Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe 2024, becoming the first Dane to win the competition. The 21-year-old, dancer, entrepreneur and potential lawyer, defeated more than 120 competitors and won, this Saturday, the annual beauty contest in Mexico City.
Victoria was applauded by the other contestants on stage as she accepted the tiara from the current title holder, Sheynnis Palacios, of Nicaragua.
This year’s finale featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by “Saved by the Bell” protagonist Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
The competition began when the contestants were whittled down to a list of 30, based on the results of the preliminary event on Thursday. The semi-finalists then competed in swimwear, before 12 progressed to a formal dress competition.
The five contestants faced the usual round of questions on a range of topics, including leadership and resilience. When asked how she would live if no one judged her, Theilvig told the judges she wouldn’t change a thing, saying: “I live one day at a time.”
During the ceremony, when asked what she would say to the audience, Theilvig asked them to “keep fighting… no matter where they come from”.
“I’m here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight”, said the young woman from Denmark.
The 21-year-old, dancer, entrepreneur and potential lawyer, defeated more than 120 competitors and won, this Saturday, the annual beauty contest in Mexico City (Associated Press)
Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina finished as first runner-up while Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran was named runner-up, completing the podium for this year’s edition. This was followed by Suchata Chuangsri, from Thailand, and Ileana Marquez Pedroza, from Venezuela. Pedroza, a 28-year-old mother, made history by placing in the top five after the competition removed some restrictions in recent years, including mothers’ access to the child.
This year’s pageant was the first in the 72-year history of Miss Universe in which women over the age of 28 were allowed to participate. More than two dozen contestants were older than allowed in previous years. Beatrice Njoya, from Malta, was the first woman and, until now, only in her 40s to reach the final.
The age limit was lifted after several calls for the competition to be modernized. Ahead of the 2023 edition, the Miss Universe Organization also lifted a long-term ban on pregnant women or mothers, and women who are – or were - married.
Delegates from each country were selected through local agents who grant the rights to the Miss Universe Organization in their respective regions. This year’s pageant saw Cuba, represented by Marianela Ancheta, return to the competition, which had not happened since 1967. Several countries, including Belarus, Eritrea and the United Arab Emirates, fielded competitors for the first time, although that in April the Miss Universe Organization. sought to quash “false and misleading” reports that Saudi Arabia was expected to make its debut in the 2024 tournament.
In this year’s edition, there were women over 28, married and mothers in the competition. The competition also now allows pregnant women to participate (Associated Press)
However, several national pageants in the run-up to this year’s final have been marred by controversy – including Miss Universe South Africa, where Adetshina withdrew from the competition (and was later selected to represent Nigeria). after raising questions about his nationality. , which generated a wave of xenophobic hostility.
In December of last year, the director of the Miss Universe Nicaragua pageant, Karen Celebertti, resigned immediately after Palacios the crown. The incident took place amid allegations of conspiracy and treason. Celebertti, along with her husband and son, were accused of being involved in a plot to overthrow the government.
Neither Celebertti nor the Nicaraguan government responded to CNN’s request for comment.
What cultural shifts are reflected in Miss Universe 2024’s crowning of Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amelia Carter, a social psychologist and an expert on beauty pageants and their evolving cultural significance. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us to discuss the recent crowning of Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark.
Dr. Amelia Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a wonderful opportunity to delve into this exciting moment in beauty pageant history.
Editor: Victoria’s victory marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Dane to win the Miss Universe title. What does this achievement signify, not just for Denmark, but for the global beauty pageant landscape?
Dr. Carter: It’s monumental! Victoria’s win is not just a personal achievement; it symbolizes a shift in societal values surrounding beauty and representation. As pageants have evolved, they increasingly celebrate diversity and the empowerment of women beyond traditional beauty standards. This can inspire young women all over the world to pursue their dreams, much like Victoria, who balances her aspirations as a dancer, entrepreneur, and potential lawyer.
Editor: Speaking of aspirations, during the competition, Victoria emphasized living authentically and urged others to “keep fighting.” How important is it for contestants to embody and communicate such messages?
Dr. Carter: It’s incredibly important. Pageants today are platforms for contestants to advocate for social issues and personal values. Victoria’s message of resilience and authenticity resonates deeply, especially at a time when many people face societal pressures. It reflects the modern beauty queen’s role as not just a pretty face but a source of inspiration and change.
Editor: You mentioned the evolution of pageants. This year’s competition saw significant changes, including lifting the age restrictions and allowing mothers to participate. How do these changes reflect contemporary societal values?
Dr. Carter: These changes are a remarkable recognition of women’s diverse journeys and roles in society. Allowing women over 28 and mothers to compete acknowledges that beauty and strength can be found in women of all ages and life experiences. It’s a step towards inclusivity and breaking down outdated stereotypes about who can represent beauty or femininity.
Editor: Exactly! And it’s interesting to see that Beatrice Njoya from Malta became the first woman in her 40s to reach the finals. What does this signal about future beauty standards?
Dr. Carter: It signals a broader acceptance of women as they age and challenges the narrow definitions of beauty that have historically dominated pageants. More inclusivity allows for a richer representation of women in all their complexities. Contestants like Beatrice show that beauty is ageless, which can empower women in society to embrace their authentic selves at any age.
Editor: The competition also had a vibrant atmosphere with performances by Robin Thicke and was hosted by notable personalities like Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo. How do these elements play into the overall success of a pageant?
Dr. Carter: Entertainment factors like performances and celebrity hosts add glamour and excitement to the event, drawing in diverse audiences. They help to transform the pageant from a simple contest into an engaging spectacle that appeals to fans around the globe. This has become vital in showcasing the dynamic nature of beauty pageants to a modern audience that craves entertainment and cultural relevance.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that beauty pageants are evolving, and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for figures like Victoria and others who are shaping the narrative of beauty and empowerment.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important shifts in the beauty pageant world, and I look forward to seeing how these changes continue to influence society at large.