Miss Universe 2023: Pioneering Pageantry, Progressive Beauty
The 2023 Miss Universe pageant delivered history-making moments and bold changes toward inclusivity and modern relevance.
The 72nd Miss Universe pageant, held on November 18, 2023, in San Salvador, El Salvador, marked a transformative moment in the world of global pageantry. This year’s contest wasn’t just about beauty—it was a reflection of monumental shifts in inclusivity, representation, leadership, and the very purpose of pageant culture itself.
The Crown Goes to Nicaragua: A Historic Moment
For the first time in history, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua seized the Miss Universe crown. Her win represented more than personal triumph; it signaled the rise of new voices in a space traditionally dominated by familiar countries. The pageant’s finale saw Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild crowned first runner-up and Australia’s Moraya Wilson as second runner-up, underscoring the international diversity of top contenders.
- Date: November 18, 2023
- Location: Gimnasio Nacional José Adolfo Pineda, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Winner: Sheynnis Palacios (Nicaragua)
- First Runner-Up: Anntonia Porsild (Thailand)
- Second Runner-Up: Moraya Wilson (Australia)
Progressive Pageantry: Inclusivity Redefined
Miss Universe 2023 shattered conventions, championing a new, inclusive model for international beauty contests. The event welcomed participants with backgrounds previously excluded from major pageants.
- Firsts Achieved:
- Married women and mothers competed for the first time in decades, including Camila Avella of Colombia, Michelle Cohn of Guatemala, and Lorena Santen of Switzerland.
- Transgender representation expanded, with Rikkie Kollé from the Netherlands and Marina Machete of Portugal joining the lineup after the precedent set by Ángela Ponce (Spain) in 2018.
- Body diversity took center stage as Jane Dipika Garrett became the first plus-size delegate from Nepal.
- Geographic milestones: Erica Robin marked Pakistan’s debut as the country’s first-ever representative, along with historic placements by Portugal and Nepal.
This year’s contestants not only reflected the evolving landscape of beauty but challenged the world’s perception of who belongs on the Miss Universe stage.
New Leadership, New Vision: Anne JKN’s Impact
With Thai billionaire and transgender activist Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip at the helm, the Miss Universe Organization underwent critical changes. Anne’s personal journey informed the pageant’s new ethos, emphasizing celebration, empowerment, and authenticity among all women.
- New rules: Contestants could select their own swimsuit and gown styles, including capes decorated with art representative of their home countries.
- No eliminations during the swimsuit round: This shift steered the focus away from the male gaze and placed greater weight on individuality and national pride.
The organization also provided more broadcast time for delegate stories, emphasizing inner qualities alongside outward beauty. Anne’s leadership pushed the platform to deliver not only entertainment but meaningful resources on health, confidence, careers, and personal growth for its large female audience.
Format Changes: Embracing Substance Over Surface
One of the most notable updates this year was the revised competition structure. Preliminary interviews counted for 50% of scores, with swimsuit and gown rounds each holding 25%. This gave greater weight to personality, advocacy, and public speaking abilities over aesthetic criteria.
What others are reading
| Segment | Percentage of Score |
|---|---|
| Interview | 50% |
| Swimsuit | 25% |
| Gown | 25% |
This meant that contestants’ voices and perspectives had greater influence on their advancement.
- Swimsuit round: Contestants wore capes featuring their own country’s artwork, moving focus from body scrutiny to creative expression.
- Gown round: A showcase of elegance and cultural symbolism.
Ratings, Reach, and Commercial Impact
The business side of Miss Universe received a strong boost. The pageant achieved record-setting engagement, particularly across digital and broadcast platforms.
- Telemundo delivered 122 million total engagements, setting a new record for an entertainment event in the network’s history.
- Global streaming and live broadcasts spanned 125 countries, growing the Miss Universe brand’s reach by 430.7% and interaction rates by 462.9%.
The strategic focus on crowning a Latina or Thai winner was seen as an effort to appeal to commercial markets and generate international interest, validating the Miss Universe Organization’s business vision.
