Sheynnis Palacios, a young beauty from Nicaragua, has been crowned as the 2023 Miss Universe in a star-studded ceremony held in San Salvador, El Salvador. This historic moment marks the first time a Nicaraguan woman has ever won the prestigious title.
The world watched in awe as Palacios gracefully accepted her crown, representing her home country with pride. Her victory is a symbol of empowerment for women across Nicaragua and an inspiration for aspiring beauty queens around the globe.
The competition was fierce, with national pageant winners from 84 countries vying for the crown. The distinguished panel of judges included notable personalities such as the trailblazing model Halima Aden, the fashionable “Queer Eye” star Carson Kressley, popular TikTok influencer Avani Gregg, and former Miss Universe titleholders.
While there were many standout moments throughout the competition, two contestants captivated the audience with their unique approaches. Miss Nepal became the first “curvy” contestant to make it to the semi-finals, breaking stereotypes and defying conventional beauty standards. Miss Pakistan made a bold choice by opting for a burkini as her swimsuit, making a powerful statement about inclusivity and diversity.
After a stunning swimsuit round, only three contestants remained in the running for the crown: Palacios, Anntonia Porsild of Thailand, and Moraya Wilson from Australia. The pressure was high as these remarkable women faced two intense rounds of Q&A sessions, displaying their intellect, poise, and confidence.
In the end, Palacios emerged victorious, showcasing not only her beauty but also her depth of character. As a reflection of her strong values, she chose British philosopher and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft as the person she would love to spend a day in the life of, highlighting her commitment to promoting gender equality and female empowerment.
Completing the top five were Miss Colombia and Miss Puerto Rico, while Spain’s Athenea Pérez was crowned Miss Congeniality, a recognition for her warm and friendly demeanor throughout the competition.
Palacios now steps into the shoes of the reigning queen, R’Bonney Gabriel from the USA, who held the Miss Universe title in 2022. She begins her reign with a sense of purpose and an opportunity to make a positive impact on society, representing not only Nicaragua but also embodying the spirit of the modern empowered woman.
As the new Miss Universe, Palacios has a platform to promote important causes, amplify diverse voices, and inspire future generations of women across the globe. Her journey to this historic victory is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and unwavering belief in herself.
