Victoria Kjær Theilvig made history as Denmark’s first-ever Miss Universe winner, while Chidimma Adetshina’s remarkable journey from controversy to runner-up captivated audiences worldwide at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition in Mexico City.
Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo hosted the glittering finale on November 16, 2024, where more than 120 contestants competed for the prestigious crown. The evening featured entertainment by Robin Thicke and showcased groundbreaking changes in the pageant’s rules.
A Victory For Change
Theilvig, the 21-year-old Danish beauty, captured the judges’ hearts with her authenticity and powerful message. When asked about living without judgment, she stated confidently, “I live by each day.” “I stand here today because I want a change; I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight,” sealed the competitive dancer and aspiring lawyer’s winning moment.
Breaking Barriers
The 2024 Competition Marked Several Historic Firsts:
- The age restriction for contestants over 28 has been removed.
- Inclusion of mothers and married women
- Malta’s Beatrice Njoya became the first contestant in her 40s to reach the finals.
- Cuba is returning to the competition after a 57-year absence.
The Top Five Finalists Included:
- Victoria Kjær Theilvig (Denmark): winner
- Chidimma Adetshina (Nigeria)—First Runner-up
- Maria Fernanda Beltran (Mexico)—Second Runner-Up
- Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand)
- Ileana Marquez Pedroza (Venezuela)
Nigerian Pride: A Journey Of Resilience
The competition’s most compelling story belonged to First Runner-up Chidimma Adetshina, whose path to the crown was anything but traditional. Originally a Miss South Africa contestant, Adetshina faced xenophobic abuse due to her Nigerian heritage. After South African authorities questioned her nationality documents, she found a new path through the Miss Nigeria pageant.
“I’m so proud of myself, and I just made history,” Adetshina shared after the competition. Her achievement marks the highest placement for a Black African woman since Zozibini Tunzi’s victory in 2019. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote, “To Nigeria: Thank you is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest.”
Behind The Scenes
The road to the crown wasn’t without controversy. The Miss Universe South Africa competition faced scrutiny over Adetshina’s nationality issues, while Nicaragua’s national director resigned amid political tensions following their 2023 victory.
Despite these challenges, the pageant showcased its evolution into a more inclusive and modern platform. The competition featured stunning evening gowns, swimwear presentations, and thought-provoking Q&A sessions that highlighted the contestants’ intelligence and poise.
As the curtain fell on this historic night, Theilvig accepted her crown from outgoing Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, marking the beginning of her reign and a new chapter in Miss Universe history. The competition proved that beauty pageants continue to evolve, embracing diversity and breaking traditional barriers while celebrating global unity and individual achievements.
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