Memorable Moments & Behind-the-Scenes Stories
- Hosts: Jeannie Mai, Olivia Culpo (Miss Universe 2012), and Maria Menounos provided enthusiastic coverage, highlighting their passion for pageantry.
- Contestant experiences: Many delegates, including historic newcomers, expressed gratitude for the platform’s new direction and for being able to showcase their personal values and cultural heritage.
- Clarisse Designs: The contestant wardrobe was praised for balancing glamour with comfort and expression.
Backstage, the competition was fierce, yet many contestants voiced appreciation for the more supportive and representative environment compared to earlier years.
Controversies and Challenges
The celebration of progress was not without its obstacles. Notable controversies surrounding some national franchises—especially in Indonesia—led to significant debate.
- Franchise disputes changed the selection process for a handful of countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Allegations regarding inappropriate “body checks” surfaced, prompting investigations and criticism about organizational oversight.
These episodes highlighted the need for improved standards and transparency in preliminary national events. The Miss Universe Organization responded by reinforcing their commitment to safety and fairness.
Global Diversity in the Spotlight
Miss Universe 2023 celebrated remarkable firsts in international placement:
- Cameroon earned its first-ever placement.
- Pakistan made the semifinals on its debut appearance.
- Portugal and Nepal also reached new competitive heights.
These achievements reflected changing beauty standards and the broadening appeal of the competition.
Notable Delegates Who Missed the Top
Despite strong favorites and impressive credentials, certain high-profile delegates did not place as expected—including Mexico, Dominican Republic, Curaçao, France, Zimbabwe, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago.
- Mexico: Despite being next year’s host country and producing past notable titleholders, Mexico’s candidate faced challenges including franchise leadership changes.
- Other nations faced their own hurdles, displaying how unpredictable and competitive the new Miss Universe format has become.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
This year’s pageant proved that beauty contests can be more than spectacle—they can shape and reflect cultural narratives. With new rules, broader representation, and a commitment to championing multidimensional women, Miss Universe 2023 set a new standard for future competitions.
- Advocacy: Delegates advanced causes beyond beauty—mental health, education, inclusivity, and national pride received significant attention.
- Empowerment: The platform encouraged contestants to show up authentically, integrating self-expression with pageant tradition.
Key Takeaways from Miss Universe 2023
- Diversity and inclusion were more than buzzwords—they underpinned every aspect of the competition.
- Modern leadership ensures the event remains relevant and empowering for today’s global audience.
- The impact of contestant stories and advocacy outgrew the traditional focus on appearance.
- Miss Universe’s global platform continues to expand, setting records and influencing international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who won Miss Universe 2023?
A: Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua won the title, marking Nicaragua’s first-ever victory at Miss Universe.
Q: What were the major changes at Miss Universe 2023?
A: The pageant welcomed married women, mothers, plus-size and transgender delegates, allowed custom swimsuit styles, and increased focus on inner qualities through interviews.
Q: Why is inclusivity important for Miss Universe?
A: Inclusivity redefines global beauty standards, empowers diverse women, and broadens the competition’s relevance and impact.
Q: What controversies emerged this year?
A: Franchise changes and alleged misconduct in national preliminaries, notably Indonesia, led to investigations and increased scrutiny.
Q: Who directed Miss Universe 2023?
A: Thai billionaire Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, a transgender activist, became the organization’s owner and implemented major changes.
Reflection
Miss Universe 2023 demonstrated that the future of pageantry is dynamic, inclusive, and connected to the broader social conversation about what beauty and womanhood mean today. As new leaders step in and reforms take hold, the competition continues to challenge, inspire, and expand its influence well beyond themed stages and glamorous crowns.
References
- https://sashesandscripts.wordpress.com/2023/11/25/miss-universe-2023-the-ultimate-final-honest-review/
- https://www.tpmum.com/uni23th.html
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a44918547/anne-jkn-miss-universe-change/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/cosmo/maya-aboul-hosn-miss-universe-2023
- https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-universe-women-competing-in-pageant-2023-11
- https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/8/29/ex-miss-universe-president-paula-shugart-to-judge-miss-cosmo-international-1912
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