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Tag: Miss Universe

  • Miss Universe 2024: Six things to know about Victoria Kjær Theilvig

    Miss Universe 2024: Six things to know about Victoria Kjær Theilvig

    Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old Danish model and beauty queen, made history by becoming the first Dane to ever win the prestigious Miss Universe title.

    Born on November 13, 2003, Victoria’s path to the Miss Universe crown began in 2021, when she competed in Miss Denmark and finished as the second runner-up.

    She later represented Denmark at Miss Grand International 2022, where she placed in the top 20.

    This year’s Miss Universe competition, held in Mexico City, featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.

    The event saw the field of contestants narrowed down to 30, with the semi-finalists showcasing their swimwear before 12 made it to the evening gown segment.

    Here are six key things to know about Miss Universe 2024:

    1. Victoria was born in Søborg and grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    2. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing

    3. Victoria began her pageantry journey at 17, competing in Miss Denmark, where she finished second-runner up.

    Read Also: Miss Universe 2024: Abike Dabiri-Erewa congratulates Chidimma Adetshina on achievement

    4. In 2022, she represented Denmark at Miss Grand International, where she reached the Top 20.

    5. In September 2024, Victoria was crowned Miss Universe Denmark.

    6. On Saturday, Victoria became the first Danish contestant to win the Miss Universe pageant in its 73-year history.

  • Culture minister celebrates Adetshina’s feat at Miss Universe pageant

    Culture minister celebrates Adetshina’s feat at Miss Universe pageant

    Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has congratulated Nigeria’s Chidinma Adetshina on her outstanding achievement as the first runner-up of the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister conveyed her congratulatory message in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    The grand finale of the 2024 Miss Universe was held on Sunday at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, with Adetshina finishing second while Miss Denmark, Victoria Theilvig, clinched the highly coveted crown.

    The first runner-up, who is the highest ranked African contestant of the competition, was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, making it the continent’s highest placement in Miss Universe history.

    As first runner-up, Adetshina won a 100,000 dollars cash prize, a one-year lease on a luxury apartment in New York, a three million diamond-encrusted crown, connections and contacts to start a successful career in modelling and showbiz.

    Her historic feat has continued to attract accolades and goodwill messages from Nigerians from all walks of life, including the culture minister.

    Musawa described Chidinma’s remarkable feat as a testament to her dedication, resilience and passion for excellence.

    According to her, Adetshina’s accomplishment not only brings pride to Nigeria but also inspires a generation of young women to strive for greatness.

    “Chidinma’s achievement is a shining example of the creative and innovative spirit that defines our nation, as she was focused and never gave up in her days of trial.

    “We are proud to celebrate her success and tenacity, and we recognise the impact she has made on the global stage.

    Read Also: Miss Universe 2024: Abike Dabiri-Erewa congratulates Chidimma Adetshina on achievement

    “Her commitment to empowering women and girls through education and advocacy aligns with our ministry’s vision for a vibrant and inclusive creative economy,” she said.

    Minister Musawa also commended Chidinma for her exceptional representation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

    She said that Adetshina’s cultural performance at the event served as a catalyst for promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

    “Chidinma is a shining star and Nigeria’s pride. Nigerians are proud to celebrate her success and recognise the impact that she has made on the global stage.

    “As we celebrate Chidinma’s success, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering creative talents, particularly women, to excel in their chosen fields”, Musawa said.

    (NAN) 

  • FULL LIST: Winners of Miss Universe since inception

    FULL LIST: Winners of Miss Universe since inception

    Miss Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the Miss Universe 2024 competition has made history by emerging first runner-up.

    The 73rd edition of the pageant took place on Saturday night in Mexico City for the first time since 2007.

    Miss Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark emerged winner of the contest.

    Theilvig takes over the crown from Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

    The first edition of the pageant was held in 1952 and won by Armi Kuusela of Finland.

