PAGEANT Circle

Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza gave an emotional farewell walk before crowning India's Harnaaz Sandhu during the 70th Miss Universe final held in Eilat, Israel on Sunday, December 12. The Mexican beauty looked like a real-life princess in a couture plum ballgown by Michael Cinco, a Filipino fashion designer based in Dubai, during her final walk as Miss Universe. "What a journey this has been. I’m so glad and proud to be part of Miss Universe history," Andrea shared. "I am Andrea Meza, the third Mexican Miss Universe. Forever Miss Universe 2020," she added. Following her reign, Andrea will be working for Telemundo, an American Spanish-language television network that broadcasts programs and original content aimed at Latin American audiences in the United States and worldwide. The 27-year-old former Miss Universe also has a congratulatory message for the newly crowned queen. "You are part of this history, this family, and this legacy. Enjoy this journey and m...

Andrea Meza has attended the special screening of the 2021 American action comedy film "The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard" at Crosby Street Hotel in New York on Monday, June 14. Directed by Patrick Hughes, the film is a sequel to "The Hitman's Bodyguard" (2017) and features Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Richard E. Grant reprising their roles, with Frank Grillo, Tom Hopper, Antonio Banderas, and Morgan Freeman joining the cast. Styled by fashion stylist Emma Pritchard, the reigning Miss Universe from Mexico wore a Mac Duggal dress with shoes and bag by Giuseppe Zanotti and Piper & Skye, respectively. Andrea was also joined by Miss USA 2020 Asya Danielle Branch at the premiere night event. Photo: Andrea Meza / Instagram

Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco lashed out at the team behind Miss Universe Canada Nova Stevens for allegedly spreading rumors about him trying to sabotage her chances at the Miss Universe pageant with late arrivals of ill-fitted gowns. Miss Universe Canada's MGmode Communications said, "The truth needs to be told! The gown was sent late by Michael’s team, and when it arrived none of them fitted! We were able to fix one for the finals but the one for prelims, we didn’t have time." In a lengthy social media post on Saturday, May 22, Michael cried foul and responded, "You have been spreading fake news about me and my team being unprofessional days before the pageant but I chose to be quiet and calm. But this time, I need to stand up for me and my team, as it is just so unfair." The designer to Hollywood celebrities, royalties, and wealthy clients, who hails from Catbalogan, Samar (Philippines) said he has been dressing up Canada's representatives a...

For the former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, hosting the 69th Miss Universe pageant last Sunday, May 14 in Hollywood, Florida was "nostalgia overload." "So crazy how life comes full circle like this. I feel very very lucky," she shared online along with photos taken from the prestigious event. "I will always have the deepest gratitude for what my experience as Miss Universe taught me and it's an honor to be back as a host this year," she said. The 29-year-old beauty stole the show with stunning looks in exquisite gowns by Zuhair Murad, NERVI, and Valentino. Olivia was crowned Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada prior to becoming a fashion influencer and social media personality. She has also appeared in several films and television shows. Photos: Olivia Culpo / Instagram

Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa took her final walk as the longest-reigning Miss Universe at the culmination of the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida last Sunday, May 16. "My Miss Universe win is my ancestors' wildest dream. We are now in a world where a Black African girl from a country that is only 27 years into democracy can represent them on the global stage," she said in her emotional speech. "I want to honor them for fighting for my freedoms so I could be where I am today. I'm proud to know I did my best to make a difference, cementing a footprint for others to follow in the future," she added. Wearing an exquisite Xhosa ensemble perfectly made for the special event by Biji - La Maison de Couture, Zozibini passed on her reign to the new Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico. Photos: Benjamin Askinas / Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James has cried out "stop cyberbullying" after she was incorrectly tagged as "nude model" on the Google knowledge panel. Knowledge panels are information boxes that appear on Google when you search for people, places, organizations, or things and are meant to provide a quick snapshot of information on a topic. The 25-year-old beauty from Kuching, Sarawak, took to social media to air her sentiments against whoever initiated this unacceptable bullying online. In an Instagram story, she said: "You guys really have nothing to do. What is this? Why do you have to do this and lock this information? Any benefits you get from doing this? Have I done anything wrong to you or your family? I think I've been through this enough." Francisca has represented Malaysia at the recently concluded 69th Miss Universe pageant won by  Mexico's Andrea Meza in Hollywood, Florida. Feedback has already been sent to correct the wro...

