Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios secured the title of Miss Universe 2023 during the grand finale of the renowned beauty pageant, held in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, on Saturday night. Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild claimed the first runner-up position.
Participants from 84 countries competed in this year’s Miss Universe, facing judgment from a distinguished panel that included model Halima Aden, Carson Kressley from “Queer Eye,” TikTok influencer Avani Gregg, and former Miss Universe winners Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad & Tobago (Miss Universe 1977) and Iris Mittenaere of France (Miss Universe 2016).
The evening began with the announcement of the twenty semi-finalists based on the results of the preliminary competition and a global fan vote. Following the swimsuit round, the field was narrowed down to 10 contestants, marking the elimination of the first “curvy” contestant to reach the semi-finals, Miss Nepal, and the first contestant to opt for a burkini, Miss Pakistan. The evening gown round further reduced the number of contestants.
Two rounds of Q&A sessions on hot topics left only three women in contention: Palacios, Porsild, and second runner-up Moraya Wilson of Australia.
In the final round, Palacios was asked whom she would choose to spend a day in the life of, and she selected the 18th-century British philosopher and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. Palacios praised Wollstonecraft for breaking boundaries and providing opportunities for many women, emphasizing that there are no limitations for women today.
Miss Colombia, Camila Avella, and Miss Puerto Rico, Karla Guilfú, secured positions in the top five. Spain’s Athenea Pérez, part of the top 10, was honored with the title of Miss Congeniality.