Miss Universe facts for kids
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| Type | International women's beauty pageant |
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| Parent organization |
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| Headquarters |
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| First edition | 1952 |
| Most recent edition | 2024 |
| Current titleholder | Victoria Kjær Theilvig Denmark |
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Owners
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CEO
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Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip |
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President
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Raul Rocha Cantú |
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Vice Presidents
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| Language/s | English |
Miss Universe is a big international beauty contest held every year. It's run by the Miss Universe Organization, which has offices in Thailand and Mexico. It's one of the four biggest beauty pageants in the world, along with Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth.
The Miss Universe Organization is currently owned by JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group USA Inc. The pageant aims to support "humanitarian issues" and be "a voice to affect positive change in the world."
The current Miss Universe is Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark. She won the crown on November 16, 2024, in Mexico City, Mexico.
Contents
History of Miss Universe
The name "Miss Universe" was first used in 1926 for a different contest. That contest ended in 1935 because of the Great Depression and events before World War II.
The Miss Universe pageant we know today started in 1952. It was created by Pacific Knitting Mills, a clothing company from California. This company used to sponsor the Miss America pageant. But in 1951, the winner, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose in their swimsuits. So, in 1952, Pacific Knitting Mills started its own contests: Miss USA and Miss Universe.
The very first Miss Universe Pageant was held in Long Beach, California in 1952. It was won by Armi Kuusela from Finland. She gave up her title early to get married. Until 1958, the Miss Universe title was named for the year after the contest. So, Armi Kuusela's title was actually Miss Universe 1953.
The pageant was first shown on TV in 1955. CBS started broadcasting the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants together in 1960. Later, they broadcast them as separate contests starting in 1965. Over the years, different companies owned the pageant.
In 1996, Donald Trump bought the pageant. In 1998, the organization changed its name to the Miss Universe Organization. Its main office moved from Los Angeles to New York City. From 2003 to 2014, the pageant was shown in the United States on NBC.
In 2015, NBC ended its business with Donald Trump. Trump then bought NBC's share, becoming the sole owner. A few days later, he sold the whole company to WME/IMG. After this, Fox and Azteca became the official broadcasters.
On October 26, 2022, a company from Thailand called JKN Global Group bought the Miss Universe Organization. This made Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip the first transgender woman to own the organization. It also meant the main office expanded outside the U.S. Since 2022, The Roku Channel has broadcast the competition in the United States. This was the first time the pageant moved from regular TV to a streaming service.
In late 2023 and early 2024, the president and CEO of the Miss Universe Organization left their roles.
How Contestants are Chosen
To join Miss Universe, a country needs a local company or person to buy the rights to the competition. This fee includes the right to use the pageant's name and brand. Sometimes, these rights are sold to new owners. The number of countries participating changes each year, but it has been steady with over 70 countries since 1989.
Usually, a country chooses its candidate through local and national pageants. Winners from smaller areas compete in a national contest. However, some countries pick their candidate differently. For example, from 2000 to 2004, Australia's representatives were chosen by a modeling agency. Even though this was not usually allowed, Jennifer Hawkins was chosen this way in 2004 and she won the Miss Universe crown! Australia later brought back its national pageant in 2005.
Some new countries that have joined the pageant recently include Cameroon (2020), Bahrain (2021), Bhutan (2022), and Pakistan (2023). Pakistan made history by being the latest newcomer to reach the semifinals in 2023.
There were rumors about Saudi Arabia joining, but the Miss Universe Organization has said this is not true.
Botswana was the most recent country to win Miss Universe in its very first year of competing, with Mpule Kwelagobe in 1999. Nicaragua is the most recent country to win its first Miss Universe title, with Sheynnis Palacios in 2023.
Some countries, like Mozambique, don't participate because of cultural reasons, especially the swimsuit competition. Also, the fees to join can be very high. Still, Miss Universe is very popular in places like the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Countries like the United States, Philippines, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, South Africa, Thailand, and Indonesia have done very well. Only two countries, Canada and France, have been in every Miss Universe pageant since it started in 1952.
Since 2012, openly transgender women have been allowed to compete if they win their national pageants. In 2018, Angela Ponce of Spain became the first openly transgender candidate to compete. In 2019, Myanmar's Swe Zin Htet was the first openly lesbian woman to compete. In 2021, the Philippines' Beatrice Gomez was the first openly bisexual contestant to reach the semifinals. In 2023, Portugal's Marina Machete became the first transgender contestant to reach the semifinals.
