Publications and Recaps

Miss Universe 2024
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig

2024 Miss Universe in Mexico City

The 73rd Miss Universe pageant took place on November 16, 2024, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, a significant event as it marked the fifth time Mexico hosted the competition and the first since 2007. This year’s pageant was especially notable because Mexico City is the home base of Raul Rocha Cantu, the Mexican businessman who became a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization in January 2024 after acquiring a 50% stake alongside Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip. The event showcased a record-breaking 125 contestants from around the world, with Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark ultimately crowned as Miss Universe 2024 by the outgoing titleholder, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. It was Denmark’s first-ever win in the pageant’s history, adding a historic touch to the night.

The good vibes were palpable with the pageant’s vibrant energy in Mexico City, a cultural hub that brought flair to the event with its massive 22,300-capacity arena. The competition embraced inclusivity, reflecting changes under the new co-ownership, like the removal of age limits and welcoming mothers, married, divorced, and pregnant women. Standout moments included the national costume parade and swimwear rounds on November 14, where contestants dazzled with creativity—Mexico’s own María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa rocked a folk-art-inspired look, though she didn’t place. The crowning of a poised 21-year-old animal rights activist and aspiring lawyer, Victoria, was a feel-good triumph, celebrated for her eloquent responses in the Q&A rounds, like emphasizing respect over being liked.

On the controversial front, drama swirled before and during the event. A leaked video from 2023 of co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip surfaced earlier in the year, where she allegedly suggested diverse contestants (trans women, married women, etc.) could compete but not win, sparking backlash over the pageant’s inclusivity claims. This bubbled up again post-crowning when Victoria, a blonde, blue-eyed Dane, won—some online voices cheered it as a return to “traditional” beauty, while others saw irony given Jakrajutatip’s remarks. Post-pageant, Victoria faced heat for a viral TikTok atop the Empire State Building, lip-syncing the N-word to “Empire State of Mind,” prompting calls for an apology or even dethronement, though no official action has been taken as of February 22, 2025.

Funny moments lightened the mood—like the sheer absurdity of some national costumes (think elaborate winged-deer alebrijes from Mexico’s past entries inspiring giggles), or the inevitable social media memes about contestants tripping over words in the high-pressure Q&A. The bad, though, hit harder: disqualifications marred the lead-up, with Panama’s Italy Mora booted for sneaking out to see her boyfriend, and multiple withdrawals (South Africa’s Mia Le Roux and Kosovo’s Edona Bajrami) due to health issues dented the lineup. Behind the scenes, Rocha Cantu faced a lawsuit from a former Miss Universe Mexico CEO alleging unpaid wages, casting a shadow over his debut as co-owner in his home city.

Overall, Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City was a rollercoaster—glamorous and groundbreaking yet tangled in controversy and logistical hiccups. Rocha Cantu’s hometown hosting delivered a spectacle, but the organization’s growing pains under new leadership kept tongues wagging long after the crown was placed.

Recap on 2009 Miss Universe in Bahamas

Miss Universe 2009: A Spectacular Event at the Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas**

The 58th Miss Universe pageant, held on August 23, 2009, at the Imperial Ballroom of the Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas, remains a landmark event in the history of international beauty competitions. This edition marked a historic moment as Stefanía Fernández of Venezuela was crowned by her compatriot Dayana Mendoza, making Venezuela the first and only country to secure back-to-back victories in Miss Universe history. The pageant drew contestants from 83 countries and territories, captivating a global audience with its glamour, talent, and cultural celebration.

    The Venue: Atlantis Paradise Island
The Atlantis Paradise Island, a luxurious resort and casino complex, provided a stunning backdrop for the 2009 Miss Universe pageant. Known for its opulent architecture, aquatic attractions, and world-class amenities, the resort’s Imperial Ballroom, with a capacity of 3,650, hosted the main events, including the presentation show, rehearsals, dress rehearsal, and the grand finale. The Bahamas’ selection as the host nation was announced on March 3, 2009, after earlier unsuccessful bids by Australia and Croatia, underscoring the country’s growing prominence as a destination for international events. The choice of Atlantis, a premier luxury destination, elevated the pageant’s prestige and showcased the Bahamas’ hospitality on a global stage.

