The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant unfolded in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the long-standing tradition of celebrating women’s empowerment and global diversity. As representatives from over 120 nations gathered under the theme “The Power of Love,” the event promised not only glamour and competition but also a platform for addressing pressing social issues. However, this year’s finale has been overshadowed by a series of controversies that have tested the organization’s resilience and commitment to inclusivity.

From heated backstage confrontations to allegations of rigging and abrupt judge resignations, the path to the crowning ceremony has been fraught with tension. Despite these challenges, the pageant proceeded, showcasing the contestants’ poise, intelligence, and advocacy efforts. The evening’s proceedings, hosted at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, highlighted the evolving nature of beauty pageants in the modern era.

Historical Context of Miss Universe

Miss Universe, established in 1952 in the United States, has grown from a simple beauty contest into a global phenomenon that emphasizes more than physical appearance. Over the decades, it has adapted to societal shifts, incorporating elements of philanthropy, cultural exchange, and personal empowerment. The pageant has crowned icons who have used their platforms to champion causes ranging from environmental conservation to gender equality.

In recent years, the organization has undergone significant transformations to reflect contemporary values. The removal of age restrictions, allowance for married women and mothers, and inclusion of transgender participants have broadened its appeal and inclusivity. These changes, initiated under previous leadership, aimed to redefine beauty as multifaceted and representative of all women worldwide.

The 2025 edition continues this trajectory, with a focus on love as a unifying force amid global divisions. Organizers emphasized themes of compassion, resilience, and community building, aligning the event with broader humanitarian goals.

The selection process for contestants remains rigorous, involving national pageants licensed by the Miss Universe Organization. Delegates are chosen not only for their elegance but also for their ability to articulate visions for positive change. This year’s cohort exemplifies that balance, bringing stories of perseverance from diverse backgrounds.

Thailand as Host: A Legacy of Pageant Excellence

Thailand’s selection as host underscores its deep-rooted passion for beauty pageants. The country has hosted Miss Universe three times previously, with the 2018 event in Bangkok often cited as a benchmark for production quality and audience engagement. Thai fans, known for their fervent support, create an electric atmosphere that elevates the competition.

The Impact Challenger Hall, a state-of-the-art venue, provides an ideal setting with its advanced lighting and sound systems. Preparations included three weeks of rehearsals, workshops, and cultural excursions, allowing contestants to immerse themselves in Thai traditions. From temple visits to street food tours, these activities fostered bonds among the delegates.

National Costume Showcase: A Highlight of Cultural Pride

The national costume presentation on November 19 served as a vibrant prelude to the finale. Each outfit told a story of heritage and identity, blending traditional elements with innovative designs. Miss USA Audrey Eckert’s bald eagle-inspired ensemble, crafted by designer Simon Villalba, symbolized American freedom and drew widespread acclaim for its intricacy.

Other standouts included elaborate representations from Asia and Latin America, where fabrics and motifs evoked ancient legends and natural wonders. This segment not only celebrated diversity but also underscored the pageant’s role in preserving cultural narratives on a global stage.

The Contestants: A Tapestry of Global Representation

With 120 participants, the 2025 lineup boasts unprecedented diversity. Debuting nations such as Cape Verde, Mayotte, Palestine, and Rwanda bring fresh perspectives, while returning countries like Ghana and South Africa add experienced voices. The inclusion of a non-national delegate from Latina, selected through a Telemundo reality show, highlights the pageant’s expansion to diaspora communities.

Replacements due to various reasons ensured the field remained competitive. For instance, Dorcas Dienda stepped in for the Democratic Republic of the Congo after a contract dispute, demonstrating the logistical complexities behind the scenes.

