PAGEANT Circle

After months of preparation, the sunny Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico started welcoming the Miss World 2021 contestants from across the world. This is the first time that the prestigious competition is taking place in a Spanish-speaking territory. Renowned for local gems such as El Yunque National Forest, exquisite mountain ranges such as Cordillera Central, Sierra de Cayey, Sierra de Luquillo, and Sierra de Bermeja, and hundreds of miles worth of stunning shoreline, the contestants are excited to enjoy all that this tropical paradise has to offer. Over 100 beauties will be staying at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Grande, a municipality on the east coast of the island, where they will enjoy exploring the tremendous lagoon-style pool, unique architecture, and experience the wonderful local hospitality that Puerto Rico has to offer. The 70th Miss World final will air live across the world from the  Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan on Thursday, December 16.

Over 100 contestants from around the world will soon arrive in Puerto Rico, the Island of Enchantment, for the prestigious 70th edition of the Miss World pageant. The beauties will be accommodated at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico in Río Grande, their official residence for the next four weeks of competition. Miss World 2021 final will be held on Thursday, December 16 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot where the reigning queen and Jamaica's very own Toni-Ann Singh will crown her successor. Photos: Miss World

Eva Dobreva was officially announced as Miss World Bulgaria 2021 last October 28 following an online casting among 48 applicants from across the country. The 21-year-old beauty from Varna is a singer, model, actress, and award-winning performer. She succeeds Miss World Bulgaria 2019 Margo Cooper and now preparing to represent her country at the 70th Miss World pageant to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. Presently, Eva is a student at the University of Economics – Varna pursuing hotel and restaurant management studies. She speaks English and Russian fluently and enjoys various physical activities and sports such as kickboxing, karate, swimming, and tennis to keep her body fit. From a very young age, the new Miss World Bulgaria has been involved in different events volunteering and helping people in need. She hopes to make the world a better place for as many people as possible. Photos: Kostadin Krustev - Koko / Miss World Bulgaria

Lili Tótpeti was crowned Miss World Hungary 2021 in a glittering national competition held last Friday, October 29 in Budapest. The 20-year-old beauty from Nagykanizsa is a student at Budapest University of Economics. She also enjoys modeling and horseback riding. Panni Tóth, 22, from Debrecen, and Nikolett Ambrus, 20, from Dunavarsány, were the first and second runners-up, respectively. The new Miss World Hungary succeeds Krisztina Nagypál and will now prepare to represent her country at the 70th Miss World pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photos: Miss World Hungary

Miss Región Andina, Amanda Dudamel, bested 17 other beauties to win the glittering Miss Venezuela 2021 competition held on Thursday, October 28 in Caracas. The 21-year-old model, tennis player, and fashion designer is the daughter of former national soccer team goalkeeper and coach, Rafael Dudamel. She was crowned by last year's winner, Mariángel Villasmil, and will now prepare to represent Venezuela at Miss Universe 2022. Miss Cojedes, Ariagny Daboín, was named Miss Venezuela World 2021. The 24-year-old clinical psychologist succeeds Alejandra Conde and will be sent to the Miss World 2022 pageant. Fabiana Rodríguez of Distrito Capital and  Migleth Cuevas of Yaracuy were the first and second runners-up, respectively, while Rosángel Requena of La Guaira and Selene Delgado of Miranda completed the Top 5 finalists. Photos: Yeshismar Mejias / Miss Venezuela

Aleksandra Yaremchuk was crowned Miss Ukraine 2021 in a glittering national competition held last October 21 in Kyiv. The 22-year-old professional dancer from Vinnytsia holds a degree in business management from University of Kyiv. She bested 24 other beauties to win her title. "An unforgettable day in my life, unsurpassed emotions. Thank you Miss Ukraine for this opportunity," she said. The new Miss Ukraine will represent her country at the 70th Miss World pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. Marina Litvin and Olga Shamrai were named Miss Earth Ukraine and Miss International Ukraine 2021, respectively. They will be sent to the international Miss Earth and Miss International competitions. Photos: Miss Ukraine / Міс Україна

Tara Hong was crowned Miss World Korea 2021 at the spectacular virtual event held last October 18. The online event was shown on LG U Plus which has 13 million users. The 23-year-old UC Berkeley University student and K pop idol singer said: "Being a representative requires courage, faith, and empathy. It’s a duty of honor as I will be representing almost 52 million Koreans, and that’s not including those across the globe." "Until the final competition, I plan to spend some quality time deepening my understanding of the world, listening to the voices of my country, and reflecting on my own values in life,” she added. Tara succeeds Ji-Yeon Lim and will now prepare to represent Korea at the 70th Miss World pageant to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. Photos: Miss World

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

Tamaki Hoshi edged out 30 other contestants to be crowned Miss World Japan 2021 in a national final held in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 12. The 20-year-old social sciences student at Waseda University, professional ballet dancer and media content writer succeeds Marika Sera and will now prepare to represent Japan at the 70th Miss World pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. "For me, “Miss World Japan 2021” is not only a title, but a platform on which we can make our Beauty with a Purpose ideas into a reality. This coming year, I will give my utmost efforts to become the representative of Japanese youths with passion for creating positive social change," she said. Photos: Miss World Japan

Miss South Africa organization has just made another announcement today that reigning Miss World Toni-Ann Singh has been invited to attend the Miss South Africa 2021 final. The Jamaican beauty will grace the national event on Saturday, October 16 with Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza and Miss Supranational 2021 Chanique Rabe. They will also be joined by former Miss Universe winners from the Philippines and South Africa. "South Africa, as promised we are making history! From the Universe to Miss Supra and now the WORLD all under one roof," the organizers shared on social media. Miss South Africa 2021 will air live from the Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town. Photo: Miss South Africa