Before, the rules said contestants could not be married, have had a marriage ended, or have had children. Winners also had to stay unmarried during their time as Miss Universe. However, in August 2022, the Miss Universe Organization announced that mothers, married women, or pregnant women can now compete. This new rule started in 2023. In 2023, Colombia's Camila Avella became the first mother to reach the semifinals.
Miss Universe has always had a strict minimum age of 18. If a national winner is under 18, she must be replaced by another candidate. In recent years, all Miss Universe candidates must have a university degree or be working professionals. In September 2023, it was announced that the upper age limit would be removed. Before, contestants had to be between 18 and 28 years old. Starting in 2024, any adult woman can compete to be Miss Universe.
Main Pageant Competition
The Miss Universe competition usually lasts about two weeks, from early November to late January. Sometimes, the pageant is moved to the next year because of TV schedules or other big events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympics, or the FIFA World Cup. Since the 2022 pageant, the host country for the next year is announced during the live crowning night. The next pageant is set for 2024 in Mexico. In the past, from the 1970s to the 2000s, the pageant lasted a whole month.
The organizers say Miss Universe is more than just a beauty contest. While contestants do compete in swimsuit and evening gown rounds, they are also expected to be smart, polite, and cultured. If a contestant doesn't do well in any round, she might be eliminated. Judges usually rank the contestants. In the past, semifinalists were chosen in a round-robin system. From 2017 to 2019, semifinalists were picked based on scores from different continents, plus a "wildcard" list and a fan vote. All scores were reset for the semifinals. From 2020 onwards, the round-robin system came back. In each round of the final, contestants with the lowest scores are removed. The public can also vote for a semifinalist, which has been allowed since 2011. All semifinalists are announced at the start of the live TV show.
The winner signs a contract with the Miss Universe Organization for at least seven months. The new Miss Universe starts her duties right after being crowned. She becomes an ambassador for a year, working on important causes like disease control, peace, and public awareness of AIDS. More recently, the organization has focused on women's rights, ethnic minority rights, public health, and global warming.
The winner also gets money for her time as Miss Universe. She receives a scholarship, a modeling portfolio, beauty products, clothes, and styling services from sponsors. She also gets to go to special events like fashion shows and casting calls in New York City. From 1996 to 2015, the winner could use an apartment in New York City, which she shared with Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. Starting in 2022, the winner and the two runners-up will share homes in New York, United States, and Bangkok, Thailand.
If the winner cannot finish her duties, the first runner-up takes over. This has only happened once. In 2002, Justine Pasek from Panama became Miss Universe after Oxana Fedorova from Russia was removed from her title.
Besides the main winner, special awards are given for Best National Costume, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Congeniality. The contestants themselves choose Miss Congeniality. Miss Photogenic is now chosen by public internet vote. The Best National Costume winner is announced live during the crowning night.
Continental Queens
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City on November 17, 2024, added a new award called "Continental Queens." Four contestants from different regions received this title: Africa & Oceania, Asia, Europe & Middle East, and the Americas. This new award celebrates regional beauty and gives the winners an automatic spot in the semifinals.
The first Continental Queens were:
- Miss Universe Africa & Oceania:
Nigeria – Chidimma Adetshina - Miss Universe Asia:
Philippines – Chelsea Manalo - Miss Universe Europe & Middle East:
Finland – Matilda Wirtavuori - Miss Universe Americas:
Peru – Tatiana Calmell
These titles highlight cultural diversity on the global stage. The winners were chosen during the preliminary competition. These winners then joined other semifinalists, whose scores and a fan vote decided their final positions.
Crowns of Miss Universe
The Miss Universe crown has changed twelve times in its 70-year history.
- The Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown (1952) was the first crown. It belonged to a Russian czar before. Armi Kuusela wore it in 1952.
- The Romanov Diadem Crown (1953) was also called The Metal Bronze Crown. It replaced the first crown. Miss Universe 1953 Christiane Martel was the only winner to wear it.
- The Star of the Universe (1954–1960) was named for the star shape on top. It had about 1,000 pearls and was made of gold and platinum. It weighed 1.25 pounds and was insured for US$500,000.
- The Rhinestone Crown (1961–1962) was made of rhinestones. It was introduced in 1961 for the tenth anniversary of the Miss Universe Organization. Marlene Schmidt and Norma Nolan wore this crown.
