In a dazzling display of beauty, grace, and intellect, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua emerged as the victor in the highly anticipated 2023 Miss Universe pageant held in San Salvador, El Salvador, on Saturday night. The event showcased the prowess of contestants from 84 countries, each vying for the coveted title in a competition judged by a distinguished panel.
The competition was fierce, with contestants participating in various segments, including the swimsuit round, evening gown round, and rounds of thought-provoking Q&A sessions. The preliminary competition results, combined with a global fan vote, determined the top 20 semi-finalists. From there, the field was narrowed down to 10 after the swimsuit round and further reduced to five following the evening gown segment.
Remarkably, the semi-finals featured significant moments of diversity and representation. Miss Nepal made history as the first “curvy” contestant to reach the semi-finals, breaking traditional beauty standards. Additionally, Miss Pakistan made a groundbreaking choice by wearing a burkini during the swimsuit round, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and cultural diversity in beauty pageants.
As the competition unfolded, the top five finalists were revealed: Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, Anntonia Porsild of Thailand, Moraya Wilson of Australia, Camila Avella of Colombia, and Karla Guilfú of Puerto Rico. The final round saw these exceptional women engaging in thought-provoking questions that aimed to showcase their intelligence, awareness, and personality.
In a defining moment of the evening, Palacios was asked about a historical figure she would choose to spend a day in the life of. Her response showcased depth and admiration for the 18th-century British philosopher and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. Palacios praised Wollstonecraft for breaking boundaries and providing opportunities for women, emphasizing that there are no limitations for women in today’s world.
As the confetti fell and cheers erupted, Sheynnis Palacios was crowned the 2023 Miss Universe, marking her place in history as the epitome of beauty, intelligence, and empowerment. Palacios’ journey to the crown was not only a personal triumph but also a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the breaking of stereotypes within the realm of beauty pageants.
The first runner-up, Anntonia Porsild of Thailand, demonstrated exceptional poise and beauty throughout the competition, adding to the global celebration of diverse representations of beauty. The second runner-up, Moraya Wilson of Australia, also left a lasting impression with her grace and charm.
The top five finalists, including Camila Avella of Colombia and Karla Guilfú of Puerto Rico, showcased the incredible talent and charisma that defined this year’s Miss Universe pageant. Spain’s Athenea Pérez, a member of the top 10, was honored with the title of Miss Congeniality, adding a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the competition.
Sheynnis Palacios’ victory not only symbolizes a personal achievement but also sends a powerful message about the evolving standards of beauty and the importance of embracing diversity in the definition of global beauty. As the newly crowned Miss Universe, Palacios is poised to embark on a journey that goes beyond the crown, advocating for positive change, empowerment, and inclusivity on the world stage.