In a ceremony in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023, taking over the title from R’Bonney Gabriel of the USA, who was Miss Universe 2022. The competition, which saw participants from 84 nations, ended with Antonia Porsild from Thailand as the first runner-up.
The judging panel, comprised of figures such as model Halima Aden, “Queer Eye” personality Carson Kressley, TikTok influencer Avani Gregg, and past Miss Universe winners Janelle Commissiong (1977) and Iris Mittenaere (2016), selected the top twenty semi-finalists from preliminary rounds and a global fan vote.
A notable aspect of this year’s Miss Universe was its inclusivity, particularly evident in the swimsuit round. This segment highlighted a range of body types and choices, with Miss Nepal being the first “curvy” semi-finalist and Miss Pakistan opting for a burkini. The competition then narrowed to ten finalists after this round.
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was a standout in the swimsuit round with her floral ruffled two-piece. The event’s intensity increased with the Q&A sessions on various topics, leading to the final three contestants: Palacios, Porsild, and Moraya Wilson of Australia, who were named the second runner-up.
During the final Q&A, Palacios chose Mary Wollstonecraft, an 18th-century British philosopher and feminist, as an inspirational figure, emphasizing the theme of women’s empowerment.
The pageant also recognized the achievements of other contestants, with Miss Colombia and Miss Puerto Rico in the top five, and Athenea Pérez of Spain as Miss Congeniality. The crowning of Sheynnis Palacios marks a continuation of the Miss Universe tradition of celebrating beauty, diversity, and the empowerment of women globally.