PAGEANT Circle

In just a few hours, contestants from 89 countries and territories will be vying for the coveted title of Miss Earth 2021 in a virtual finale to be aired on Sunday, November 21. This is the second time that the pre-pageant activities and coronation night are conducted virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Who will succeed Miss Earth 2020 Lindsey Coffey of the USA as the next queen who will champion the preservation and protection of our planet? Meet our final Top 7 favorites for the crown: BELIZE - Destiny Wagner CHILE - Romina Denecken NETHERLANDS - Saartje Langstraat PHILIPPINES - Naelah Alshorbaji THAILAND - Baitong Jareerat Petsom USA - Marisa Butler VENEZUELA - María Daniela Velasco Honorable mentions: Puerto Rico, Malaysia, South Africa, Brazil, Cuba, Russia, Belarus Photos: Miss Earth

After weeks of online activities and preliminary competitions, the Miss Earth 2021 pageant will hold its final competition on Sunday, November 21. The virtual event will air live on Miss Earth official streaming platforms and channels across the world. Over 80 beauties will be vying for the coveted title currently held by USA's Lindsey Coffey. Meet the judges who will have the most difficult task in selecting the next Miss Earth: International pop star, singer and songwriter, Amel Rose. Allan Wu, actor and host of The Amazing Race Asia and The Amazing Race China. Davonna Finley, women’s advocate, pageant analyst and social media’s The Sovereign. Atty. Roel Refran, a seasoned lawyer, capital markets executive and an educator in law and business. TV host, model and actress, Adrienne "AJ" Janic, also known as "AJ" from the hit TV show Overhaul. Desmound Majekodunmi, a Radio Host, Musician, Documentary Producer, Farmer and a Creation Care Evironmentalist. Photos: Mi

The reigning Miss Universe from Mexico, Andrea Meza, toured around Israel ahead of the upcoming 70th Miss Universe competition to be held in the country this December. Her itinerary included a visit to holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday, November 17. Amid boycott calls and pressures on contestants, Israel pushes through its historic hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in Eilat. Over 70 beauties from around the world will soon arrive to compete for the prestigious title. According to Andrea, the pageant shouldn’t be politicized. The Mexican beauty will relinquish her crown on December 12 in the southern Israeli resort city. "Everyone with different beliefs, with different backgrounds, with different cultures, they all come together and when you are in there you forget about politics, about your religion," she told the press. Photos: Gilad Tidhar Photography / Miss Universe

Miss Grand International 2021 welcome ceremony and press conference was held on Thursday, November 18 at the Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort in Phuket, Thailand. Fifty-eight contestants wearing their stunning evening gowns and respective crowns arrived at the venue in a sports car. They raised a toast with the reigning queen Abena Appiah and MGI executives during the glittering event. Miss Puerto Rico, Vivianie Diaz Arroyo topped our list of best-dressed contestants followed by representatives from the Philippines, Thailand, Colombia, and Myanmar. Special mentions for Indonesia, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, Japan, Venezuela and India for making it to our Top 12 list. Photos: Miss Grand International

Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2021 Michelle Marie Colón showed off her national costume for the 70th Miss Universe pageant on the "Viva la Tarde" program of Wapa TV. The national costume called "Protectora de Nuestras Costas” not only pays tribute to the Puerto Rican Afro-descendants but also carries a message of awareness for the conservation of the environment. Recycled materials such as plastic bottles, caps, and bags, some of the most common and harmful pollutants in the seas, were collected and transformed into art and music elements for this beautiful creation. Inspired by Puerto Rico's first indigenous music "la bomba" the costume is a collaborative work of Dominican designers Leonel Lirio and plastic artist Luis Rivas. “I wanted a dress that had color, movement, and that transmitted energy. I am extremely happy to be able to bring not only these elements to the universal stage but also to be able to represent the wealth of our Afro-descendants. The dres

