MEXICO CITY — The title of Miss Universe has been awarded to Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark.
Kjaer, who is known for her advocacy in animal protection and has a career in the diamond industry, triumphed over contenders including Miss Nigeria in the 73rd edition of the prestigious event, held in Mexico City. Miss Mexico earned the third spot in the competition.
This achievement marks a historic moment, as it is the first occasion that a representative from Denmark has claimed the Miss Universe crown.
The vibrant pageant took place at the Mexico City Arena, a venue that accommodates up to 20,000 spectators. Supporters from various nations filled the venue, enthusiastically cheering and waving flags to show their support.
The festivities kicked off with the performance of 131 mariachi musicians accompanied by singer Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas, who delivered a rendition of “Mexicana,” a song specifically composed for the event by Emilio Estefan.
The gala was emceed by a star-studded lineup, featuring Mario López, Olivia Culpo (Miss Universe 2012), presenter Zuri Hall, and Catriona Gray (Miss Universe 2018).
Organizers reported that over 120 contestants participated this year, showcasing a diverse array of talents and cultures.
Notably, several countries made their debut in the competition, including Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova, and Uzbekistan.
Mexico has twice before hosted the Miss Universe pageant, marking this as the third occasion.