Notable Delegates and Their Stories

Several contestants have captured attention for their compelling backgrounds:

Nadeen Ayoub from Palestine: As the first representative from her region, Ayoub used the platform to advocate for visibility and strength amid adversity. Her Instagram post emphasized representing Palestinian women and children, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. This participation marks a historic moment for Middle Eastern inclusion in international pageants.
Manika Vishwakarma from India: A rising star in her national pageant scene, Vishwakarma impressed in the preliminaries with her lavender and silver ensemble. Her journey reflects India’s growing influence in global beauty competitions, where she promotes education for underprivileged girls. Fans rallied behind her, hoping for a top placement.
Ahtisa Manalo from the Philippines: Known for her grace and advocacy for mental health, Manalo earned the People’s Choice Award, underscoring public support. The Philippines’ strong pageant tradition made her a frontrunner, with elaborate preparations highlighting national pride. Her performance in swimsuit and gown rounds showcased poise under pressure.
Fátima Bosch from Mexico: Despite facing controversy, Bosch’s resilience shone through. Her dignified response to the pre-pageant incident garnered international sympathy and praise from figures like Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. Bosch’s story of empowerment became a central narrative of the event.
Praveenar Singh from Thailand: As the host nation’s hopeful, Singh’s Thai-Indian heritage adds a layer of cultural fusion. Fan sites positioned her as a potential winner, which would secure Thailand’s third title since 1965. Her advocacy for multicultural acceptance aligns perfectly with the theme.
Audrey Eckert from the United States: At 23, Eckert’s elaborate national costume and strong preliminary scores made her a standout. Representing Nebraska, she focused on rural women’s issues, bringing an authentic American voice to the competition. Her youth and energy invigorated the American delegation.
Gabrielle Henry from Jamaica: Though sidelined by an onstage fall during preliminaries, Henry’s spirit inspired many. Rushed to hospital but confirmed injury-free, she symbolized the physical demands of the competition. Her recovery story added an emotional dimension to the event.
Jennifer Ventura from the Dominican Republic: Advancing to the Top 30, Ventura’s vibrant energy and dance background captivated judges. She promoted Caribbean tourism and youth empowerment, using her platform to bridge cultural gaps. Her progression highlighted Latin America’s dominance in recent editions.

These stories illustrate how Miss Universe transcends aesthetics, serving as a conduit for personal and collective narratives.

The Competition Format: Innovation Meets Tradition

The 2025 format retained the structure proven successful in 2024, blending high-stakes performances with insightful interviews. Semi-finalists were selected through a combination of national costume parades, swimsuit competitions, evening gown walks, and private interviews. This multi-faceted approach ensures a holistic evaluation of each delegate.

The swimsuit round, now accommodating cultural sensitivities with options for full coverage, emphasized confidence over conventional standards. Evening gowns allowed for personal expression, with designs ranging from minimalist elegance to opulent extravagance. The Q&A segments delved into global issues, testing contestants’ eloquence and depth.

Special Awards and Public Engagement

Eight special awards, determined by online voting via the Miss Universe app, added an interactive element. Categories included Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, Best National Costume, and Beyond the Crown Award, rewarding not just beauty but personality and impact. This public involvement boosted engagement, with millions participating worldwide.

The People’s Choice vote, extended unexpectedly to November 19, propelled Paraguay’s Yanina Gómez into the Top 30. Such extensions, while controversial, aimed to maximize inclusivity and fan influence on the outcomes.

The finale featured performances by Thai musician Jeff Satur, infusing the evening with contemporary energy. Hosts Steve Byrne, Dayanara Torres, and R’Bonney Gabriel provided witty commentary and insider insights, keeping the broadcast dynamic.

Controversies: A Shadow Over the Spotlight

No edition in recent memory has faced as many upheavals as 2025. The scandals began early, casting a pall over what should have been a celebratory affair. These incidents have sparked debates about the pageant’s future direction and governance.

At the forefront was the pre-pageant meeting where Thai organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch for inadequate promotional posts. What started as a critique escalated into a heated exchange, with reports of derogatory language and security intervention. Bosch was escorted out, prompting a solidarity walkout by fellow contestants, including outgoing titleholder Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who deemed the behavior “beyond disrespectful.”

The Miss Universe Organization swiftly condemned the actions as “malicious,” suspending the ceremony and limiting Itsaragrisil’s involvement. He issued a formal apology, attributing the misunderstanding to translation issues, but the damage was done. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch’s handling as an act of dignity, amplifying the incident’s international reach.

