 1, before the Gala de las Catrinas event, that she had to leave the competition. MUO has issued an official statement on its decision following a thorough investigation by its disciplinary committee but did not divulge any reason for the disqualification for confidentiality purposes. In an Instagram story, Italy shared in Spanish: "I was told that this measure was taken due to violations involving leaving my room, which I admit I did to do my makeup and collect personal items." "Unfortunately, I trusted and followed instructions without considering the consequences. However, I would like to express that I consider this decision to be severe. I believe it could have been resolved through a conversation or warning," she added. Italy al...

A few days after arriving in Mexico for Miss Universe 2024, Miss Universe Panama 2024 Italy Mora has been officially removed from the competition. No reasons were disclosed for her disqualification because according to the Miss Universe Organization: "Confidentiality is a fundamental pillar of any disciplinary process. By protecting sensitive and personal information, we not only ensure fairness and equity in our decisions, but also the dignity of all involved." MUO also said in an official statement released on Friday, November 1 that their decision to disqualify Miss Universe Panama has been taken "after a thorough evaluation by our disciplinary commission." The statement explained: "The disciplinary committee, charged with maintaining the integrity and values of the pageant, conducted a full audit of the matter and, based on the information gathered and reviewed, has concluded that withdrawal is the most appropriate course of action under the current circums...

Over 100 contestants from different countries and territories will gather in Mexico to compete for the highly coveted title of Miss Universe 2024. The Miss Universe Organization has already revealed the important people who will have the most difficult task in choosing the next Miss Universe. Meet the selection committee: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe (@missuniverse) Emilio Estefan – Grammy award-winning Cuban-American musician and producer Lele Pons – Youtuber, actress and singer Romero Britto – Brazilian artist and sculptor Eva Cavalli – Fashion designer and Miss Universe 1977 first runner-up from Austria Margaret Gardiner – Journalist and Miss Universe 1978 from South Africa Jessica Carrillo – Emmy award-winning anchor/journalist at Telemundo Michael Cinco  – Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Gianluca Vacchi  – Italian internet personality and entrepreneur Camila Guiribitey  – Renowned phil...

After a 4-year hiatus, Tanzania is set to return to the Miss Universe stage with the recently proclaimed Miss Universe Tanzania 2024 Judith Peter Ngusa. The 26-year-old postpartum health activist from Dar es Salaam will represent Tanzania at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico this November. No stranger to pageantry, Judith has previously joined Miss United Nations 2022 and won the title. She also placed in the Top 10 at Miss Tanzania 2019. Tanzania's last participation at Miss Universe was in 2019 with Shubila Stanton. The country's highest achievement in the pageant was during its debut in 2007 when Flaviana Matata made the Top 10. "I am beyond honored to wear this crown and to represent the strength and resilience of Tanzania on the global stage," said the new Miss Universe Tanzania. "This belongs to everyone who has supported me, lifted me up, and believed in this journey," she added. Judith also made history as the first-ever mother to represent Ta...