Miss Grand International 2021 contestants' orientation and sash ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 17 at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort in Thailand. The reigning Miss Grand International from the United States of America, Abena Appiah, led the traditional MGI event. Out of 56 contestants present during the ceremony, our team picked Miss Indonesia, Sophie Louise Rogan as best-dressed. Special mentions for the beauties from Thailand, Venezuela, Japan, Myanmar, Brazil, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Photos: Miss Grand International

Valentina Espinosa, the representative of the Bolívar department, was chosen as the new Señorita Colombia 2021 (Miss Colombia 2021) in a ceremony full of color, music, and a lot of Colombian talent on Sunday, November 14 at the Auditorio Getsemaní del Centro de Convenciones Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala in Cartagena. The 23-year-old social communication and journalism professional triumphed over 24 other beauties to win her national title. She succeeds María Fernanda Aristizábal Urrea and is expected to represent her country at the next Miss Supranational edition in Poland. Natalia López Cardona of Quindío placed second and was named Virreina Nacional while Karen Julieth Ortiz Díaz finished as the first princess. Chocó’s María Lucía Cuesta Arias and Sucre’s Yamile Dajud Zuluaga were the second and third princesses, respectively. The new Señorita Colombia describes herself as "a brave, fighter, persevering, kind and happy and fair woman who seeks equality and equity. Someone who always

Sweden's Moa Sandberg will be wearing the majestic national costume designed by Miss Universe Sweden's Creative Director & Official Designer, Aviad Arik Herman. The national costume is a regal tribute to the Kingdom of Sweden's beloved monarchy and in honor of the 70 years of diplomatic relationship between Sweden and Israel as well as the 70th edition of the Miss Universe competition. Moa will compete with over 70 other beauties from around the world during the 70th Miss Universe pageant on December 12 in Eilat, Israel. Concept and Design: Aviad Arik Herman | Design Assistant: Sarit Herman | Photography: Peter Håkansson | Make Up: Emanuel Hareb | Hair: Tara Ahmed | Videography: Shir Musan | Music: Tomer Adaddi | Location: Gunnebo Castle

Miss Ceará, Teresa Santos, was crowned Miss Universo Brasil 2021 (Miss Universe Brazil) in a gleaming national competition held in Rio de Janeiro and aired on Tuesday night, November 9. The 26-year-old psychology student, model, and entrepreneur edged out 26 other beauties to win her title. She will represent Brazil at the 70th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel this December. Miss Piauí, Gabriela Lacerda, and Miss Sergipe, Carol Valença were the first and second runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Universe Brazil succeeds Julia Gama, who placed first runner-up during the 69th Miss Universe competition in Florida, USA last May. Brazil has won the Miss Universe pageant twice with Iêda Maria Vargas in 1963 and Martha Vasconcellos in 1968. Photos: Miss Universe Brasil

Fatima-Zahra Khayat was elected Miss Universe Morocco 2021 in a special event held on Saturday, November 6 in Casablanca. The 26-year-old financial auditor who lives in Paris will represent her country at the 70th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel this December. This marks Morocco's return to the Miss Universe competition after more than 40 years. The country's last participation in the pageant was in 1978. "I would like to thank all the people who believed in me and encouraged me in the [Miss Universe] contest," the new Miss Universe Morroco shared on her social media. "I will do my best to best represent the culture and wealth of my country," she added. Photos: Miss Universe Morocco

Jázmin Viktória Elizabeth was crowned Miss Universe Hungary 2021 in a special event held at Gigi's Budapest on Saturday, November 6. The 20-year-old model and student from Budapest bested 13 other beauties to win her national title. She will now prepare to represent Hungary at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Edina Maronka and Nina Tobias were the first and second runners-up, respectively. "I’m beyond blessed and honored that I will represent Hungary," the new Miss Universe Hungary shared on her social media account. "Everything happened so fast so it’ll definitely take time for me to process what happened," she added. The last time Hungary joined Miss Universe was in 2018 with Enikő Kecskès, who placed in the Top 20, before taking a two-year hiatus from the competition. Hungary's highest placement at the Miss Universe pageant was Top 10 with Ágnes Konkoly in 2012. Photos: Jázmin Viktória Elizabeth / Instagram