- The Coventry Crown (1963–2001) was designed by jeweler Sarah Coventry. It was a new version of the rhinestone crown, with a figure holding a scepter. Because it was cheaper to make, exact copies could be given to the outgoing winners. The design was changed again in 1973 for comfort and was called The Lady Crown or The Chandelier Crown. Miss Universe 2021 Denise Quinones was the last to wear it.
- The Mikimoto Phoenix Crown (2002–2007, and 2017–2018) was used for the fifty-first anniversary. It was designed by Tomohiro Yamaji for the Mikimoto Company. The crown looked like a phoenix rising, showing status, power, and beauty. It had 500 diamonds and 120 pearls. It was worth US$250,000. Catriona Gray was the last to wear it in 2019 before it was retired.
- The CAO Crown (2008) was worn by Dayana Mendoza in 2008. It was designed by Rosalina Lydster and Dang Kim Lien from CAO Fine Jewelry in Vietnam. The crown was worth US$120,000. It was made of gold and had over 1,000 precious stones, including diamonds and other gems. The yellow gold represented Vietnam's growing economy. However, Dayana Mendoza chose to wear the Mikimoto crown when she crowned her successor.
- The Diamond Nexus Peace Crown (2009–2013) was made by Diamond Nexus Labs. It had 1,371 gemstones and was made of white gold and platinum. It featured red rubies to show Miss Universe's work on HIV/AIDS education. Diamond Nexus Labs was the first eco-friendly jeweler for the organization.
- The DIC Crown (2014–2016) was worn by Paulina Vega, Pia Wurtzbach, and Iris Mittenaere. It was made by the Czech company Diamonds International Corporation (DIC) and was worth about US$300,000. It took ten artists about four months to make. The crown looked like the Manhattan Skyline and had 311 diamonds, blue topaz, blue sapphires, and crystals. This crown was retired in 2017 due to problems between DIC and the Miss Universe Organization.
- The Mouawad Power of Unity Crown (2019–2021) was made by Mouawad Jewelry. It is one of the most expensive pageant crowns ever, worth almost US$6 million. Zozibini Tunzi, Andrea Meza, and Harnaaz Sandhu wore it. The crown has a large golden diamond. According to Pascal Mouawad, it stands for ambition, diversity, community, and beauty.
- The Mouawad Force for Good Crown (2022–2023) is the second Mouawad crown. R'Bonney Gabriel and Sheynnis Palacios wore it. It has 110 carats of blue sapphires, 48 carats of white diamonds, and a large royal blue sapphire in the middle.
- The Jewelmer Lumière de l’Infini Crown (2024–present) was shown on November 13, 2024. It was designed by Jewelmer, a jewelry company from the Philippines known for golden pearls. It was made by hand using traditional Filipino and French techniques. The crown has hundreds of diamonds and 23 golden pearls. The largest pearl at the top represents the sun. Lumière de l’Infini means "Light of Infinity" or "Infinite Brilliance" in French.
Gallery of Miss Universe crowns
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The Romanov Diadem Crown, worn by Miss Universe 1953, Christiane Martel
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The Star of the Universe Crown, worn by Miss Universe 1957, Gladys Zender
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The Coventry Crown, worn by Miss Universe 1968, Martha Vasconcellos
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The Mikimoto Phoenix Crown worn by Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova
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The CAO Crown worn by Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza
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The Diamond Nexus Peace Crown worn by Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes
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The DIC Crown worn by Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach
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Recent Miss Universe Winners
| Edition | Year | Representing | Miss Universe | National title | Competition venue | Number of entrants |
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| 69th | 2020 |  Mexico |
Andrea Meza | Mexicana Universal 2020 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | 74 |
| 70th | 2021 |  India |
Harnaaz Sandhu | Miss Diva Universe 2021 | Eilat, Israel | 80 |
| 71st | 2022 |  United States |
R'Bonney Gabriel | Miss USA 2022 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | 83 |
| 72nd | 2023 |  Nicaragua |
Sheynnis Palacios | Miss Nicaragua 2023 | San Salvador, El Salvador | 84 |
| 73rd | 2024 |  Denmark |
Victoria Kjær Theilvig | Third place at the Miss Denmark 2022 | Mexico City, Mexico | 125 |
