It was Andrea Meza, Miss Mexico, who was crowned Miss Universe 2021 this Sunday in Florida, United States.
The contest was also marked by the commitment of the participants: Miss Burma denounced the coup d'état of the army in her country, and Miss Singapore the racism against Asians.
Andrea Meza, 26, in a sparkling red evening gown, finished ahead of the Brazilian and Peruvian finalists in the 2021 Miss Universe pageant, a show hosted from Hollywood, Florida by Americans Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo.
It was chosen by a panel of eight women as the winner.
She beat more than 70 contestants to win this 69th Miss Universe title, and succeed South African Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019. The 2020 edition of Miss Universe had been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I would like to urge everyone to talk about Burma"
Miss Burma, Thuzar Wint Lwin, took advantage of the competition to denounce the coup that overthrew former Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "Our people are dying and being shot by the army every day," she said in her presentation video - before the final of the competition - with photos of her participating in the anti-junta demonstrations. "Therefore, I would like to urge everyone to talk about Burma," added the young woman.
This Thursday, she won the prize for the most beautiful traditional costume: dressed in a beaded outfit, adorned with traditional Burmese motifs, she held up a sign "Pray for Burma" in English.
At least 796 people have been killed by law enforcement in Burma since the February 1 coup, according to an NGO, and more than 3,800 people are detained.
"Stop the hatred against Asians"
Miss Singapore, Bernadette Belle Ong, also took advantage of the competition for the most beautiful traditional costume to denounce discrimination against Asians.
Dressed in a shimmering red bodysuit and matching thigh-high boots, she turned around, revealing the words "Stop Hate Against Asians" on her cape in the colors of the Singaporean flag.
“What good is this platform if I can't use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence?” She also wrote on Instagram, alongside photos of her outfit.