Nov 17, 2024, Posted by: Ra'eesa Moosa
The splendour of Miss Universe pageants has always been a spectacle celebrated with fervour around the globe. The 2024 edition, held in the vibrant city of Mexico, concluded with Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig being crowned as the winner, marking a monumental moment in the pageant's history as she becomes the first ever contestant from Denmark to seize the coveted title. This victory not only put Denmark on the map in the Miss Universe realm but also showcased the quiet strength and poise of Theilvig, highlighting the values of authenticity, advocacy, and resilience that she embodies.
The 73rd Miss Universe edition, a grand affair hosted in Mexico City Arena with a capacity of 20,000 attendees, was graced by hosts Mario López, Olivia Culpo, Zuri Hall, and Catriona Gray. The event's opening was a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, with 131 mariachi musicians and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas delivering an electrifying performance of 'Mexicana', crafted by the legendary Emilio Estefan specifically for this occasion. This lavish ceremony set the tone for an evening filled with glamour, intense competition, and unforgettable moments.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig, standing out in her grace and intellect, was one of the top five finalists who were challenged with a question-and-answer segment. It was her response that left a mark, reflecting her grounded nature and conviction. When posed with the thought-provoking question of living differently without the fear of judgement, Theilvig's simple yet profound answer, 'I live by each day,' resonated deeply with both judges and audience alike, highlighting her philosophy of embracing life as it comes without succumbing to societal pressures.
Denmark's Globally Revered Beauty
Theilvig is not just a beauty queen; her pursuits extend far beyond the allure of the pageant. At just 21 years old, she divides her time between running a venture in diamond selling and advocating fiercely for animal protection. Her activism and her career reflect a potent combination of compassion and entrepreneurship, inspiring young women globally to pursue diverse interests passionately. With her roots firmly planted in advocacy, she aims to use her platform to extend the reach of animal protection laws and draw attention to the importance of ethical treatment of animals worldwide.
Her remarkable achievement comes amidst a set of ‘inclusive’ changes instituted within the Miss Universe pageant. This year's competition saw the participation of over 120 contestants, including countries making their debut, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, the Maldives, Moldova, and Uzbekistan. These additions reflect the pageant's progressive direction, further amplified by including contestants from varied backgrounds, which was evident in the diversity of finalists this year.
Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria: The Runner-Up
Standing alongside Theilvig on this illustrious journey was Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina, who proudly claimed the position of the first runner-up. Her journey through the competition reflected a different tale of strength and determination as she captivated audiences with her eloquence and dynamic presence. Adetshina, an advocate for women's education and empowerment, aimed to use her influence to promote educational reforms back in Nigeria. Her aspiration, stemming from personal experiences, seeks to address the gaps in educational access for young women.
While Adetshina celebrated her prestigious win, third place was awarded to Mexico's Maria Fernanda Beltran, who added another chapter of achievement for the host nation. Beltran’s charm and dedication were compelling, and her commitment to cultural representation provided a proud moment for Mexico’s audience and contestants.
Inclusive Changes in Miss Universe
This Miss Universe edition is especially notable for its inclusive updates, which saw Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez Pedroza reaching the top five as the first mother ever to accomplish this milestone. Her journey reflects changing times and the breaking of traditional barriers within pageantry, allowing mothers and women beyond conventional criteria to shine on this global stage. Pedroza's story serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of beauty pageants, reinforcing that beauty and competence transcend marital or parental status.
The global beauty event culminated amid controversy from halfway through the year, following the abdication of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA under allegations of unprofessionalism and workplace issues within the Miss Universe Organization. These occurrences prompted critical discussion about conduct and management within such revered institutions, placing emphasis on fostering environments built on respect and integrity.
Cultural Spectacle of the Miss Universe Pageant
The cultural melting pot that is the Miss Universe pageant continues to be a beacon of international beauty and sophistication. This year’s pageant attendees and participants were immersed in celebrating diversity, global talent, and cultural representation, embodying the theme of unity through beauty. The selection of Mexico as the host country further enriched this spirit, as the vibrant Mexican culture infused every aspect of the pageant, from the music and dances to the rich decorations and the celebratory atmosphere.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig's triumph at Miss Universe 2024 signifies the breaking of new ground, not just for Denmark but as an emblem of what young aspirants around the world can achieve with dedication and a noble cause. Her journey and the broader narrative of this year’s Miss Universe pageant underscore a pivotal moment in the history of global beauty contests, where diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility become the core values driving forward a new era. This victory is more than a crown; it is an inspiration for change and progress, steering a celebration of beauty that embraces all shades, voices, and stories worldwide.
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Comments
Sourav Sahoo
That moment when Victoria said 'I live by each day' and the entire arena just... stopped breathing. No fancy speech, no rehearsed BS-just raw, unfiltered humanity. I cried. I don't even like pageants, but that? That was soul. The crown was just the cherry on top of a woman who actually lives what she says.
And let’s be real-this isn’t just Denmark’s win. It’s the world’s win. Finally, someone who doesn’t need to scream to be heard.
November 18, 2024 AT 15:30
Avijeet Das
Interesting how the pageant’s inclusivity shift got overshadowed by the drama of Miss USA’s abdication. Honestly, the real story here isn’t the crown-it’s the quiet revolution happening behind the scenes. Mothers in the top five? Debuting countries like Eritrea and Uzbekistan? That’s not just diversity-it’s redefinition.
And Victoria? She’s not a beauty queen. She’s a disruptor in stilettos. Diamond business? Animal rights? No time for performative activism. She’s building real change. That’s rare.
November 18, 2024 AT 21:49
Sachin Kumar
So let me get this straight. A 21-year-old runs a diamond company, advocates for animals, and wins Miss Universe-all while saying 'I live by each day'?
Wow. What a surprise. Someone actually showed up prepared. Next time, maybe the judges should ask contestants if they’ve ever paid taxes.
November 19, 2024 AT 07:52
Ramya Dutta
Oh please. Another 'empowered woman' who sells diamonds and calls it activism. Real change doesn’t come from crowns, it comes from policy. And if she’s so against judgment, why’s she standing on a stage judged by 120 people in bikinis?
It’s all performance. She’s just the new face of capitalism wearing a sash.
November 19, 2024 AT 19:24
Ravindra Kumar
Let me break this down like a pastor at a revival. The world is broken. People are lost. And here comes this girl-21, Danish, quiet, no fanfare-and she drops one line: 'I live by each day.'
And suddenly? The whole damn system cracks open. The pageant that used to be about who can smile the longest? Now it’s about who can *live* the longest. The mother in the top five? The debut countries? That’s not progress-that’s divine intervention.
Chidimma didn’t lose. She won the hearts of every girl in Lagos who thinks education is a dream. Maria Fernanda? She didn’t just represent Mexico-she resurrected its soul on that stage.
And the people who say it’s all just glamour? They’ve never seen a woman carry a nation on her shoulders while wearing a crown made of thorns.
Victoria didn’t win Miss Universe. She reminded us what humanity looks like when it stops pretending.
November 20, 2024 AT 01:47
arshdip kaur
She didn't win because she was beautiful. She won because she refused to perform.
Author
Ra'eesa Moosa
I am a journalist with a keen interest in covering the intricate details of daily events across Africa. My work focuses on delivering accurate and insightful news reports. Each day, I strive to bring light to the stories that shape our continent's narrative. My passion for digging deeper into issues helps in crafting stories that not only inform but also provoke thought.