Miss Universe 2023 Winner Sheynnis Palacios BISIMAII

In an exhilarating and mesmerizing three-hour Miss Universe 2023 competition, hosted at the esteemed José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador, the globe witnessed the coronation of the 72nd Miss Universe. The coveted title for this year was awarded to the remarkable 23-year-old Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, marking a historic moment as the first Nicaraguan woman to clinch the Miss Universe crown.

Embarking on a Passionate Journey to Success

Sheynnis Palacios is a familiar face in the pageant world. Before her noteworthy achievement as Miss Universe 2023, she held the prestigious title of Miss World Nicaragua 2020. Hailing from the scenic city of Managua in Nicaragua, this accomplished young woman pursued a degree in mass communication from the Universidad Centroamericana. Alongside her academic pursuits, Sheynnis showcased her talents as a varsity volleyball player for the university.

Inspiring Qualities of Leadership

During the intense competition, featuring 84 exceptional women from across the globe vying for the coveted crown, Sheynnis captivated the judges with her eloquence and profound humility. When queried about the qualities and values guiding her as a leader and role model, she humbly shared, “Humility and the ability to appreciate the little things are the qualities that have inspired me and countless women and girls around the world. It is within these small, precious moments that the true essence of being human lies.”

A Vision for the Future

As the competition narrowed down to the Top 3 contestants, Sheynnis faced an intriguing question: If she could spend a year in another woman’s shoes, who would she choose and why? Sheynnis delivered a powerful response that resonated with the judges and secured her victory. She expressed her admiration for Mary Watson-Brad, a trailblazer who had broken barriers and provided opportunities for countless women. Sheynnis aspired to continue Mary’s legacy by ensuring that women face no limitations in pursuing their chosen careers, bridging the income gap, and making history in 2023.

Celebrating the Runner-Ups

While Sheynnis Palacios claimed the coveted Miss Universe title, her outstanding competitors also left their mark on the stage. The first runner-up position was secured by the stunning Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, at the age of 27. Following closely behind was the remarkable Miss Australia, Moraya Wilson, who captured the second runner-up position at just 22 years old. These talented women showcased grace, confidence, and beauty, leaving a memorable impact on the audience.

A Glorious Night of Pageantry

The Miss Universe competition on November 18 was an unforgettable evening filled with glamour, talent, and empowered women. The audience was captivated by stunning performances and the dedication of the hosts, Jeannie Mai, Olivia Culpo, Maria Menounos, Catriona Gray, and Zuri Hall. The evening was made even more special with a captivating performance by the talented John Legend. Additionally, the pageant marked a significant milestone with the participation of two incredible transgender women, Rikkie Kollé from the Netherlands and Marina Machete from Portugal, following in the footsteps of Ángela Ponce from Spain in 2018.

Embracing diversity and empowering women

The Miss Universe pageant has always been an inclusive platform that celebrates the diversity and strength of women from all walks of life. This year’s competition featured remarkable married women and mothers, such as Camila Avella from Colombia, Michelle Cohn from Guatemala, and Lorena Santen from Switzerland, who beautifully showcased their balance between personal and professional lives. Furthermore, the pageant made history by welcoming the first plus-size delegate, Jane Dipika Garrett from Nepal, who bravely shattered stereotypes and paved the way for more inclusivity in the future.

Notable Mentions: Miss Congeniality and Top Finalists

The Miss Congeniality award, voted for by the contestants themselves, was granted to the phenomenal Miss Spain, Athenea Pérez. Athenea’s remarkable personality and grace made her the first woman of colour to win this honourable recognition.
As the competition progressed, the Top 5 finalists who showcased their excellence and charmed the audience with their beauty and intelligence included Moraya Wilson from Australia, Camila Avella from Colombia, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua (eventual winner), Karla Guilfú from Puerto Rico, and Anntonia Porsild from Thailand.

Conclusion

The crowning of Sheynnis Palacios as the 72nd Miss Universe was a testament to her exceptional qualities, inner strength, and dedication. Sheynnis, along with the outstanding runner-ups, Anntonia Porsild from Thailand and Moraya Wilson from Australia, brought tremendous pride and inspiration to their respective countries. This year’s Miss Universe competition has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of pageantry.