The 72nd Miss Universe commenced with grandeur on Sunday, November 19, at 6:30 AM IST, captivating audiences with contestants from 90 nations vying for the coveted title. Hosting duties were gracefully shouldered by former Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and TV personality Jeannie Mai, alongside Maria Menounos, marking a historic moment as the pageant featured an all-female hosting team.
Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua clinched the title of Miss Universe 2023, securing her country’s inaugural victory at the prestigious beauty pageant. The event unfolded on Saturday night at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild secured the position of the first runner-up, while Miss Australia Moraya Wilson earned the title of the second runner-up. Miss Universe officially announced Palacios’ triumph on its Instagram page. Palacios, a 23-year-old mental health activist and audiovisual producer from Managua, Nicaragua, emerged victorious, surpassing competitors from 83 other countries, including India’s representative, Shweta Sharda, who secured a spot in the top 20.
Miss Diva congratulated Sharda on their Instagram handle, stating, “The moment our LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2023, Shweta Sharda was called into the Top 20. Shweta, the nation is proud of your representation, and we cannot wait to welcome you back with lots of love. Thank you for raising our flag high at the @missuniverse pageant.”
Adding to the global representation, Erica Robin, crowned as the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan 2023, also earned a spot in the top 20.
The pageant witnessed a musical interlude featuring a performance by American singer-songwriter John Legend, who mesmerized the audience with his popular track “All of Me.” The 72nd Miss Universe not only celebrated beauty but also marked significant strides towards inclusivity and recognition of diverse talents on the global stage.