    The Owner of Miss Universe
At the time of the 2009 pageant, the Miss Universe Organization was owned by Donald Trump in partnership with NBC Universal. Trump, a prominent businessman and media personality, had acquired the pageant in 1996 through his company, Trump Organization, and played a significant role in its branding and expansion. His involvement brought high-profile attention to the event, and he was a visible presence at key moments, including the Coronation Ball following the pageant. Trump’s ownership, combined with NBC Universal’s media backing, ensured the pageant reached a broad television audience, solidifying its status as one of the Big Four international beauty pageants alongside Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth.

   The Sponsor
The 2009 Miss Universe pageant featured Diamond Nexus Labs as a key sponsor, aligning with NBC Universal’s “Green is Universal” environmental initiative. Diamond Nexus Labs provided the pageant’s iconic Diamond Nexus Peace Crown, which debuted that year. This eco-friendly, man-made gemstone crown, set with 1,371 gemstones weighing 416.09 carats, symbolized peace and was selected by fans through an online vote among three designs: Unity, Hope, and Peace. The sponsorship underscored the pageant’s commitment to humanitarian causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness, and highlighted its innovative approach to combining beauty with environmental responsibility.

     The Dancing Choreographer
While specific details about the choreographer for the Miss Universe 2009 pageant are not widely documented in available records, beauty pageants of this scale typically employ professional choreographers to design the opening numbers, talent performances, and group dances that showcase the contestants’ grace and coordination. Given the pageant's history, it’s plausible that a seasoned Hollywood choreographer, such as Mario Mosley—known for his work on similar high-profile events like Oxygen’s *Dance Your Ass Off*—or another expert in pageant choreography, could have been involved. These choreographers are responsible for creating visually stunning routines that highlight the contestants’ movements, often blending contemporary dance with cultural elements to reflect the global diversity of the participants.

   Leading Singers
The 2009 Miss Universe pageant featured an impressive lineup of musical performances that added to its entertainment value. Heidi Montag, a reality television personality and singer, performed during the event, bringing her pop-infused style to the stage. Flo Rida, the chart-topping rapper known for hits like “Low,” energized the audience with his dynamic performance. Kelly Rowland, a member of Destiny’s Child and a solo artist, showcased her vocal prowess, while David Guetta, the renowned DJ and producer, contributed an electronic music performance that reflected the contemporary music trends of the time. Together, these artists created a vibrant soundtrack for the pageant, enhancing its global appeal and festive atmosphere.

    The Coronation Ball
Following Stefanía Fernández’s crowning, the Coronation Ball at Atlantis Paradise Island marked the celebratory conclusion of Miss Universe 2009. This exclusive event brought together pageant winners, judges, sponsors, and dignitaries, including Donald Trump, who made a grand entrance, as documented in contemporary media coverage. The ball featured dancing, fine dining, and networking, offering a glamorous finale to the week-long festivities. It was a moment for Fernández, Fernández, and other participants to celebrate their achievements in an elegant setting, with the Bahamas’ hospitality shining through. The event also highlighted the cultural richness of the host nation, with its tropical ambiance and luxurious surroundings at Atlantis.

    Conclusion
Miss Universe 2009 at the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas was a milestone event, blending beauty, culture, and entertainment on an international stage. Under Donald Trump and NBC Universal’s ownership, with Diamond Nexus Labs as a key sponsor, the pageant showcased the talents of contestants, the creativity of its choreographers, and the star power of leading singers like Heidi Montag, Flo Rida, Kelly Rowland, and David Guetta. The Coronation Ball capped the event with unforgettable celebrations, leaving a lasting legacy for the Bahamas and the Miss Universe Organization. This edition remains a testament to the pageant’s enduring global appeal and its ability to unite the world in a celebration of beauty and humanity.

Miss Universe 2023 review by Adam Mears.

Miss Universe 2023: Triumphs, Tribulations, and a New Era"

Introduction:

The 72nd Miss Universe pageant, held on November 18, 2023, at the Gimnasio Nacional José Adolfo Pineda in San Salvador, El Salvador, marked a historic moment in the pageant's history. Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua secured the coveted title, becoming the first Nicaraguan to be crowned Miss Universe. This essay explores the diverse and inclusive nature of the pageant, notable participants, the resignation of Paula Shugart after 23 years as president, and the controversies surrounding the event.