Gallery of Winners
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Miss Universe 2024
Victoria Kjær Theilvig
Denmark -
Miss Universe 2023
Sheynnis Palacios
Nicaragua -
Miss Universe 2022
R'Bonney Gabriel
United States -
Miss Universe 2021
Harnaaz Sandhu
India -
Miss Universe 2019
Zozibini Tunzi
South Africa -
Miss Universe 2018
Catriona Gray
Philippines -
Miss Universe 2017
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
South Africa -
Miss Universe 2016
Iris Mittenaere
France -
Miss Universe 2015
Pia Wurtzbach
Philippines -
Miss Universe 2014
Paulina Vega
Colombia -
Miss Universe 2013
Gabriela Isler
Venezuela -
Miss Universe 2012
Olivia Culpo
United States -
Miss Universe 2011
Leila Lopes
Angola -
Miss Universe 2010
Ximena Navarrete
Mexico -
Miss Universe 2009
Stefanía Fernández
Venezuela -
Miss Universe 2008
Dayana Mendoza
Venezuela -
Miss Universe 2006
Zuleyka Rivera
Puerto Rico -
Miss Universe 2005
Natalie Glebova
Canada -
Miss Universe 2004
Jennifer Hawkins
Australia -
Miss Universe 2003
Amelia Vega
Dominican Republic -
Miss Universe 2002
Justine Pasek
Panama -
Miss Universe 2001
Denise Quiñones
Puerto Rico -
Miss Universe 2000
Lara Dutta
India -
Miss Universe 1999
Mpule Kwelagobe
Botswana -
Miss Universe 1998
Wendy Fitzwilliam
Trinidad and Tobago -
Miss Universe 1997
Brook Lee
United States -
Miss Universe 1993
Dayanara Torres
Puerto Rico -
Miss Universe 1992
Michelle McLean
Namibia -
Miss Universe 1991
Lupita Jones
México -
Miss Universe 1989
Angela Visser
Netherlands -
Miss Universe 1987
Cecilia Bolocco
Chile -
Miss Universe 1986
Bárbara Palacios
Venezuela -
Miss Universe 1984
Yvonne Ryding
Sweden -
Miss Universe 1983
Lorraine Downes
New Zealand -
Miss Universe 1980
Shawn Weatherly
United States -
Miss Universe 1979
Maritza Sayalero
Venezuela -
Miss Universe 1978
Margaret Gardiner
South Africa -
Miss Universe 1977
Janelle Commissiong
Trinidad and Tobago -
Miss Universe 1976
Rina Messinger
Israel -
Miss Universe 1973
Margie Moran
Philippines -
Miss Universe 1971
Georgina Rizk
Lebanon -
Miss Universe 1970
Marisol Malaret
Puerto Rico -
Miss Universe 1969
Gloria Diaz
Philippines -
Miss Universe 1968
Martha Vasconcellos
Brazil -
Miss Universe 1967
Sylvia Hitchcock
United States -
Miss Universe 1965
Apasra Hongsakula
Thailand -
Miss Universe 1963
Iêda Maria Vargas
Brazil -
Miss Universe 1960
Linda Bement
United States -
Miss Universe 1959
Akiko Kojima
Japan -
Miss Universe 1958
Luz Marina Zuluaga
Colombia -
Miss Universe 1957
Gladys Zender
Peru -
Miss Universe 1956
Carol Morris
United States -
Miss Universe 1955
Hillevi Rombin
Sweden -
Miss Universe 1954
Miriam Stevenson
United States -
Miss Universe 1953
Christiane Martel
France -
Miss Universe 1952
Armi Kuusela
Finland
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The Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization runs the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants. Between 2020 and 2022, the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA contests were run by Crystle Stewart. After her suspension in October 2022, these pageants returned to the Miss Universe Organization.
The organization is based in New York City and Bangkok. It is currently owned by the Thai JKN Global Group. They bought it on October 26, 2022, from the previous owners, WME/IMG. The organization sells the rights to broadcast the pageants to TV channels in different countries.
Gallery
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Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1969, and Margarita Moran, Miss Universe 1973, at the Miss Universe 2016 red carpet in Manila, the Philippines
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Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008 and Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008 at Guantanamo Bay
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Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008 and Stevi Perry, Miss Teen USA 2008
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Hilary Cruz, Miss Teen USA 2007 and Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 at an event before the Miss USA 2008 pageant.
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Miss Universe 2002, Justine Pasek, with Miss USA 2002, Shauntay Hinton and Miss Teen USA 2002, Vanessa Semrow at Guantanamo Bay
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Shawn Weatherly, Miss Universe 1980 and Kim Seelbrede, Miss USA 1981 with then-US President Ronald Reagan
See also
In Spanish: Miss Universo para niños
- List of beauty pageants
- Mrs. Universe
- Big Four international beauty pageants
