Miss Universe Rocks the Planet

Miss Universe rocked the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel stage in South Florida as Andrea Meza of Mexico captured the illustrious title

 

Finally, after a seventeen-month Covid-19 induced pause, the 74 worldwide delegates ventured to Hollywood East (Hollywood, FL) in search of the 2020 Miss Universe crown, title, and universal accolades. As the longest reigning Miss Universe in history, Zozibini Tunzi would crown her successor following the 69th Miss Universe competition, broadcast from the famous guitar shaped Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Hosted by pageant emcee veteran Mario Lopez and Miss Universe 2012 and Instagram influencer, actress and model Olivia Culpo, with commentary from Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh (Nel-Peters) Tebow, and Extra correspondent Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst also providing expert analysis, the interminable wait for Miss Universe’s return to the stage was at its conclusion.

With the exciting worldwide delegate introduction opening the show, Miss Universe 2020 quickly announced the top 21, yes 21, semi-finalists who would command the stage in the final quest of the crown. The twenty-one semi-finalists were: Miss Colombia Laura Olascuaga, Miss Peru Janick Maceta del Castillo, Miss Australia Maria Thattil, Miss France Amandine Petit, Miss Myanmar Thuzar Wint Lwin, Miss Jamaica Miqueal-Symone Williams, Miss Mexico Andrea Meza, Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez, Miss USA Asya Branch, Miss Indonesia Ayu Maulida Putri, Miss Argentina Alina Luz Akselrad, Miss India Adline Castelino, Miss Curacao Chantal Wiertz, Miss Puerto Rico Estefania Soto Torres, Miss Philippines Rabiya Mateo, Miss Brazil Julia Gama, Miss Great Britain Jeanette Akua, Miss Nicaragua Ana Marcelo, Miss Thailand Amanda Obdam, Miss Costa Rica Ivonne Cerdas, and Miss Vietnam Khanh Van Nguyen Tran. These twenty-one ambitious women, after overcoming the worldwide pandemic travel restrictions and on-location Miss Universe safety protocols, would embark on a night to remember. If there was any thought the universal lockdown would have the pandemic pounds effect, the delegates defied conventional wisdom in an electrifying, confident display of a healthy and fit lifestyle in the Swimsuit Competition. The country representatives advancing to the Miss Universe Top 10 were Jamaica, Dominican Republic, India, Peru, Australia, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil.

Glamour, poise, and confidence are the trademarks of the contestant and fan favorite competition, Evening Gown. It is a universal proclamation of sophistication, and the Miss Universe stage shined in its elegance. However, the Evening Gown Parade would narrow the remaining ten delegates to a Top 5 who would advance to the Final Question Round.

The final five advancing and their final questions (paraphrased) were: Miss Mexico, “How would you have handled the Covid-19 pandemic as leader of your country?” Miss India, “Should countries lock down despite the strain on their economies or should they open their borders and risk an increase in infections?” Miss Brazil, “Convince the countries believing women cannot be strong world leaders that they are wrong.” Miss Dominican Republic, “How would you teach leadership to young girls as Miss Universe?” Miss Peru, “What would you say to women currently experiencing sexual or domestic abuse?” As a global ambassador, Miss Universe will frequently address such current and potentially divisive events, and each one answered succinctly with confidence and conviction. Their answers proved these women can face the scrutiny of the press and speak knowledgeably on a variety of subjects.

The Final Statement Round was the last opportunity for the Top 5 to impress their unique qualifications for Miss Universe upon the Miss Universe Selection Committee. Each one would speak for thirty seconds on a specific subject. Which qualified woman had risen to the title of Miss Universe 2020? The votes were tallied and the results announced: 4th Runner-up Miss Dominican Republic, 3rd Runner-up Miss India, and 2nd Runner-up Miss Peru. With the proclamation of Miss Universe 2020, Miss Brazil was recognized as 1st Runner-up, and for the third time in Miss Universe history, Miss Mexico had captured the crown and title of Miss Universe.

 

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