The most anticipated event in the world of beauty pageants, Miss Universe 2024, has finally come to an end, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and debate. Hosted in Mexico, the event promised an extravagant showcase of culture, talent, and beauty. However, it delivered mixed results that left many viewers with divided opinions.
Let’s dive into a detailed analysis of the Miss Universe 2024 competition, from the initial stage design to the crowning moment of the new queen, Miss Denmark.
Opening Segment: High Expectations, Low Execution
The opening of Miss Universe 2024 set the stage for what was supposed to be a grand celebration of Mexican culture. Unfortunately, the production left much to be desired. While the choice of music was vibrant and celebratory, the stage itself felt cramped and did not live up to the expectations. The preliminary rounds had already given us a glimpse of the setup, but many fans, including myself, were hoping for a more spectacular transformation during the main event. Sadly, the execution was underwhelming, lacking the wow factor that a pageant of this scale should deliver.
Top 30 Announcement: Surprising Choices
The announcement of the Top 30 finalists was filled with surprises and shocking exclusions. While some contestants, like Puerto Rico and Nigeria, were expected to make the cut, others left fans scratching their heads.
Notable Surprises:
- France: Despite flying under the radar throughout the competition, France’s strong interview performance with the judges seems to have secured her spot.
- Canada: Known for her excellent public speaking skills, Canada’s inclusion was a mild surprise, as she had not been considered a front-runner by many.
- Cuba: A standout during the preliminary rounds, Cuba’s entry into the Top 30 was well-deserved, marking a return to the spotlight after years of absence.
Disappointments:
- Colombia and Brazil: Both of these strong contenders were left out of the Top 30, much to the dismay of fans who had seen consistent performances from them throughout the competition.
Standouts in Swimsuit Round
The swimsuit round was an exciting segment where several contestants stood out, showcasing their confidence and excellent runway skills. Here are some of the highlights:
- Serbia delivered a confident and polished performance, catching the audience’s attention.
- Bolivia: A fan favorite, Bolivia shone with her charismatic walk and undeniable stage presence.
- Zimbabwe: With her elegance and poise, Zimbabwe impressed the judges and the audience alike, cementing her place as a top contender.
On the other hand, Canada’s performance in this segment did not live up to expectations. Her walk lacked the energy needed to stand out in this competitive round.
Evening Gown Round: Glamour and Surprises
The evening gown round is always a highlight, showcasing the contestants in their most glamorous looks. Many contestants chose to change their gowns from the preliminary competition, resulting in both hits and misses.
Hits:
- Bolivia wowed the audience with a new gown that exuded elegance and confidence. It was a definite upgrade from her preliminary dress and showcased her queenly aura.
- Denmark, the eventual winner, also opted for a new gown, and the choice paid off. Her gown’s vibrant color and sophisticated design highlighted her features beautifully.
- Peru: With her sleek updo and stunning gown, Peru looked like a true queen. Her choice of dress was both elegant and flattering.
Misses:
- Canada’s Gown: Unfortunately, Canada’s gown choice was widely criticized. The green color and unusual design left viewers perplexed, drawing comparisons to a vegetable rather than a regal look.
- Mexico’s Change of Dress: Although an improvement from the preliminary round, the voluminous cape on Mexico’s dress was excessive and did not complement her figure well.
Top 5 Announcement: A Nerve-Wracking Moment
As the competition neared its conclusion, the announcement of the Top 5 finalists was a heart-pounding moment. The contestants who made it were:
- Nigeria: Her inclusion shocked many, as she was not widely predicted to reach this stage. However, her sweet personality and excellent communication skills won over the judges.
- Mexico: The home crowd favorite, Mexico’s place in the Top 5 was no surprise, though some felt her journey was aided by the support of the host country.
- Denmark: The clear front-runner from the start, Denmark’s elegance and poise made her a deserving finalist.
- Thailand: Consistent throughout the competition, Thailand was a crowd favorite and performed well in all rounds.
- Venezuela: Known for her strong walk and confident presence, Venezuela’s inclusion rounded out a strong Top 5 lineup.
The Final Question: Determining the Winner
The final question segment is always a critical part of the competition, testing the finalists’ ability to think on their feet and convey their message clearly.
- Nigeria shone in this round with a clear, concise answer, showcasing her strong oratory skills.
- Denmark, while starting strong, seemed to lose her train of thought towards the end of her response. However, her calm demeanor and overall presence still impressed the judges.
- Mexico struggled slightly, appearing nervous and losing her focus midway through her answer.
Crowning Moment: A New Queen for Miss Universe
In a stunning conclusion, Miss Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024. Her win was well-deserved, as she demonstrated grace, elegance, and intelligence throughout the competition. Nigeria was named the first runner-up, and her genuine smile and kind-hearted personality won the hearts of many.
Miss Universe 2024 has certainly left us with a lot to talk about. While the production did not meet all expectations, the competition itself was filled with memorable moments, surprising inclusions, and a deserving winner in Miss Denmark. Congratulations to all the contestants for their hard work and to Miss Denmark for her victory!