Miss Mexico Andrea Meza, 26, beat more than 70 contestants from around the globe to take home the crown of Miss Universe 2021.
The 69th edition of Miss Universe was once again televised worldwide on May 16 following the cancellation of the pageant in 2020 due to the pandemic.
A total of more than 70 contestants from around the world came together for a chance to win the crown this year.
Hosted by Hollywood actor Mario Lopez and social media personality Olivia Culpo, the event was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
This year, a panel of eight women determined the winner, while former Miss Universe contestants Cheslie Kryst, Paulina Vega and Demi-Leigh Tebow (she was crowned Miss Universe in 2017) served as commentators during the event.
Miss Myanmar Thuzar Wint Lwin won the award for best national costume. In this segment, she wore an outfit that with traditional Burmese patterns and held up a sign that said, "Pray for Myanmar.”
In her video, she said: ”Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day. Therefore I would like to urge everyone to speak out about Myanmar.”
Singapore’s representative Bernadette Belle Ong also made many Singaporeans proud with her national costume.
Made in two days by designer Arwin Meriales and painted by Paulo Pilapil Espinosa using the colours from Singapore’s national flag, the cape was emblazoned with the words “Stop Asian Hate”
Ong posted on her Instagram: “What is this platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence! Thank you #MissUniverse for giving me this opportunity!!!
My National Costume is inspired by Singapore’s National Flag — it symbolises unity for all and social harmony in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and inter-religious country ♥️🇸🇬
I wear my country proud and strong! 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗛 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗔!!! 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬"