Sheynnis Palacios Makes History as Miss Universe 2023: Key Details

San Salvador, Republic of El Salvador – In a groundbreaking moment, Sheynnis Alondra Palacios Cornejo, a 23-year-old mental health activist and audiovisual producer from Managua, Nicaragua, has been crowned Miss Universe 2023. This marks a historic achievement as she becomes the first woman from Nicaragua to claim the coveted Miss Universe crown.

Winner of Miss Universe 2023

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua clinched the coveted title of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant.

R’Bonney Gabriel, the reigning 71st Miss Universe from the United States, graciously handed over her crown to the newly crowned queen at the 2023 Miss Universe event.

Meet Sheynnis Palacios: A Passionate Advocate for Mental Health

In the vibrant city of Managua, Nicaragua, a 23-year-old mental health activist and audiovisual producer, Sheynnis Palacios, is making waves.

Though she typically prefers the behind-the-scenes role, her commitment to solving global issues has brought her to the forefront.

From Behind the Camera to Center Stage: Sheynnis’s Unique Journey

Sheynnis funded her communications program at the university by working in her mom’s snack business. However, when economic challenges hit the family business, her mother had to seek better opportunities abroad, leaving Sheynnis as the primary support for her grandmother and young brother.

Mental Health Advocacy: A Personal Mission

This year, Sheynnis has taken on the cause of mental health, drawing from her struggles with anxiety. In a country where mental health discussions are rare, she initiated the “Understand Your Mind” project. Through television segments, she interviews specialists in emotional care, aiming to make this crucial topic more accessible.

Beyond Beauty: Sheynnis’s Vision for a Better World

Sheynnis Palacios envisions a life dedicated to serving humanity. She aims to lead a newsroom, producing impactful content and commercials for international brands.

As she steps onto the Miss Universe stage, Sheynnis is not just a contestant; she is on a mission to bring attention to mental health issues and make a lasting difference.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miss Universe (@missuniverse)

✅ Read Also: Keziah Mero Takes the Crown: Miss Kohima 2023 Highlights

Key Highlights from the 72nd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant:

Global Representation:

• A total of 84 women competed in the 72nd Miss Universe, showcasing diversity on a global scale.

• The crown, aptly named the “Force for Good,” symbolizes the positive impact these women aim to make.

Host Country and History:

• El Salvador played host to the Miss Universe Pageant for the first time since 1975, adding a special touch to the event’s history.

Indian Representation:

• Miss India Shweta Sharda made it to the top 20 but unfortunately didn’t advance to the top 10 during the evening gown round.

✅ Read Also: Latest Awards Current Affairs 2024

Transcending Norms:

• Miss Portugal Marina Machete and Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kollé broke barriers as the first transgender participants in the pageant.

Inclusivity and Achievements:

• Camila Avella from Colombia achieved a milestone as the first mother to reach the top 10.
• Miss Nepal Jane Dipika Garrett became the pageant’s first plus-size model.

Debut and Recognition:

• Pakistan participated for the first time, represented by Erica Robin, who reached the semi-final round.

Next Stop: Mexico:

• The 73rd edition of Miss Universe is set to take place in Mexico, continuing the tradition of showcasing beauty, intelligence, and cultural richness.

Special Awards:

• Michelle Dee of the Philippines won the Spirit of Carnival Award at Miss Universe 2023.

First Woman of Color:

• Sheynnis Palacios made history as the first woman of colour to represent Nicaragua at the Miss Universe pageant.

Noteworthy Runners-Up:
– The first runner-up was Miss Anntonia Porsild of Thailand, and the second runner-up was Miss Moraya Wilson of Australia.

Trivia:
– The first Miss Universe Pageant took place in 1952 in Long Beach, California, United States, with Armi Kuusela from Finland emerging as the winner.

✅ Read Also: Nobel Prize 2023 Winners List PDF with Key Facts

Quotes and Reactions

• Sheynnis Palacios: “It’s an honour to represent Nicaragua and contribute to the global narrative of mental health awareness.”

• Miss India Shweta Sharda: “Grateful for the opportunity to showcase the beauty and grace of India on the international stage.”

