Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, made history by being crowned Miss Universe 2024 in a stunning finale held in Mexico City on Saturday night. Theilvig became the first Dane to win the prestigious title, beating out over 120 contestants from around the world.
An Emotional Victory for Denmark
Theilvig was met with a standing ovation from her fellow contestants as she accepted the tiara from reigning titleholder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. The event, hosted by Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo, featured a live performance by Robin Thicke and was filled with glitz and glamour.
The Road to the Crown: Competition Highlights
The pageant kicked off with contestants narrowing down to 30 semi-finalists after Thursday’s preliminary events, which included a national costume contest. The remaining contestants then showcased their swimwear and evening gowns, with the top 12 advancing to the final round.
In the finale, Theilvig impressed judges with her grace and intelligence, answering a range of thought-provoking questions about leadership, resilience, and personal growth. When asked how she would live differently if no one would judge her, she replied, “I live by each day.” Later, when asked what message she would share with viewers, she urged them to “keep fighting… no matter where you come from.”
Historic Top Five: A Diverse Representation
Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria finished as first runner-up, while Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico earned second runner-up honors. Thailand’s Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez Pedroza rounded out the top five, with Pedroza making history as the first mother to reach the finals after the pageant lifted restrictions on age and motherhood.
Miss Universe Evolves: New Rules and Inclusivity
This year marked a significant shift in the pageant’s history, with the removal of age limits. For the first time ever, women over 28 were allowed to compete, and several women in their 30s and 40s reached the final stages of the competition. Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, in her 40s, made history as the first woman in that age group to reach the grand finale.
The Miss Universe Organization also made history by lifting its longstanding bans on pregnant women and mothers, as well as women who are, or have ever been, married. These changes reflect ongoing calls for the pageant to modernize and be more inclusive.
Diverse Contestants and Global Participation
This year’s pageant saw several new nations represented, with Cuba returning to Miss Universe for the first time since 1967. Belarus, Eritrea, and the United Arab Emirates also sent delegates, marking their debuts. However, the pageant was not without controversy, including disputes at some national-level contests.
Challenges and Controversies Leading to the Finale
The Miss Universe South Africa pageant was marred by controversy when Chidimma Adetshina resigned after facing questions about her nationality and dealing with xenophobic hostility. Meanwhile, Miss Universe Nicaragua saw turbulence when the pageant’s director, Karen Celebertti, resigned following accusations of conspiracy and treason related to the Nicaraguan government.
Despite these challenges, Miss Universe 2024 was an exciting and historic event, showcasing a diverse group of women from around the world and marking an important turning point in the pageant’s evolution.
