The highs and lows of Miss Universe 2024 coronation night
Miss Universe, one of the most anticipated pageants in the world, has finally concluded with Victoria Klaer Theilvig of Denmark being hailed as this year’s winner.
The 73rd edition of the pageant saw 125 delegates from around the globe, the largest number of candidates yet in the pageant’s history. The organization also introduced a new format, which included naming four continental queens apart from the winner and runner-ups.
On Sunday, Nov. 17 (Philippine time), Theilvig of Denmark made history as the first Miss Universe winner in her home country.
Philippines' Chelsea Manalo, meanwhile, finished in the Top 30 and was named the Miss Universe – Asia after the event.
If you’re still on the Miss Universe hype, let’s take a look back at this year’s pageant highlights, most specifically its highs and lows.
HIGH: Timely program flow
Despite the large number of delegates, this year’s pageant didn’t take much time and went smoothly. It had around five to 10-minute breaks before shifting to different segments. This helped the audience process and give their reactions on social media.
It was also good that there were few or no dead air moments, perfectly capturing and keeping with the audience’s excitement to the announcement of winners.
LOW: Brief exposure for Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios’ final walk
Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, who made history by becoming the first Miss Universe winner in her country, was given brief airtime for her final walk.
In marking the end of her reign, the beauty queen wore a white, ruffled balloon gown with a classic hair updo, wearing the Mouawad “Force for Good” crown.
During her segment, she looked back on her reign from last year’s coronation and gave a final empowering message to women.
“Thank you for choosing me as your People queen, because when you are chosen as Miss Universe, you will never stop being Miss Universe. Women from all over the world, remember [to] make your voice heard, I believe in the change that you can make. Remember, we’re women, there are no limits,” she said.
However, the special moment didn’t get the attention it deserved; There was no spotlight, and she just had a brief final walk compared to past winners.
HIGH: Denmark and Nigeria made it to the podium for the first time in decades
Carl de Souza / AFP
This year’s Top 5 finalists did not have the usual powerhouse countries but instead saw countries that made it to the podium for the first time—namely Nigeria which marked its first-ever, and Denmark, ending their 61-year drought.
Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina was named the first runner-up and Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, while Victoria Klaer Theilvig of Denmark clinched the most coveted crown. She will be the first to wear the Filipino-crafted “Light of Infinity” crown.
Apart from winning the title, Theilvig will also bring home the perks of worldwide traveling, a one-year supply of Miss Universe cosmetics, luxury jewelry, a Bulova watch, and being a host of the first-ever Miss Universe travel show.
LOW: Not announcing special awards, four continental queens, and the next host country
This year’s coronation did not highlight special awards, including best evening gown, best swimsuit, and best national costume winners.
Also, there was no special moment on stage for the four continental queens, who were only awarded after the competition.
Manalo who finished in the Top 30, was named the Miss Universe Asia. She will join Theilvig on some of her trips and travel to Asian countries, including Thailand and Palawan in the Philippines.
Completing the set of queens are Nigeria's Adetshina, Finland's Matilda Wirtavuori, and Peru's Tati Calmell who were named continental queens for Africa & Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, respectively.
This year's pageant also did not announce the next host country for 2025.
HIGH: Catriona Gray as backstage commentator
Apart from respective bets and performers, what made watching Miss Universe more enjoyable were the backstage commentators.
Miss Universe 2018 winner Catriona Gray was one of the most anticipated presences at the event. Her fun commentary and expressions helped the audience process and keep interest between breaks. She was joined by American TV personality Zuri Hall this year.