Khailing Ho was crowned Miss World Singapore 2021 in a national final held on Saturday, October 9. The 18-year-old beauty bested nine other finalists to win her title. She succeeded Sheen Cher and will now prepare to represent Singapore at the 70th Miss World pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. Tatiana and Niveda Jayashankar were named the first and second princesses, respectively. It was the first time Miss World Singapore events were held virtually, but thanks to the new online TV platform Hyperlive.tv, the show received tremendous support from pageant fans from the region. The audience had the opportunity to vote by sending virtual gifts to their favorite contestants. During earlier fast track rounds, the online audience was able to interact with the contestants and pose questions during their Head To Head Challenge. The new Miss World Singapore is a strong advocate for mental health and the way she is promoting her cause is truly admirable. Photos: Miss World Singapore

Khalia Hall bested 14 other contestants to be crowned Miss Jamaica World 2021 on Saturday, October 9 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston. The 25-year-old beauty holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Manchester in the UK. She will represent Jamaica at the Miss World 2021 (70th Miss World) finals in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December. Dominique Shorter and Melessa Vassell were the first and second runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Jamaica World succeeded Toni-Ann Singh, Jamaica's fourth Miss World and the longest-reigning Miss World due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jamaica won the Miss World title four times with Carole Crawford (Miss World 1963), Cindy Breakspeare (Miss World 1976), Lisa Hanna (Miss World 1993), and Toni-Ann Singh (Miss World 2019). Photo: Dash Productions / Miss Jamaica World

Erlande Berger was crowned Miss World Haiti 2021 in a national final held last Sunday, October 3 at the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince. The 24-year-old communications graduate works as an actress, model, entrepreneur, and make-up artist. She founded the Berger Foundation which works on female leadership and supports underprivileged children. Fabienne Auguste and Samantha Cesar were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. The new Miss World Haiti will represent her country at the Miss World 2021 pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. "I am so honored to have been elected Miss World Haiti 2021. This competition has been an enriching journey. Today I am the country’s new ambassador," she said. "I dedicate this wreath to you, dear audience, and invite you to join me in representing this country with dignity." Photo: Miss World

Claudia Motta was crowned Miss Mondo Italia 2021 (Miss World Italy) in a glittering national competition held last September 26 at Villa dei Fiori in Gallipoli. The 21-year-old law student from Rome bested 24 other beauties from across her country to succeed Miss Mondo Italia 2019, Adele Sammartino. Lucia La Paglia and Martina Ballardini were respectively named the first and second runners-up while Isabella Marchetti and Aurora Vella completed the Top 5 finalists. The new Miss World Italy is a keen classical and contemporary dancer, which she has practiced since she was a child, and attended the National Dance Academy in Rome. She will now prepare to represent Italy at the 70th Miss World pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. “It is a privilege to represent the colors of my nation and a great responsibility to carry on the "Autism On The Road Project"  that I will present at Miss World. Puerto Rico is waiting for me,” she said. Photos: Miss Mondo Italia

Tracy Maureen Perez of Cebu City was crowned Miss World Philippines 2021 on Sunday, October 3 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Olongapo, Zambales. The 28-year-old model and industrial engineer succeeds Michelle Dee and will now prepare to represent the Philippines at the 70th Miss World pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December. Kathleen Joy Paton, Zoe Emmanuelle Vera, Trisha Martinez, Michelle Arceo, Shaila Mae Rebortera, and Tatyana Alexi Austria were respectively named Miss Eco International, Reina Hispanoamericana, Miss Tourism Universe, Miss Environment International, Miss Multinational and Miss Eco Teen International Philippines 2021. Riana Agatha Pangindian was the first princess while Janelle Lewis became the second princess. The new Miss World Philippines is no stranger to pageantry as she already joined the national competition in 2019 and placed in the Top 12. She also competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and clinched a Top 16 spot. If ever Tracy

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

Olivia Harris was crowned Miss Wales 2021 during the glistening competition held at The Riverfront, Newport on Saturday, September 11. The 18-year-old beauty from Magor succeeds Gabriella Jukes, Miss Wales 2019 who is the longest-reigning Miss Wales in history. She is a model, beauty therapist, and ambassador for Ready, Steady, Go, a charity that supports children with autism. Lauren Parkinson was announced as first runner-up and the second runner-up position was awarded to Emily Norris. "Dreams do come true," said the new Miss Wales. "Today marks another new chapter in my life as I sign my contract as a contestant for Miss World 2021, I am truly blessed," she added. Olivia will represent Wales at the 70th Miss World (Miss World 2021) pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. Photos: Danielle Latimer / Miss Wales

Daria Goncharevich bested 28 other beauties to be crowned Miss Belarus 2021 at the Palace of Sports in Minsk last Friday, September 10. The 18-year-old model and runway instructor from Minsk fluently speaks Russian and English. She will represent her country at the 70th Miss World pageant to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. Yulia Mishchenko and Alexandra Popok were named first and second runners-up, respectively. Photos: Miss Belarus

Miss Galway, Pamela Uba, claimed the coveted Miss Ireland 2021 title at the Lakeside Manor Hotel in Virginia, Co. Cavan last September 5. The 25-year-old beauty has just completed her master's in clinical chemistry and works at University Hospital Galway. Her "Beauty with a Purpose" project focuses on education. She launched a fundraiser entitled “Make Education A Superpower.” The funds raised go towards educational equipment, such as upcycled iPads, for children living in direct provision, a system of asylum seeker accommodation. Pamala made history as the first-ever black woman to be crowned Miss Ireland. She traveled from Johannesburg, South Africa at a young age and seek asylum to start a new life in Ireland. The new Miss Ireland will represent her country at the 70th Miss World pageant to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico this December. Photo: Miss Ireland