San Salvador. A historic crown for Nicaragua. Beauty queen Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on the night of this Saturday, November 18th.
From the beginning of the beauty contest, Miss Nicaragua was the great favorite of the public and the experts and during the evening, which took place at the José Adolfo Pineda National High School in San Salvador (El Salvador), she convinced the jury with both catwalks, as well as the answers to the Questions they asked him.
The new beauty pageant ambassador was born on May 31, 2000, is 23 years old and originally from Managua.
Palacios beat contestant from Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, who emerged as the first finalist; while Moraya Wilson, Miss Australia, was the second runner-up.
Sheynnis, who studied mass communications, has a long history as a model. She started in this world when she was a 15 year old teenager.
Before she was announced as the winner, she answered two questions from the judges. The first of these related to his qualities that inspire others. Sheynnis assured that it is “humility and learning to be grateful for the little things, where the most valuable thing is the essence of humanity.”
Later they asked her if she could lie in the feet of another woman, who would it be? The Nicaraguan beauty queen referenced Mary Wollstonecraft. “She was the first woman to violate women’s rights, so I would do everything to eliminate the pay gap so that women can work because there are no limits for women,” she said.
READ MORE: Miss Nicaragua talks about her popularity at Miss Universe: “We broke a barrier in my country”
The Miss Universe 2023 finale jury that chose Palacios included Halima Aden, Mario Bautista, Giselle Blondet, Janelle Commissiong, Nadia Ferreira, Avani Gregg, Carson Kressley, Connie Mariano, Iris Mittenaere, Denise White and Sweta Patel.
The Miss Universe competition: a report
Miss Universe collected emotions, tears and surprises in a three-hour gala. After the presentation of the 84 candidates, Olivia Culpo, Jeannie Mai and Maria Menounos appeared on stage promptly at 7 p.m. to announce the 20 finalists – the top 20 – of the competition.
The beauty queens were selected after the preliminary competition, where they appeared in evening dresses and swimsuits. The other “litmus test” the jury considered was the interview that took place a few days before the finale.
The representative of Nicaragua was chosen first, followed by Spain, Puerto Rico, Namibia and Venezuela. The list continued with beauty queens from India, Thailand, Chile, Jamaica and the United States. Then followed Nepal, Peru, Cameroon, Colombia, Pakistan, Australia, the Philippines, Portugal, South Africa and finally with the representative of the host country, El Salvador.
Not on the list was the name of Lisbeth Valverde, Miss Costa Rica, who was one of the audience’s favorites from the start of the beauty pageant due to her body and personality.
The disappointment was huge. “I want to tell you that I gave it my absolute all, and yes, I’m sad, but I want you to be sure that I gave it my all, and I’m happy about that too… I gave it my all, I did “What was in my power.” . I am sure more opportunities will open up for me. It hurts me. It’s too tiring and sacrificial. It is very difficult. Is a reality. I gave everything, my little ones… absolutely everything,” Valverde said through tears.
Despite his sadness, Valverde showed that he is strong and “the show must go on.”
After she presented her runway in a swimsuit, the judges reduced the group of 20 by half. Candidates from Puerto Rico, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Nicaragua, Philippines, El Salvador, Venezuela, Australia and Spain made this top 10.
With John Legend dressed all in white and playing the piano at the back of the stage, the evening wear competition began. The 10 finalists walked the catwalk and showed off their elegance to convince the judges that they deserved a place among the five chosen.
Australia, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Thailand and Colombia were selected to continue in the competition. The five beauty queens had to answer questions on topics related to values, inclusion and life, among other things.
The event ended with Mexico being named the host country of Miss Universe 2024.