Julius OkorieThe much awaited Miss Universe pageant 2024 takes centre stage in Mexico tomorrow, November 16, 2024.
The event sure to be the cynosure all eyes and world attention, is in its 73rd edition and will take place at the prestigious Arena CDMX in Mexico City, where reigning champion, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis year will have contestants from a record 125 countries and territories, surpassing the previous record of 94 entrants set in 2018.
Who Is In? who Is Out?
One Hundred and twenty two (122) contestants including Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina will be showcasing their beauty and quality in this year’s edition. They should have been One twenty five representing 125 countries and territories as reported, however there has been one disqualification, and two withdrawals.
Italy Mora of Panama was disqualified for leaving the hotel without consent from the Miss Universe Organisation. This decision was made by the Disciplinary Committee of Miss Universe Organisation in a joint decision with their local franchise holder. South Africa’s Mia le Roux and Kosovo’s Edona Bajrami have withdrawn from the event for health reasons. Sad indeed that South Africa’s Mia Le Roux will be missing out, some had looked forward to seeing her alongside Nigerian representative, Chidimma Adetshina, compete in the event. Both were born in South Africa and competed briefly at the South Africa pageant before Chidimma withdrew due to attacks over her mother’s true nationality, forcing her to contest and represent her father’s land, Nigeria.
A New Crown On parade
Primebusiness.africa notes that a new crown will be used for this Saturday’s event according to the organisers. The crown, provided by Jewelmer, is adorned with diamonds and 23 golden south sea pearls. Created over the span of two years, the crown was crafted by Filipino craftsmen, using traditional techniques from Place Vendôme. Thus whoever emerges winner will be adorning a brand new crown with a touch of excellence.
Format And Chances
The number of semifinalists in this edition according to the organisers will increase from 20 to 30, marking the highest number of semifinalists in the history of the pageant.
The preliminary competition, consisting of the swimsuit segment, evening gown and closed-door interviews, will determine the semifinalists for the pageant. Four continental queens and one fan-vote winner will be announced at the end of the preliminary competition, each automatically advancing to the semifinals.
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The initial group of semifinalists will then compete in the swimsuit segment, from which 12 contestants will progress to the evening gown competition. Subsequently, five contestants will advance to the question-and-answer round, where the winner and her four runners-up will be announced.
God Is Good Living Up To Expectation So Far
Nigeria’s Chidimma whose name translates to God is Good, is so far living up to expectations and doing her part all the way. Adetshina who has been carrying herself with panache just like a pageant contestant should is showing no sign of worry nor is there anything to give away the fact that she went through lots of challenge getting here.
She has been sighted looking very radiant in the photo shoots by organisers and all that remains now is to see how it all pans out as she stands shoulder to shoulder with 121 other contestants for this all important crown.
Recall that she emerged Miss Universe Nigeria after defeating 24 other contestants to fly the nations flag.
Selection committee At A Glance:
Camila Guiribitey – Cuban philanthropist and entrepreneur
Emilio Estefan – Latin musician and music producer from Cuba
Eva Cavalli – Fashion designer and Miss Universe 1977 1st Runner-up from Austria
Fariana – Colombian actress and singer
Gabriela Gonzalez – Mexican fashion designer
Gary Nader – Lebanese-Dominican art collector
Gianluca Vacchi – Italian entrepreneur, internet personality, and President of SEA Societa Europea Autocaravan
Jessica Carrillo – Mexican news reporter at Telemundo
Lele Pons – Venezuelan-American singer, actress, and YouTube personality
Margaret Gardiner – Journalist and Miss Universe 1978 from South Africa
Michael Cinco – Filipino fashion designer based in Dubai
Nova Stevens – Advocate and Miss Universe Canada 2020
Romero Britto – Brazilian artist and sculptor
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