Body:

Diversity and Inclusivity:
The 2023 edition of Miss Universe gained widespread acclaim for its diverse and inclusive participant lineup. Notable milestones included the participation of Ángela Ponce of Spain in 2018 as the first transgender woman in the pageant. In the 2023 edition, Rikkie Kollé of the Netherlands and Marina Machete of Portugal continued this trend, breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity.
Additionally, the presence of married women and mothers, such as Camila Avella of Colombia, Michelle Cohn of Guatemala, and Lorena Santen of Switzerland, marked a departure from traditional pageant norms. Media sources also highlighted Jane Dipika Garrett of Nepal as the first plus-sized delegate, contributing to the ongoing efforts to redefine beauty standards.
Portugal, Pakistan, Nepal, and Colombia, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds, found themselves among the top 20 semifinalists, further emphasizing the pageant's commitment to celebrating global diversity.
Paula Shugart's Resignation:
The departure of Paula Shugart after 23 years as president marked the end of an era for the Miss Universe Organization. Shugart, who weathered transitions from the Trump organization to the Endeavor years and through the first year of JKN Global Group ownership, announced her retirement during the National Costume Show.
Shugart's contribution to the organization, from Vice President of Production in 1998 to President in 2001, showcased her instrumental role in producing the annual live global show and overseeing all business dealings. Despite her long-planned departure, questions arose about the timing, given the recent financial troubles of JKN Global Group, the company now in control of Miss Universe.
Controversies and Challenges:
The 2023 Miss Universe pageant was not without its share of controversies and challenges. One notable incident involved the Miss Universe El Salvador Instagram account mistakenly announcing the top 5, including Miss Philippines Michelle Dee instead of Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild. This error fueled anger among Filipino fans, demanding an explanation and raising suspicions of fraud. The account clarified the mistake, attributing it to the rush of coverage and not the Miss Universe organization.
Another significant challenge emerged with JKN Global Group's financial issues. The news of the company filing for bankruptcy sparked concerns about the future of Miss Universe. Although Khun Anne, in charge of JKN Global Group, refuted claims of selling the pageant, reports indicated financial struggles, including the sale of shares to address obligations and ongoing legal battles.
Furthermore, technical difficulties during the LiveBash Livestream, intended for the preliminary competition and national costume show, added to the controversies. The abrupt shift to YouTube after the LiveBash site crashed led to frustrations among viewers who had purchased tickets for the streaming service, raising questions about the event's organizational efficiency.

Conclusion:

The 72nd Miss Universe pageant of 2023 was a landmark event that celebrated diversity and inclusivity, showcasing a global array of contestants breaking stereotypes and embracing varied backgrounds. Paula Shugart's departure marked the end of a significant era, and the controversies surrounding the event highlighted the challenges faced by one of the world's most prestigious pageants. As the Miss Universe organization navigates these challenges, the 2023 edition stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in the ever-evolving world of beauty pageants.

Steve Harvey’s Miss Universe 2015 Mix-Up

On December 20, 2015, at The AXIS in Las Vegas, the Miss Universe pageant took a wild turn thanks to host Steve Harvey. It was his debut gig hosting the event, and the night was rolling smoothly—glitz, glamour, the usual. The final moment arrived: Steve had to announce the winner between Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutiérrez, and Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach. With millions watching, he confidently declared, “Miss Universe 2015 is… Colombia!” Ariadna beamed, accepted the crown from reigning champ Paulina Vega, and started her victory wave—flowers in hand, tears flowing.

Then, chaos. About two minutes later, Steve shuffled back onstage, visibly rattled, and dropped the bombshell: “Okay, folks, I have to apologize. The first runner-up is Colombia. Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!” The crowd gasped, jaws dropped worldwide. Turns out, he’d misread the teleprompter—listing Colombia as first runner-up, not winner. Pia stood frozen in the background, stunned, while Ariadna’s smile faded as Paulina awkwardly uncrowned her. Steve held up the card, pleading, “It’s right here!” but the damage was done. Pia got her crown in a whirlwind of confusion, and the night ended with a viral blunder for the ages.

What Went Down and Why It’s Iconic

This wasn’t just a slip-up—it was a live TV trainwreck that turned Steve Harvey into a global punchline. The recap’s simple: he botched the biggest call of the night, flipping joy to heartbreak in seconds. Ariadna handled it like a pro, despite the gut punch—imagine winning the universe, then losing it on air! Pia’s win felt overshadowed, like she stumbled into a crown she didn’t fully get to savor. Steve? He owned it, sort of—his apology was earnest, but that card-waving defense screamed desperation.