Mexico's Andrea Meza has officially kicked off her media week as the new Miss Universe after winning the prestigious international competition in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday, May 16. The 26-year-old has already left the sunshine state for New York where she will be based for the duration of her reign. She has now embarked on her new journey representing the Miss Universe brand and the social causes supported by the organization. “I am so honored to have been selected among the 73 other amazing women I stood with tonight,” Andrea said shortly after winning her title. “It is a dream come true to wear the Miss Universe crown, and I hope to serve the world through my advocacy for equality in the year to come and beyond,” she added. Photos: hoy Día, Andrea Meza / Instagram

Julia Morley's Miss World Organization took to social media on Monday, May 17 to congratulate the newly crowned Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico. The 26-year-old software engineer and women's rights activist from Chihuahua has placed first runner-up at Miss World 2017 pageant won by India's Manushi Chhillar in Sanya, China, and was named Miss World Americas 2017. "As part of her duties as Miss World Americas 2017, Andrea joined Miss World 2017, Manushi Chhillar and her fellow continental winners on a Global Humanitarian Tour visiting India, China, Indonesia, British Virgin Islands, and the USA. This was documented in the series Miss World – The Story Never Told," MWO said. Andrea replied in a comment: "Thank you so much. My experience at Miss World was life-changing, will always have you all in my heart." Miss Universe and Miss World are considered two of the world's most important beauty pageants for women. Based in the United Kingdom, Miss World...

Prior to their final statement, the Top 5 delegates of the 69th Miss Universe competition went through a question and answer portion. They randomly picked a number that corresponds to the name of the member of the selection committee who then asked them a question and they had to respond within 30 seconds. Here are their answers to the questions: If you were the leader of your country. How would you have handled COVID-19 pandemic? Mexico, Andrea Meza: "I believe there's not a perfect way to handle this hard situation such as COVID-19. However, I believe that what I would have done was create the lockdown even before everything was that big because we lost so many lives and we cannot afford that. We have to take care of our people that's why I would have taken care of them since the beginning." Should countries lockdown due to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies or should they open their borders and risk a potential increase in infection rates? India, Adline...

The 69th Miss Universe Top 5 delegates were asked to pick a topic during the final statement round of the competition held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday, May 16. They were each given 30 seconds to speak out on social issues such as mental health, global poverty, and climate change. Here are the final statements of the finalists: Mexico, Andrea Meza Changing beauty standards "We live in a society that more and more is more than advanced and as we advance as a society, we've also advanced with stereotypes. Nowadays, beauty isn't only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirit but in our hearts and the way that we conduct ourselves. Never permit someone to tell you that you're not valuable." India, Adline Castelino Free speech and the right to protest "The right to protest, we've seen many protests in the recent days. Especially I want to point out the protests that women have made throughou...

Chihuahua native Andrea Meza became the third Mexican woman to win the Miss Universe crown on Sunday, May 16 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Here are 10 facts about the new Miss Universe: 1. She has a degree in software engineering and is proud to be a woman who graduated in a male-dominated field of study. 2. She is an activist, focused on women's rights and inclusion and currently works closely with the Municipal Institute for Women, which aims to end gender violence. 3. She has been part of a global charity association raising funds in India, Indonesia, and China for the downtrodden. 4. She is a certified make-up artist and model, who is also passionate about being active. 5. She practices CrossFit and extreme sports, such as rappel and sandboarding. 6. Her concern for the wellbeing of the world and animals led her to become a vegan. 7. She is the official Tourism Brand Ambassador for Chihuahua, promoting the best touristic attractions and ric...

