Miss Universe 2023 Highlights: Miss Universe 2023 is Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios has been announced as the winner of the Miss Universe 2023 title in a grand event that was held at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador on November 19 (according to IST). She was crowned by Miss Universe 2022 - USA’s R'Bonney Gabriel – on stage as the crowd applauded the winner.

In the 72nd Miss Universe pageant this year, contestants from 84 countries and territories competed against each other. The pageant was hosted by American television personality Jeannie Mai and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, apart from American television presenter Maria Menounos.

Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios has been announced as the winner of the Miss Universe 2023 title. The event was held at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Soulful Serenade at Miss Universe 2023: John Legend Mesmerises with ‘All of Me’ Performance, Adding Emotional Elegance to the Spectacular Evening. The audience is captivated as the Grammy-winning artist graces the stage, enhancing the glamour of the competition. A musical highlight that leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of viewers worldwide.

Miss Thailand honours Malala Yousafzai at Miss Universe 2023 for her struggle and achievements.

Thailand, Australia and Nicaragua enter the top 3 list.

The LAST delegate continuing on in the competition is...COLOMBIA!!🌟👏 @Camiavellam#72ndMISSUNIVERSE #MissUniverse2023 pic.twitter.com/dMsSnCTbJ9

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 19, 2023

Following the swimsuit competition, the announcement for the Top 10 finalists have been made andShweta Shard from India in a bold glitter swimsuit and Erica Robin from Pakistan in a burkini, did not qualify for the swimwear stage to proceed to the evening gown competition.

Pakistani representative Erica Robin graced the swimsuit competition in a fully covered light pink loose gown instead of a typical bikini to honour her religion and country’s beliefs.

Following the swimsuit competition, the announcement has been made for the top 10 finalists who will proceed to the evening gown competition. Unfortunately, Shweta Shard from India did not qualify for this stage.

When asked to name one thing she wanted to do for her country, Erica had replied, “I would want to change this mindset that Pakistan is a backward country.”

While models, writers and journalists including journalist Mariana Babar congratulated Erica as "beauty and brains" on Twitter, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of the Jamaat-e-Islami party called it “shameful” and caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar ordered the country’s intelligence agency to investigate the organisers of the Miss Universe Pakistan pageant and how they were able to hold the competition seemingly in the country’s name without the government’s approval.

Rikkie Kolléof the Netherlands andMarina Macheteof Portugal are the joint second transgender women to compete in the pageant, followingÁngela Ponceof Spain in 2018.

Camila Avellaof Colombia,Michelle Cohnof Guatemala, andLorena Santenof Switzerland.