Miss Universe 2024: Chidimma Adetshina Claims First Runner-up Title
Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina has achieved a remarkable feat as the first runner-up at the prestigious Miss Universe 2024 pageant, cementing her position as a global icon in the world of beauty and pageantry. Her outstanding performance in a competition that featured contestants from over 126 countries highlights her grace, poise, and ability to connect with the audience and judges alike.
Adetshina’s achievement brings pride to Nigeria, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and the potential of its youth on an international stage.
The crown, however, went to Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old entrepreneur who made history as the first Dane to win the Miss Universe title. Theilvig’s triumph adds a new chapter to the pageant’s legacy, demonstrating her exceptional qualities as a leader, role model, and advocate for global causes.
Her victory not only marks a milestone for Denmark but also reflects the increasingly diverse representation in global pageantry.
The grand finale took place at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning, where the competition reached its peak in a dazzling display of beauty, talent, and cultural expression.
This year’s pageant was the most competitive in its history, with participants showcasing their individuality and national pride on a global stage. The event captivated millions worldwide, reinforcing the enduring appeal of the Miss Universe brand.
The competition began with 30 contestants shortlisted during Thursday’s preliminaries. A highlight of the preliminaries was the national costume contest, where contestants dazzled in outfits reflecting their heritage.
From the Top 30, semi-finalists competed in the swimwear segment, narrowing the field to the Top 12 for the elegant evening gown round. Each stage demanded a mix of confidence, charisma, and creativity, keeping audiences and judges enthralled.
In addition to Adetshina and Theilvig, Mexico’s María Fernanda Beltrán secured the second runner-up spot, bringing pride to the host nation. Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Márquez of Venezuela completed the Top 5, demonstrating the global diversity and talent on display.
Their strong performances highlighted the growing prominence of countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia in the world of pageantry.
The Top 12 contestants featured representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Russia, in addition to those from the Top 5. These contestants stood out for their exceptional stage presence, eloquence, and cultural expression.
Their inclusion underscored the global reach of the competition and its emphasis on celebrating the unique attributes of women from diverse backgrounds.
Further expanding the diversity of this year’s competition, the Top 30 included contestants from Aruba, Cambodia, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Serbia, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
This broad representation highlighted the truly international nature of the Miss Universe pageant and its ability to unite people through shared values of empowerment and excellence.
Rankings in the competition were determined through a combination of jury selection and global audience votes, reflecting the importance of both technical evaluation and public support.
This year’s pageant once again proved its relevance as a platform for empowering women and celebrating cultural diversity, leaving audiences inspired and eager for the next chapter in Miss Universe’s storied history.
Top moments
The grand finale of Miss Universe 2024, hosted by Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, was a dazzling event that showcased beauty, intellect, and talent. Adding to the glamour, Robin Thicke delivered electrifying performances, setting an energetic tone for the night.
The evening culminated in a series of thought-provoking questions posed to the final five contestants, testing their ability to articulate and inspire under pressure. Topics such as leadership, resilience, and societal values took center stage, highlighting the depth of character and intellect among the contestants.
Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina, the first runner-up, left a lasting impression during the Q&A round. When asked by Judge Michael Cinco to choose between respect and popularity, the 23-year-old law student delivered a poignant response.
She emphasized the value of respect in today’s society, stating that self-respect naturally fosters respect for others. Her thoughtful answer resonated with the audience and reinforced her position as a strong advocate for meaningful societal change.
Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who ultimately won the crown, also captivated judges and viewers during the Q&A session. When asked about her message to women inspired by Miss Universe, the 21-year-old aspiring lawyer offered a powerful statement.
She encouraged women to turn their past challenges into strengths, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief. Her words, coupled with her confident demeanor, epitomized the qualities of a true Miss Universe and underscored her historic win.
The final moments of the competition were marked by an intense showdown between Nigeria and Denmark. Both women demonstrated grace and poise, captivating the judges and global audience.
The Miss Universe organisers captured this unforgettable moment in an Instagram post, celebrating the top two finalists as “two incredible women” who embodied the spirit of the pageant. Their journey highlighted the diverse talents and stories that make the Miss Universe platform so impactful.
Beyond the final two, the event showcased the depth of talent among the Top 5 contestants. Each finalist delivered inspiring messages on pressing issues, showcasing their ability to address complex topics with clarity and compassion.
This level of intellectual engagement added a profound dimension to the glitz and glamour of the pageant, demonstrating that Miss Universe is about much more than beauty—it’s a celebration of purpose-driven women.