Allegations of Rigging and Judge Resignations

Compounding the turmoil, judge Omar Harfouch resigned days before the finale, accusing organizers of rigging through a secret “impromptu jury” that pre-selected the Top 30. The organization refuted these claims, clarifying it pertained to the Beyond the Crown initiative, an independent program. Harfouch’s departure was followed by those of Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, citing personal reasons, further fueling speculation.

Voting irregularities added to the distrust. The People’s Choice extension saw Paraguay’s votes skyrocket to 16 million in an hour, raising eyebrows due to a judge’s alleged ties to the contestant. Organizers maintained transparency, but critics argued for clearer protocols.

Other flashpoints included a casino promotion probe, where contestants were reportedly asked to film for an online gambling site, breaching Thai laws. An unauthorized “Special Dinner and Talk Show” by Miss Universe Thailand led to intellectual property disputes, ultimately canceled.

Additionally, former Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado faced backlash for inflammatory social media comments, including racial stereotypes directed at Itsaragrisil. These remarks, made during an Instagram Live, drew condemnation from the community, highlighting the need for responsible discourse.

Leadership Challenges and Organizational Shifts

The scandals trace back to turbulent leadership transitions. In June 2025, Thai media tycoon Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip stepped down as CEO after acquiring the organization for $20 million in 2022. Her tenure introduced groundbreaking inclusivity policies but ended amid her company’s 2023 bankruptcy filing due to liquidity crises.

Mario Búcaro, a Guatemalan diplomat, assumed the CEO role at the end of October, navigating the split operations between Bangkok and Mexico City. This division has led to communication breakdowns, as noted by industry insiders like coach Dani Walker and former president Paula Shugart. The cultural clash between Thai and Mexican executives has exacerbated tensions.

Raul Rocha, Miss Universe President from Mexico, played a key role in damage control, directly intervening in the Bosch incident. His Instagram updates reassured stakeholders of the organization’s commitment to fairness and respect. Despite the hurdles, these changes signal a push toward modernization, including e-commerce integrations and TikTok-focused content.

The event’s timing during Thailand’s mourning period for Queen Sirikit, who passed on October 24, prompted format adjustments per government guidelines. Subdued elements honored national sentiments while preserving the pageant’s essence.

The Path to Empowerment: Beyond the Crown

Beneath the glamour lies the “Beyond the Crown” initiative, which empowers contestants through skill-building workshops and networking opportunities. Delegates engaged in sessions on public speaking, digital advocacy, and leadership, preparing them for post-pageant endeavors. This program underscores the organization’s shift from spectacle to substance.

Many contestants arrived with established platforms; for example, Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub’s work in humanitarian aid and Miss India’s focus on girls’ education exemplify proactive change-making. The pageant serves as a launchpad, with past winners like R’Bonney Gabriel leveraging their titles for entrepreneurial ventures.

As the Top 30 advanced—featuring powerhouses from Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, India, Japan, Latina, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Palestine, Paraguay, Rwanda, United States, and Zimbabwe—the competition intensified. Swimsuit scores highlighted athleticism, with Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace topping at 9.36, followed by the Philippines and Chile.

The evening gown round and Q&A promised revelations, with questions probing views on love, unity, and global challenges. These moments allow contestants to shine intellectually, often swaying judges more than visual appeal.

Global Broadcast and Fan Engagement

Aired on Telemundo with streams on Peacock and AIS Play, the event reached millions. Social media buzzed with live reactions, fan votes, and hashtag campaigns like #MissUniverse2025. This digital amplification ensures the message of empowerment resonates far beyond the venue.

In the Philippines and Thailand, viewership parties turned streets into festive zones, while in the US and Latin America, online communities dissected every gown and answer. Such engagement validates the pageant’s enduring relevance.

Conclusion

The Miss Universe 2025 finale encapsulates a pageant at a crossroads: rich in tradition yet besieged by modern controversies. From the diverse roster of contestants embodying global stories to the scandals exposing operational fractures, the event reaffirms the need for evolution. As the crown passes to a new guardian of this legacy, it carries the weight of 73 prior editions— a symbol of aspiration tempered by accountability. Ultimately, amid the chaos, the true victory lies in the amplified voices of women worldwide, united under the power of love and unyielding resilience. This edition, though tumultuous, propels Miss Universe toward a more inclusive and transparent future, where beauty is but one facet of profound influence.