Miss Universe 2024: Victoria Kjær Theilvig Crowned First-Ever Winner from Denmark
A New Era for the Pageant
Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig has made history by becoming the first contestant from Denmark to be crowned Miss Universe. The 21-year-old dancer, entrepreneur, and animal rights activist beat out more than 120 contestants in the pageant’s 73rd edition held in Mexico City.
The Finalists
The top five finalists were Chidimma Adetshina, a law student representing Nigeria, Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico, Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, and Ileana Marquez of Venezuela. Marquez, 28, had earlier made history as the first mother to be crowned Miss Venezuela.
A New Era of Inclusivity
This year’s pageant featured women older than 28, a departure from the previous cutoff. Among them was Beatrice Njoya of Malta, who at 40 became the oldest woman to reach the grand finale. The pageant has also sought to evolve and rebrand itself after being acquired by JKN Global Group, headed by Thai media mogul and transgender rights campaigner Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip.
A Changing Landscape
The pageant has faced criticism in the past for promoting outmoded ideas of femininity. However, with the acquisition of JKN Global Group, the pageant has sought to move towards a more inclusive and diverse representation of women. The 2023 competition included married, plus-sized, and transgender contestants, and this year’s pageant has continued this trend.
Background
It was the fifth time Mexico has hosted the contest. In January, the Mexico-based Legacy Holding acquired a 50% stake in Miss Universe. Adetshina was formerly a Miss South Africa finalist before she was hounded over a nationality row which forced her to represent Nigeria.
Conclusion
The crowning of Victoria Kjær Theilvig as Miss Universe 2024 marks a new era for the pageant. With its efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity, the pageant is moving towards a more modern and representative representation of women. As the pageant continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it addresses the criticisms it has faced in the past and how it will continue to promote positive change.
FAQs
Q: Who is Victoria Kjær Theilvig?
A: Victoria Kjær Theilvig is the 21-year-old winner of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, representing Denmark.
Q: Who were the top five finalists?
A: The top five finalists were Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria, Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico, Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, and Ileana Marquez of Venezuela.
Q: What was the significance of this year’s pageant?
A: This year’s pageant featured women older than 28, a departure from the previous cutoff, and included married, plus-sized, and transgender contestants, marking a new era of inclusivity for the pageant.