First Dane Crowned Miss Universe Amid Changing Rules
Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark made history as the first Danish woman to win the prestigious Miss Universe title. The 21-year-old, a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, triumphed over more than 120 contestants in Mexico City on Saturday night. Her victory comes amidst historic changes to the competition’s rules, which continue to stir debate.
Theilvig’s Memorable Night
Theilvig received the tiara from reigning titleholder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, a moment met with loud applause from her fellow contestants. Her final answer during the question round resonated with both judges and the audience. When asked how she would live differently if free from judgment, she confidently replied, “I wouldn’t change anything; I live by each day.”
A Night of Glamour and Challenges
The competition kicked off with a flamboyant national costume showcase and intense preliminary rounds. From over 120 participants, only 30 advanced to the semifinals, parading in swimwear before 12 were selected for the evening gown round. In her closing remarks, Theilvig encouraged viewers to “keep fighting … no matter where you come from.”
“I’m here to make history,” she said. “Tonight, I’ve done just that.”
A Diverse and Groundbreaking Top Five
The final five contestants included Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria, who finished as the first runner-up, and Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico, the second runner-up. Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela rounded out the top five. Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother, became the first in the pageant’s history to reach the top five after the competition lifted its ban on mothers and women aged over 28.
This year marked a turning point for the pageant. More than 20 finalists exceeded the previously enforced age limit, including Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, the first woman in her 40s to compete in the finale. These changes follow widespread calls to modernize the event.
Rising Tensions and Controversies
The lead-up to this year’s finale was not without drama. Some national-level pageants faced controversies, particularly in South Africa, where Adetshina withdrew amid xenophobic backlash before later representing Nigeria. In Nicaragua, the director of the local pageant, Karen Celebertti, resigned following charges of conspiracy and treason. Neither Celebertti nor the Nicaraguan government provided comments on the accusations.
A Changing Miss Universe
The Miss Universe Organization has implemented several reforms in recent years. The removal of age and marital restrictions marks a significant shift, signaling a move towards inclusivity. This year also saw the participation of countries like Cuba, Belarus, Eritrea, and the UAE for the first time. However, Saudi Arabia’s reported debut did not materialize, with the organization labeling earlier claims as “false and misleading.”
Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s historic win highlights the evolving face of Miss Universe. Her journey from Denmark to the global stage underscores resilience and ambition. As the competition embraces diversity and inclusivity, it also faces challenges in maintaining its legacy. Theilvig’s win is not just a personal triumph but a milestone in the history of the pageant, sparking discussions about its future.
This new era for Miss Universe may redefine beauty standards worldwide. Will the changes bring unity or spark further debate? Only time will tell.