The organisers’ emphasis on diversity and inclusivity was evident throughout the competition, especially during the Q&A round. Contestants from various backgrounds brought unique perspectives to the table, using their platforms to address critical issues affecting women and society at large.
This aspect of the competition reinforced the pageant’s commitment to empowering women and amplifying their voices on a global stage.
Ultimately, the 2024 Miss Universe grand finale was a celebration of resilience, intellect, and empowerment. The inspiring words and memorable performances of the finalists left an indelible mark on the audience, proving that pageantry can be a powerful medium for advocacy and change.
Both Chidimma Adetshina and Victoria Kjær Theilvig exemplified the essence of Miss Universe, reminding viewers worldwide of the transformative power of determination and self-belief.
Milestone
The 2024 Miss Universe pageant introduced the stunning “Lumière de l’Infini” crown, adorned with diamonds and 23 golden South Sea pearls, symbolizing timeless beauty and elegance. While Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina came close to claiming the crown, her achievement as the first runner-up marks the nation’s most significant milestone in the pageant’s history.
This accomplishment evokes memories of Agbani Darego’s historic Miss World win in 2001 and positions Nigeria as a formidable presence in global beauty contests. Ms. Adetshina’s ranking among the top three in pre-arrival polls further highlighted her as a strong contender throughout the competition.
Although Nigeria has yet to win the Miss Universe title, other African nations have proudly claimed the crown in the past. Icons like Zozibini Tunzi (2019, South Africa), Demi-Leigh Tebow (2017, South Africa), Leila Lopes (2011, Angola), and Mpule Kwelagobe (1999, Botswana) have made history on the global stage.
However, the United States leads with nine victories, followed closely by Venezuela with seven wins. These achievements underline the competitive nature of Miss Universe and the increasing prominence of African countries in shaping the pageant’s narrative.
The 2024 edition also set a precedent for inclusivity, allowing women over 28 to compete for the first time in its 72-year history. Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, a finalist in her 40s, broke barriers, showcasing the evolving standards of beauty and representation.
Additionally, bans on married or pregnant contestants were lifted, signaling the pageant’s modernization in response to global calls for inclusivity. South Africa’s Mia Le Roux, her nation’s first deaf beauty queen, also made headlines, though her journey ended prematurely.
This year’s contest was further enriched by the participation of countries like Eritrea, Guinea, Iran, and Somalia, which debuted with fresh perspectives and stories. These developments reflect Miss Universe’s growing emphasis on celebrating diverse cultures, experiences, and voices.
The 2024 pageant not only honored traditional ideals of beauty but also championed progressiveness and inclusivity, making it a landmark edition in the competition’s illustrious history.
Honor
During the Miss Universe build-up contest, several special awards were presented following the preliminary events to honor contestants and national directors for their exceptional qualities and contributions. Jenelle Thongs from Trinidad and Tobago was awarded Miss Congeniality for her warm and friendly personality, earning admiration from both fellow contestants and the public.
Stephanie Cam from Honduras received the Best Skin Award, highlighting her radiant complexion, while Emilia Dides from Chile won the People’s Choice Award, garnering the most public support through votes and engagement. These awards recognized the diverse strengths and positive influence of the contestants in the lead-up to the grand finale.
The competition also took time to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of national directors and pageant organizations. Dennis Dávila of Miss Universe Canada was honored with the Best National Director award for his exemplary leadership and support of his contestants.
Nguyễn Thị Hương Ly of Miss Universe Vietnam earned the Best National Pageant award, reflecting the quality and professionalism of the pageant organization in her country. Meanwhile, Jonas Gaffud of Miss Universe Philippines received the Best National Host Tour Country award, recognizing his contribution to the successful hosting of various events during the competition.
In addition to individual and organizational awards, the Beyond the Crown Award was presented to Yizette Cifredo of Miss Universe Puerto Rico, celebrating her positive influence on the pageant and her commitment to making a difference beyond the stage. This award underscored the importance of empowering contestants to use their platforms for social change and inspire others.
The competition also featured the “Voice for Change” initiative, where contestants showcased their advocacy and commitment to social issues. Winners of the gold awards in this category included Juliana Barrientos from Bolivia, Davin Prasath from Cambodia, and Ana Gabriela Villanueva from Guatemala, with seven others receiving silver awards.
These special recognitions highlighted not only the beauty and poise of the contestants but also their individual contributions to social causes and the pageant industry. The awards celebrated the hard work, dedication, and unique talents of the contestants and national directors, ensuring that Miss Universe 2024 was not only a display of beauty but also a platform for positive change and empowerment.
Through these honors, the competition reinforced its commitment to inclusivity, advocacy, and the celebration of diverse cultures and achievements.
