Introduction.
Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios crowned Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador.
Sheynnis Palacios, a 23-year-old model and environmental activist from Nicaragua, made history on Saturday night as she became the first woman from her country to win the Miss Universe title. Palacios beat 83 other contestants from around the world in the 72nd edition of the prestigious beauty pageant, held at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Palacios impressed the judges and the audience with her stunning looks, confidence, and intelligence throughout the competition. She wore a dazzling silver gown with a high slit and a plunging neckline for the final look, and answered a question about the role of social media in society. She said that social media can be a powerful tool for positive change, but also a source of misinformation and hate. She urged people to use social media responsibly and to verify the sources of the information they consume.
Palacios received the coveted crown from her predecessor, R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States, who won the title in 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gabriel congratulated Palacios on her achievement and welcomed her to the Miss Universe family. Palacios also received a sash, a bouquet of flowers, and a cash prize of $250,000. She will now embark on a year-long reign as Miss Universe, during which she will travel the world and advocate for various causes, such as environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and education.
The first runner-up of the pageant was Miss Thailand, Chalisa Maneechote, a 24-year-old actress and singer. She dazzled the crowd with her red and gold national costume, inspired by the Thai goddess of dawn. She also gave a heartfelt answer to a question about mental health, saying that she would use her platform to raise awareness and support for people who suffer from depression and anxiety.
The second runner-up was Miss India, Shweta Sharda, a 23-year-old model and dancer from Chandigarh. She wore a stunning blue and gold lehenga, a traditional Indian outfit, for the national costume round, and showcased her classical dance skills in the talent round. She also spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world, saying that she would promote the values of tolerance and respect for different cultures and beliefs.
The other finalists in the top five were Miss Brazil, Gabriela Gomes, and Miss Philippines, Maria Isabela Galeria. The top 10 also included Miss Colombia, Miss France, Miss Jamaica, Miss Mexico, and Miss South Africa. The top 20 also featured Miss Australia, Miss Canada, Miss Costa Rica, Miss Denmark, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Egypt, Miss Ireland, Miss Peru, Miss Spain, and Miss Venezuela.
The other finalists in the top five were Miss Brazil, Gabriela Gomes, and Miss Philippines, Maria Isabela Galeria. The top 10 also included Miss Colombia, Miss France, Miss Jamaica, Miss Mexico, and Miss South Africa. The top 20 also featured Miss Australia, Miss Canada, Miss Costa Rica, Miss Denmark, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Egypt, Miss Ireland, Miss Peru, Miss Spain, and Miss Venezuela.
The pageant was hosted by Jeannie Mai and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, along with Maria Menounos. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall also served as backstage correspondents. John Legend performed in the pageant, singing his hit songs “All of Me” and “Love Me Now”.
The pageant was broadcast live on The Roku Channel, Telemundo, Canal 2, YouTube, and other international channels, reaching millions of viewers around the world. The pageant also offered a “Hello Universe” travel package, allowing fans to experience the beauty of El Salvador and the pageant itself.
The pageant was held in El Salvador for the second time, after hosting it in 1975. The choice of El Salvador was met with criticism by some human rights groups and activists, who accused the Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele of using the pageant as a distraction from the country’s ongoing state of emergency amid the gang crackdown and the economic crisis. However, the Miss Universe Organization and the Salvadoran government defended the hosting, saying that it was an opportunity to showcase the country’s culture, tourism, and development.
The Miss Universe pageant is one of the most prestigious and influential beauty contests in the world, founded in 1952 by the American clothing company Pacific Mills. The pageant aims to empower women to be confident, compassionate, and impactful leaders in their communities and beyond. The pageant also supports various charitable causes, such as Smile Train, Best Buddies, and AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