Why it’s iconic: it’s peak human error meets high stakes. Pageants thrive on perfection, so this messy hiccup was gold—raw, unscripted, and unforgettable. The internet erupted with memes (“Steve Harvey’s eye doctor appointment: overdue”), and he still hosted four more years, proving resilience. The real kicker? The teleprompter layout was clunky—small text, poor design—setting him up to fail. Lesson learned: double-check the fine print, Steve! It’s a moment that’s hilarious in hindsight but a masterclass in live TV unpredictability.

Russia hosted Miss Universe in 2013,Pageants and Politics

The 62nd Miss Universe pageant took place on November 9, 2013, at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, just outside Moscow—the first and only time Russia has hosted the competition. Owned at the time by Donald Trump, the pageant saw 86 contestants compete, with Gabriela Isler of Venezuela crowned the winner by outgoing titleholder Olivia Culpo of the United States, marking Venezuela’s seventh victory. Hosted by MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts and Spice Girl Mel B, with performances by Russian pop star Emin Agalarov, Panic! at the Disco, and Steven Tyler, the event drew a global audience, though exact viewership figures vary (NBC claimed up to 1 billion). It was a glitzy showcase in a 7,500-seat venue owned by billionaire Aras Agalarov, whose Crocus Group poured nearly $20 million into securing the event.

The exclusive reason for Moscow hosting stemmed from a business deal between Trump and the Agalarovs. Emin Agalarov, an aspiring singer and son of Aras, had filmed a music video with Olivia Culpo in early 2013, sparking a connection. Trump, eyeing real estate opportunities in Russia—like a long-dreamed Trump Tower Moscow—saw the pageant as a foothold. During the Miss USA pageant in June 2013, he announced Moscow as the venue, partnering with the Agalarovs, whom he called “one of the great families in Russia.” Aras, a real estate magnate with Kremlin ties (he’d later be awarded a medal by Putin), reportedly paid a hefty sum to license the event, aligning it as a glamorous prelude to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, which Trump hyped as Russia’s motivation.

Controversy swirled around the pageant. Russia’s recent anti-gay “propaganda” law, signed by Putin in June 2013, banning public expressions of gay pride, sparked outrage. Original co-host Andy Cohen, a gay man, refused to participate, calling it unsafe to travel to Russia. The Miss Universe Organization condemned the law as against its values, replacing Cohen with openly gay Thomas Roberts, who saw it as a platform to spotlight LGBT issues—though no onstage protest materialized, disappointing some activists. Trump’s presence fueled political intrigue: he boasted of meeting “oligarchs and generals” and hinted at a relationship with Putin, tweeting, “Do you think Putin will be going to The Miss Universe Pageant… if so, will he become my new best friend?” Putin didn’t attend (due to a last-minute visit from the Dutch king), but the event later tied into investigations of Trump’s Russia connections, including a 2016 Trump Tower meeting brokered by Emin Agalarov with a Kremlin-linked lawyer. Visa issues also axed contestants from Kosovo and Montenegro, reflecting Russia’s geopolitical stances.

Funny moments offered levity. Russian hairstylist Sergei Zverev, a flamboyant celebrity, declared ousted Bolshoi ballerina Anastasia Volochkova the “only real queen of the universe” at the event, dismissing the contestants with campy flair. The national costume segment amused with its excess—Miss Russia Elmira Abdrazakova’s modernized folk outfit didn’t wow the judges (she didn’t crack the top 16), while others strutted in over-the-top getups begging for memes. Backstage, Roberts and Mel B were warned not to mispronounce Russian words lest they offend VIPs, adding a layer of absurd tension.

Russian culture peeked through subtly. The Crocus City Hall, a symbol of Moscow’s post-Soviet opulence, reflected the nation’s love for grandeur. Emin’s performance injected local pop flavor, and the Agalarovs’ Nobu restaurant hosted Trump for a swanky dinner with businessmen like Herman Gref of Sberbank, showcasing Russia’s elite networking scene. Contestants toured Red Square and the Kremlin, nodding to iconic heritage, though their tight schedule limited deeper immersion—Miss Germany griped about seeing little else. Miss Russia played hostess to a press swarm fixated on contestants’ love lives, a slice of tabloid culture.