Mexico City: Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old from Denmark, made history by becoming the first Dane to win the Miss Universe title. Theilvig, a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, triumphed over more than 120 contestants at the 73rd annual beauty pageant held in Mexico City.
Amid cheers and applause, Theilvig accepted the tiara from Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, the reigning Miss Universe. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized resilience and the power of pursuing change, urging viewers to “keep fighting … no matter where you come from.”
The glitzy finale, hosted by Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke. Contestants were narrowed down to 30 semi-finalists after a preliminary event that included a vibrant national costume contest. The top 12 showcased evening gowns before the final five faced questions about leadership, resilience, and personal values.
Theilvig’s answer to how she would live without fear of judgment resonated deeply: “I live by each day,” she said, underscoring her authenticity and confidence.
Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria finished as the first runner-up, while Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico took the second runner-up spot. Rounding out the top five were Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela. Pedroza made history as the first mother to reach the top five since the competition lifted restrictions on age, marital status, and motherhood.
This year marked significant milestones for Miss Universe. For the first time in its 72-year history, the competition allowed women over the age of 28 to participate, with Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, in her 40s, making it to the finals. The rule changes have been part of the Miss Universe Organization’s broader efforts to modernize and embrace inclusivity.
The 2024 competition also welcomed first-time participants from countries including Belarus, Eritrea, and the UAE. Notably, Marianela Ancheta represented Cuba, returning to the pageant for the first time since 1967.
Despite its celebratory tone, the build-up to this year’s contest saw controversies, including xenophobic backlash surrounding Adetshina’s initial representation of South Africa. She later competed for Nigeria, achieving a remarkable runner-up finish.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s victory not only signifies a historic achievement for Denmark but also highlights the evolving ethos of Miss Universe — celebrating diversity, resilience, and the empowerment of women worldwide.