Andrea Meza of Mexico was crowned as the 69th Miss Universe in a glittering competition held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, USA on Sunday, May 16. She succeeds Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. The 26-year-old beauty who hails from Chihuahua bested 73 other delegates from around the world to win the third Miss Universe title for her country. She previously placed first runner-up at Miss World 2017 pageant. Julia Gama of Brazil was named first runner-up while Janick Maceta of Peru finished second runner-up. Adline Castelino of India and Kimberly Jiménez of the Dominican Republic were the third and fourth runners-up, respectively. Completing the Top 10 were the delegates from Australia, Maria Thattil, Costa Rica, Ivonne Cerdas, Jamaica, Miqueal-Symone Williams, Puerto Rico, Estefanía Soto, and Thailand, Amanda Obdam. The rest of the Top 21 were from Argentina, Alina Luz Akselrad, Colombia, Laura Olascuaga, Curacao, Chantal Wiertz, France, Amandine Petit...

In just a few hours, South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi will crown her successor at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The 69th Miss Universe pageant that airs live tonight at 8 p.m. ET will be hosted by former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and "Access Hollywood" co-host Mario Lopez. Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst along with past winners Paulina Vega and Demi-Leigh Tebow will serve as correspondents. An all-women panel of judges including former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera and Brook Lee will select the most deserving woman to win the coveted title. Who will be the next Miss Universe? Meet our final favorites to win the crown: BRAZIL - Julia Gama CANADA - Nova Stevens COLOMBIA - Laura Olascuaga JAMAICA - Miqueal-Symone Williams MEXICO - Andrea Meza NEPAL - Anshika Sharma PERU - Janick Maceta PUERTO RICO - Estefanía Soto ROMANIA - Bianca Tirsin THAILAND - Amanda Obdam Close shots: Dominican Republic, Philippines, Finl...

Our top choice for the 69th Miss Universe Best in National Costume is Nicaragua's Ana Marcelo. Her costume “La Gritería en Leon” designed by Jorge Salazar Caliz represents the joy and hubbub experienced every year during “La Gritería” festival, an important celebration in Nicaragua that best portrays its national identity. Ukraine's Yelyzaveta Yastremska and Nepal's Anshika Sharma came in second and third places, respectively, while Finland's Viivi Altonen and Malaysia's Francisca Luhong James completed the Top 5. Photo: Benjamín Askinas / Miss Universe Organization

Our top choice for the 69th Miss Universe Miss Photogenic is the beautiful 23-year-old entrepreneur from South Africa, Natasha Joubert. Russia's Alina Sanko and Thailand's Amanda Obdam came in second and third places, respectively. Photo: Hanri Human Photography

Our top choice for the 69th Miss Universe Top Model is the 24-year-old model from Jamaica, Miqueal-Symone Williams. Canada's Nova Stevens and Curacao's Chantal Wiertz came in second and third places, respectively. Photo: Benjamín Askinas / Miss Universe Organization

Our top choice for the 69th Miss Universe Best in Evening Gown is Thailand's Amanda Obdam. The 27-year-old glided with class and poise in her “Fireworks Embellished Two-Piece Gown” by Valentier. Puerto Rico's Estefanía Soto Torres and Dominican Republic's Kimberly Jimenez came in second and third places, respectively. Photo: Benjamín Askinas / Miss Universe Organization

Our top choice for the 69th Miss Universe Best in Swimsuit is the statuesque beauty from Puerto Rico Estefanía Soto Torres. Thailand's Amanda Obdam and Brazil's Julia Gama came in second and third places, respectively. Photo: Benjamín Askinas / Miss Universe Organization

The 69th Miss Universe delegates paraded in their swimsuits and evening gowns during the preliminary competition held on Friday, May 14 in Hollywood, Florida. Their combined scores from the prelims and the crucial closed-door interview round will help determine who will make it to the Top 21 this Sunday. Standouts from the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela, and Vietnam. The 69th Miss Universe final competition will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Voting is still open at missuniverse.com/vote to help your favorite delegate make it into the Top 21. Photo: Miss Universe Organization

The national costume competition of the 69th Miss Universe pageant was held on Thursday, May 13 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Over 70 beauties from around the world dazzled the audience with their colorful costumes. Some ensembles sent powerful messages related to current social issues. Our favorite costumes include Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam. Here are some delegates in their costumes: JAMAICA CANADA UKRAINE BAHAMAS INDONESIA Photos: Benjamin Askinas / Miss Universe Organization