Miss Universe 2024: Victoria Kjær Theilvig Crowned Champion
The 73rd edition of the Miss Universe competition took place on November 16, 2024, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, where 125 contestants from around the globe competed for the prestigious title. Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark emerged victorious, succeeding Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios. The 21-year-old marketing and economics student, who celebrated her birthday just days prior, is passionate about dance and advocates for animal rights and mental health awareness.
The event, hosted by Olivia Culpo (Miss Universe 2012) and actor Mario Lopez, was attended by 22,000 spectators and featured a vibrant opening where all contestants showcased their dance skills. Following the preliminary rounds, the top 30 semi-finalists were announced, including notable representatives from India, Vietnam, and Canada, among others. Indira Ampiot, Miss France 2023, also made a significant impact by securing a place in the top 30, marking a notable achievement for France in the competition.
Highlights from the Competition
The competition included various segments, such as parades in national costumes and swimwear, culminating in the announcement of the top finalists. The final five contestants were from Nigeria, Mexico, Denmark, Thailand, and Venezuela. Each finalist answered questions that showcased their perspectives on leadership and inspiration. Ultimately, Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, was crowned first runner-up, while Miss Mexico, Maria Fernanda Beltran, secured the second runner-up position.
A New Era for Miss Universe
The 2024 edition of Miss Universe introduced significant changes, including the removal of the age limit for contestants, allowing women of all ages to participate as long as they are adults. This shift reflects a broader trend towards inclusivity within beauty pageants. Indira Ampiot's participation and success in reaching the top 30 is a testament to the evolving landscape of the competition, as she dazzled audiences with her national costume that paid homage to French symbols. Her achievement marks a return to form for France, which had not seen a contestant reach this stage since 2021.
