Miss Universe Malta 2023 is Ella Portelli of St. Julians


Miss St. Julians, Ella Portelli, was crowned Miss Universe Malta 2023 in a national competition held on Friday, June 30 at the Hilton Malta in St. Julian's.

The 24-year-old interior designer bested 24 other competitors to win the national title. She will now represent her country at the 72nd Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2023) in El Salvador later this year.

Julia Ann Cluett of Floriana and Ntombi Malinga of San Gwann were named the first and second runners-up, respectively, while Rebecca Camilleri of Sliema, Amy Spiteri of Ghaxaq, and Greta Craus of Rabat rounded out the Top 6 finalists.

Last year's titleholder who bagged the Miss Congeniality award at the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Maxine Formosa Gruppetta, relinquished her reign at the end of the event.

The new Miss Universe Malta joined the pageant to "empower and inspire others to never stop believing in themselves and to show that you can do anything you set your mind to."

"If I could spread one message, it would be to be kind and mindful to others as you never what someone may be going through," she said in her introduction video for the competition.

"I'm here to be the best version of myself and to spread awareness on topics close to my heart and I'm so grateful to have this opportunity," she added.

Photos: Creative Photography by Cassar & Piscopo / Miss Universe Malta

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