Brenda Smith Lezama was crowned Señorita Panamá 2021 (Miss Panama) in a glittering competition held on Sunday, November 7 at the Wyndham Panamá Albrook Mall Hotel & Convention Center in Panama City. The 26-year-old US-born activist and lecturer of Afro-Panamanian and Mexican descent holds a degree in journalism and cultural studies. She succeeds Señorita Panamá 2020 Carmen Isabel Jaramillo. Cecilia Medina was named Señorita Panamá Supranational 2021 (Miss Panama Supranational) and while Katheryn Yejas clinched the Señorita Panamá Grand 2022 (Miss Panama Grand) title while Hillary Watson and Ivis Nicole Snyder were the first and second runners-up, respectively. The new Señorita Panamá is no stranger to pageantry as she has previously participated in several state and national competitions in the US and Mexico such as Miss Teen USA and Mexicana Universal. Brenda will now prepare to represent Panama at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel this December. Photos: Señorita Pan

Dannia Guevara Morfin was officially crowned Miss Universe Guatemala 2021 in a special ceremony held last October 27 at the Palacio Nacional de la Cultura in Guatemala City. The 24-year-old model and law student will represent Guatemala at the 70th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2021) pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel this December. "It is a huge and gratifying satisfaction for me to see a dream crowned, of being the highest representative of national beauty," she shared on her social media account. "Today I assume with great responsibility, love, and commitment the task for which I have been appointed, I agree to represent a country full of traditions, ancient culture, natural beauty, history, and promising present," she added. Photos: Juan Pablo Duque / Miss Universe Guatemala

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

Andreína Martinez, representative of the Dominican community of the US, was crowned Miss República Dominicana Universo 2021 (Miss Dominican Republic Universe) on Sunday, November 7 at the Salón de Eventos Sambil in Santo Domingo. The 24-year-old beauty bested 14 other finalists to win the national competition. She succeeds Miss República Dominicana Universo 2020 and Miss Universe Top 5 finalist, Kimberly Jiménez. Miss Azua, Debbie Áflalo settled with a first runner-up finish while Miss Lavega, Yamilex Hernández was named the second runner-up. Miss Samaná, Elianny Capellán, and Miss La Romana, Érika Silverio, were the third and fourth runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Universe Dominican Republic holds a degree in psychology and Latin American studies. She is currently the operations coordinator of the Women's Equality Center in New York. "There is a saying that says 'it takes a village to raise a child' well to make a queen it takes two. I want to thank all those

Daena Soares bested nine other finalists to be crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2021 in a gleaming national competition held last October 31 at the Hotel Riu Montego Bay in St. James. The 22-year-old beauty who hails from Jamaica's breadbasket parish, St. Elizabeth, holds a bachelor's degree in basic medical sciences from the University of the West Indies. She succeeds last year's winner, Miqueal-Symone Williams. Trishanie Weller and Lauren Less were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Universe Jamaica was also awarded Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. She will now prepare to represent her country at the 70th Miss Universe pageant to be held in Eilat, Israel this December. Jamaica has yet to win the Miss Universe pageant. The country's highest placement was first runner-up in 2010 with Yendi Phillips. Photos: Miss Universe Jamaica

Miss Philippines Maureen Montagne bested over 40 other beauties to be crowned Miss Globe 2021 on Friday, November 5 in Tirana, Albania. The 28-year-old Filipino-American events host and model was born and raised in Arizona, USA. She succeeds Miss Globe 2020 Lorinda Kolgeci of Kosovo. Nigeria's Esther Ogechi Gabriel settled for a first runner-up finish while Turkey's Melike Bali was named the second runner-up. The representatives of Venezuela, Jhosskaren Smiller Carrizo, and Canada, Hailey Hamelin-Wilson were the third and fourth runners-up, respectively. Brazil, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Romania, and the USA completed the Top 15 semi-finalists. The new Miss Globe is no stranger to pageantry as she has previously joined several national competitions both in the US and the Philippines before winning her Binibining Pilipinas Globe title in July. She is the second Filipina to win the Miss Globe pageant after Ann Lorraine Colis who w

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