    Here are the winners of Miss Mniverse since inception:

    2024. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig – Denmark

    2023. Sheynnis Palacios – Nicaragua

    2022. R’Bonney Gabriel – USA

    2021. Harnaaz Sandhu – India

    2020. Andrea Meza – Mexico

    2019. Zozibini Tunzi – South Africa

    Read Also: BREAKING: Chidimma Adetshina makes history, emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

    2018. Catriona Gray – Philippines

    2017. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters – South Africa

    2016. Iris Mittenaere – France

    2015. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach – Philippines

    2014. Paulina Vega Dieppa – Colombia

    2013. Gabriela Isler – Venezuela

    2012. Olivia Culpo – USA

    2011. Leila Lopes – Angola

    2010. Ximena Navarrete – Mexico

    2009. Stefania Fernandez – Venezuela

    2008. Dayana Mendoza – Venezuela

    2007. Riyo Mori – Japan

    2006. Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza – Puerto Rico

    2005. Natalie Glebova – Canada

    2004. Jennifer Hawkins – Australia

    2003. Amelia Vega Polanco – Dominican Republic

    2002. Justine Pasek – Panama

    2001. Denise M. Quiñones – Puerto Rico

    2000. Lara Dutta – India

    1999. Mpule Kwelagobe – Botswana

    1998. Wendy Fitzwilliam – Trinidad and Tobago

    1997. Brook Lee – USA

    1996. Alicia Machado – Venezuela

    1995. Chelsi Smith – USA

    1994. Sushmita Sen – India

    1993. Dayanara Torres – Puerto Rico

    1992. Michelle McLean – Namibia

    1991. Lupita Jones – Mexico

    1990. Mona Grudt – Norway

    1989. Angela Visser – Netherlands

    1988. Porntip Nakhirunkanok – Thailand

    1987. Cecilia Bolocco – Chile

    1986. Barbara Palacios Teyde – Venezuela

    1985. Deborah Carthy-Deu – Puerto Rico

    1984. Yvonne Ryding – Sweden

    1983. Lorraine Downes – New Zealand

    1982. Karen Baldwin – Canada

    1981. Irene Saez – Venezuela

    1980. Shawn Weatherly – USA

    1979. Maritza Sayalero – Venezuela

    1978. Margaret Gardiner – South Africa

    1977. Janelle Commissiong – Trinidad and Tobago

    1976. Rina Messinger – Israel

    1975. Anne Marie Puhtamo – Finland

    1974. Amparo Muñoz – Spain

    1973. Margie Moran – Philippines

    1972. Kerry Anne Wells – Australia

    1971. Georgina Rizk – Lebanon

    1970. Marisol Malaret – Puerto Rico

    1969. Gloria Diaz – Philippines

    1968. Martha Vasconcellos – Brazil

    1967. Sylvia Hitchcock – USA

    1966. Margareta Arvidsson – Sweden

    1965. Apasra Hongsakula – Thailand

    1964. Corinna Tsopei – Greece

    1963. Idea Maria Vargas – Brazil

    1962. Norma Nolan – Argentina

    1961. Marlene Schmidt – Germany

    1960. Linda Bement – USA

    1959. Akiko Kojima – Japan

    1958. Luz Marina Zuluaga – Colombia

    1957. Gladys Zender – Peru

    1956. Carol Morris – USA

    1955. Hellevi Rombin – Sweden

    1954. Miriam Stevenson – USA

    1953. Christiane Martel – France

    1952. Armi Kuusela – Finland

  • Miss Universe: Nigerians, S’Africans squabble as contestant quits

    Miss Universe: Nigerians, S’Africans squabble as contestant quits

    • South African representative pulls out citing ill-health •Compatriots blame Nigerian ‘witchcraft’

    Nigerian and South African internet warriors got a  fresh ground for sparring yesterday: the unexpected withdrawal of Miss SA from the ongoing Miss Universe beauty contest in Mexico.

    Mia le Roux who had spent weeks in the host country preparing to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe finals today pulled out of the competition, citing health concerns.

    The 28-year-old had been crowned Miss South Africa  in August  following the nationality  controversy that forced Nigerian Chidinma Adetshina to withdraw.

    Chidinma is now representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe finals.

