Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark has made history by winning the title of Miss Universe 2024, marking the first time a Dane has claimed this prestigious crown. The 21-year-old, who is not only a competitive dancer but also an entrepreneur and law student, triumphed over more than 120 rivals at the event held in Mexico City.
As she gratefully accepted the tiara from the outgoing titleholder, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the audience erupted in applause. The glamorous finale included a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was co-hosted by Mario Lopez, a star from “Saved by the Bell,” alongside former Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo.
The selection process this year began with contestants being whittled down to a final 30, following a preliminary event that showcased a vibrant national costume contest. Semi-finalists paraded in swimwear, creating a seamless transition to the evening gown round, where 12 were selected to compete.
In the final segment, the top five contestants faced serious questions about leadership and resilience. When Theilvig was asked how she would change her life if judgment ceased to exist, she confidently stated her commitment to living authentically, declaring, “I live by each day.” Encouraging the audience to persist despite their origins, she emphasized the importance of creating change, saying, “I stand here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight.”
Chidimma Adetshina from Nigeria was named the first runner-up, while Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico earned the second runner-up position. Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza from Venezuela rounded out the top five, with Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother, receiving notable recognition as she was the first mother to break into the top five following recent rule changes by the competition.
This year’s event was particularly groundbreaking, as it allowed women over 28 and mothers to compete for the first time in the 72-year history of Miss Universe. This shift in policy aligns with ongoing discussions to modernize the pageant, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. Many finalists were older than in previous years, including Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, who became the first woman in her 40s to compete in the grand finale.
Amidst the celebrations, some national contests faced controversies, such as the Miss Universe South Africa, where Adetshina left her previous competition due to nationality disputes. Additionally, the director of the Miss Universe Nicaragua pageant resigned following serious accusations related to political conspiracies shortly after the previous winner was crowned.
Overall, Theilvig’s win not only represents a personal victory but also signifies a broader change within the Miss Universe organization, embracing diversity and a more inclusive vision for the future of beauty pageants.
In summary, Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s historic win as Miss Universe 2024 signifies not only her personal achievements but also a transformative moment for the pageant, which is evolving to become more inclusive of participants of all ages and backgrounds. The changes initiated by the Miss Universe Organization reflect a commendable shift towards embracing a broader definition of beauty and empowerment.