Miss Universe 2020 highlights
Last weekend, the Miss Universe competition took centre stage as the world watched representatives from each nation compete for the coveted title. So, it’s no surprise that today’s headlines seem to mostly consist of pageant-related news.
In case you were busy, but want to be part of the many threads talking about the competition, here are some highlights you can use as talking points.
Other pageant related news:
- Former Miss Grand Myanmar joins militia
- Bridge collapses during Miss Thailand photoshoot
- Miss Grand Mexico faces criticism for IG pic
1. Miss Universe Mexico took the crown
Andrea Meza, whose full name is Alma Andrea Mezza Carmona, is the official winner of the 69th Miss Universe pageant.
The full time model and engineer has been winning pageants since 2016: her titles include Miss Mexico 2017, Mexicana Universal 2020, and now, Miss Universe 2020.
2. Miss Universe Thailand made Top 10 for the sixth consecutive year
The pageant announced the Top 10 finalists on 16th May 2021. Celebrations erupted nationwide as we heard that Miss Universe Thailand, Amanda Obdam was top seven out of 74 nation representatives.
Image credit: @missuniverse.sg
Miss Universe Thailand is not only celebrated for the way she carries herself and her beauty, but also for her contributions to society.
For example, she is the founder of the “Have You Listened” movement that encourages the public to listen with empathy.
3. Miss Universe Nepal brought the Himalayas to the stage
In this portion of the competition, contestants don elaborate outfits rooted in their country’s culture and stun audience members with not only the garment’s beauty, but also the creativity and craftsmanship in their nation.
Miss Universe Nepal, Anshika Sharma’s costume was strikingly full of elements that symbolised Nepal.
Anshika Sharma brought a model of the Himalayan mountains, which is most famous for Mt. Everest. Additionally, she had strings of prayer flags that are often found along the climb coming out on the sides of her costume.
4. Miss Universe Myanmar wins national costume competition
A must-see portion of the Miss Universe pageant, the national costume round never fails to dazzle. Although, this year the winner’s costume was simple in comparison to others.
The message she chose to broadcast, however, earned her a win: Miss Universe Myanmar, Thuzar Wint Lwin used the star-studded pageant to signal the turmoil her nation is facing.
The Myanmar representative further elaborated to the New York Times, “They [the regime] are killing our people like animals.”
5. Miss Singapore addresses hate crimes against the Asian community
Adding to the list of political statements made during the national costume competition is Miss Universe Singapore, Bernadette Belle Wu Ong.
Her costume was designed with the colours of the Singaporean flag. According to the National Heritage Board, the red is said to symbolise the equality of man with white representing purity.
Her costume also featured “STOP ASIAN HATE” prominently on the cape that trailed behind her.
Screenshot: @missuniverse.sg
While international media and netizens praised Miss Universe Singapore for speaking out against hate crimes against the Asian population, there are some who criticised her for “ignoring” the issues in her own nation.
6. Miss Universe Philippines found an ally in Miss Universe 2018
Also facing criticism for her national costume is Rabiya Mateo, Miss Universe Philippines.
Rabiya Mateo dazzled thousands of viewers with her national costume that was inspired by the Philippines flag. However, Rappler reported that netizens were unhappy with the fact that the representative did not wear the headdress that was originally part of the costume.
Miss Universe Philippines mentioned that the headdress was difficult to keep on in an apology to fans – Rabiya Mateo further stated that she cut her finger in the process of trying to keep the headdress on.
Image credit: @catrionauniverse via Rappler
Former Miss Universe Philippines and winner of Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray was quick to come to Rabiya Mateo’s rescue.
7. Louis Fonsi serenades Top 5 finalists
For the “Final Look” portion of the competition, the Top 5 Miss Universe finalists were serenaded by Luis Fonsi.
TBH the performance looked like a scene out of Miss Congeniality, and the “Despacito” singer’s vocals only added to the pageant’s glamour.
Image credit: Best HQ Wallpapers
8. Arden Cho from Teen Wolf was part of the panel
For those of you wondering why one of the judges looked extra familiar, it’s because she’s no other than Arden Cho a.k.a Kira from Teen Wolf.
After leaving the popular show, Arden Cho has been dabbling in acting, singing and even acting as CEO of lifestyle brand, Leonard & Church. The multi-talented actress has also been speaking at events that encourage society’s youth to follow their passions, as written on Miss Universe.
A taste of normalcy for the world
For the past year and a half, we’ve had to completely restructure international travel. Global summits have been moved online, as well as concerts and other in-person events.
The Miss Universe competition offered all of us a taste of normalcy, beauty and grace.
What are your thoughts on this year’s pageant? Share them with us in the comments.
Cover images adapted from: @missuniverse.sg (Left), @andremezamx (Centre), Djazairy (Right)
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