Sheyniss Palacois crowned Miss Universe 2023, Miss Croatia misses semis
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Sheyniss Palacois crowned 72nd Miss Universe (Photo: PR Miss Universe Organisation)
Sheyniss Palacois from Nicaragua was crowned the 72nd Miss Universe last night in front of 15,000 spectators in San Salvador.
Sheyniss, a 23-year-old graduate in communication, envisions herself as a future producer. She initiated the project “Understand Your Mind” to advocate for mental health.
Miss Croatia, Andrea Erjavec, did not make it to the semifinals of the most prestigious beauty competition in the world.
Miss Croatia in a white dress in the second row (Photo: PR Miss Universe Organisation)
The Top 20 finalists on the night were Nicaragua, Spain, Puerto Rico, Namibia, Venezuela, India, Thailand, Chile, Jamaica, USA, Nepal, Peru, Cameroon, Colombia, Pakistan, Australia, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, and El Salvador.
Andrea Erjavec (Photo: PR / Miss Universe Organisation)
This marks the first time a plus-size woman (Nepal) and a married woman with children (Colombia) advanced to the semifinals, reflecting the updated competition rules eliminating age limits from 2023.
“Winners who make it to the Miss Universe finals often speak multiple languages, hold dual degrees, and are highly respected in their countries. They become brands promoting and initiating social changes on their platforms, followed by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people on social media. Most of these women engage in public roles, working in radio or television, and serve as motivational speakers,” explained Ivana Delač, Director of Public Relations at the Miss Universe Croatia Directorate.
To progress to the next round, the Top 20 had to showcase confidence and physical health in the swimsuit category. The Top 10 finalists were Puerto Rico, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Nicaragua, Philippines, El Salvador, Venezuela, Australia, and Spain.
Andrea Erjavec Miss Universe Croatia (Photo: PR / Miss Universe Organisation)
After the evening gown competition, the Top 5 successful contestants from Australia, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Colombia answered the jury’s questions on important topics and global issues. The 72nd Miss Universe was announced, with Nicaragua as the winner, Thailand as the first runner-up, and Australia as the second runner-up.
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The competition, watched by millions worldwide, was hosted by Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, TV personality Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Maria Menounos, former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, and Zuri Hall as backstage correspondents. Renowned musician John Legend performed during the event.