    Le Roux gave no details of her health status that prompted her withdrawal.

    The details were  provided  much later by the Miss South Africa organisers who said  the hearing-impaired Le Roux had been struggling over the past fortnight  and the decision to withdraw was not an easy one.

    They added: “Mia ,because  of her condition,has been suffering from severe vertigo. As we are all aware deafness affects balance. The vertigo posed a severe health risk for her further participation.”

    But some South Africans ‘saw’ the hands of Nigerians in Le Roux’s fate.

    “Chidimma, … and the whole Nigeria Community to Our Miss Universe South Africa Mia Le Roux…. The fact remains they won’t overpower us, they’ll be stuck with this witchcraft… Prayers to our Mia Le Roux,” said AMO @Only-Botake in a salvo against  Nigerians.

    Attached to the text were voodoo pictures.

    S.A.L.A.K.O @UnkleAyo,obviously a Nigerian said: “Spending weeks writing letters petitioning for Chidinma to be dropped off, Miss Universe competition. Only for your own candidate to fall ill and withdraw on her own volition. The universe delivering poetic justice with a giant middle finger, to South Africans.”

    Read Alspo: I’m tired, Nigerian-South African Miss Universe contestant cries out

    A South African ,Kgothatso Mabunda@Kgothatsomc,said: “Guess what… Nigeria gained. Why drag South Africa.”

    Another Nigerian,Sir-Bobby@iam_Fliq said: “Miss South Africa withdrawing from the Miss Universe competition a day before the finale isn’t what anyone wants to hear right now!!! We cooking South Africans today!!! Cookn’t we ???”

    Le Roux in her withdrawal  statement said: “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe.

    “Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.

    “However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”

  • South Africa’s Mia Le Roux withdraws from Miss Universe contest

    South Africa’s Mia Le Roux withdraws from Miss Universe contest

    Crowned Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, has announced withdrawal from the Miss Universe competition due to health issues. 

    The Miss South Africa Organisation released a statement on Friday expressing support for Le Roux’s decision, prioritising her health and well-being.

    “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery,” the organisation said.

    Le Roux also expressed gratitude for the support she has received from South Africans, stating: “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.

    “However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength”.

    Le Roux’s withdrawal comes after a challenging year for the Miss South Africa pageant, marked by controversy surrounding contestant Chidimma Adetshina’s nationality. 

    Adetshina, of Nigerian and South African heritage, faced a social media backlash and eventually withdrew from the competition.

    Despite the controversy, Le Roux’s crowning as Miss South Africa 2024 was seen as a significant moment. 

    However, her health issues have taken precedence, and she will focus on recovery.

    The Miss South Africa Organisation praised Le Roux’s resilience and commitment to her health, ensuring their support during this challenging time.

  • Team 33 partners Miss Universe Nigeria 2024

    Team 33 partners Miss Universe Nigeria 2024

    Broadcast production firm, Team 33 Production, has announced the renewal of its partnership with Miss Universe Nigeria as the official production partner for the 2024 edition of the pageant.

    Building on success of their collaboration in 2023, this underscores Team 33’s commitment to delivering world-class event coverage that celebrates, cultural pride and Nigeria’s rich heritage.

     “We are honoured to once again be the official production partner for Miss Universe Nigeria,” said Chichi Nwoko, founder.

    Read Also: 12 burnt to death, four injured in Lagos-Ibadan expressway crash

    “This is opportunity to showcase our expertise and creative vision.

    Our team is dedicated to creating a viewing experience that not only captures the essence of Nigeria’s vibrant cultural heritage but also highlights the exceptional talent of the contestants. Our passion for celebrating Nigeria’s cultural richness is at the core of everything we do.”

    Guy Murray-Bruce, national director of Miss Universe Nigeria, said: “Team 33 productions are professionals and embody values and drive for excellence that Silverbird Productions stand for. We are delighted to be working with them again on this year’s edition of Miss Universe Nigeria.

    As industry leaders in outside broadcast production, Team 33 Production excels in multi-camera event coverage and cutting-edge live streaming services.”