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua creates history as the first Miss Universe from the country.
• The 72nd edition witnessed global representation with 84 contestants.
• Miss India Shweta Sharda reached the top 20 but missed the top 10.
• Miss Portugal and Miss Netherlands made history as the first transgender participants.
• Inclusivity shone with the first mother and plus-size model reaching the top 10.
• Pakistan made its debut, and the next edition is set to be held in Mexico.
• Michelle Dee of the Philippines received the Spirit of Carnival Award.
• Sheynnis Palacios is the first woman of colour to represent Nicaragua at Miss Universe.

Miss Universe 2023 National Costume India: Shweta Sharda’s Captivating Ensemble

Regal Attire Reflecting Strength and Diversity

In the spotlight at the Miss Universe 2023 National Costume Round, Shweta Sharda, India’s representative, made a resplendent statement in a regal ensemble designed by Nidhi Yasha.

The 22-year-old beauty queen adorned a heavily embellished traditional skirt paired with a meticulously embroidered blouse.

This outfit, representing a metaphor for a resilient nation, mirrors India’s ability to endure challenges and emerge stronger.

The attire, resembling that of an armoured goddess, beautifully celebrates the diversity, integrity, and indomitable spirit of the Indian people.

Symbolic Elements and Artistic Design

The costume achieves a harmonious blend of tenderness and strength through its technical bodice and strong shoulders, accentuating the feminine figure.

The headdress, a lotus halo, symbolizes the coexistence of India’s myriad religions and cultures, with the lotus being the national flower.

Intricate peacock feather embroidery transforms the lower part into a mystical golden peacock, the national bird.

The flowing organza skirt and dramatic long trail play with contrasts, showcasing a balance between structure and fluidity.

Stunning Makeup and Hairstyle

Assisted by makeup artist Bhagyashree Tanwar, Shweta donned a captivating look featuring golden shimmering eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, smudged kajal, mascara-capped lashes, contoured cheeks, and a shade of nude lipstick.

Her lush locks, styled by hairstylist Palakh Hingorani, cascaded down her shoulders in soft curls, complementing her overall head-turning appearance.

The meticulous attention to makeup and hairstyle enhances Shweta’s beauty and reinforces the modern Indian woman’s strength and resilience.

Showcasing India’s Growth and Cultural Heritage

Shweta Sharda’s national costume is not merely a garment but a visual narrative reflecting the essence of a modern Indian woman – strong, resilient, and determined.

This masterpiece showcases India’s growth and contemporary identity, seamlessly integrating with its rich cultural heritage.

As Shweta graces the stage, her appearance serves as a testament to India’s ability to thrive in diversity, finding harmony in its beautiful paradoxes.

Anticipation for the Finale

As we eagerly await the Miss Universe 2023 finale, set to air on the YouTube channel and X account on November 19 at 6:30 am IST, all eyes are on Shweta Sharda.

With fingers crossed and cheers resonating, the anticipation for her commanding presence on the runway and the coveted title of Miss Universe is at its peak.

Miss Universe 2023: Top Questions

When and where is Miss Universe 2023 being held?

Miss Universe 2023 will take place on November 18, 2023, at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.

What time will Miss Universe 2023 be held?

The preliminary round and national costume competition were executed seamlessly on November 15 and 16, 2023, respectively. Indian viewers can catch the highly anticipated final competition on Miss Universe’s X (previously known as Twitter) account and YouTube channel, commencing at 6:30 am Indian Standard Time on November 19, 2023.

Which country is hosting Miss Universe 2023?

For the inaugural time, Miss Universe 2023 will be hosted in El Salvador.

Who represented India in Miss Universe 2023?

Shweta Sharda, a 22-year-old model and dancer from Chandigarh, proudly represented India at the 72nd Miss Universe contest. Her journey includes active participation in numerous popular TV reality shows in the country.

Who is the Current Miss Universe?

R’Bonney Gabriel, the current Miss Universe from the United States, will gracefully transfer her crown to the next titleholder as the pageant reaches its culmination.

How many contestants are participating in Miss Universe 2023?

Over 90 countries are expected to send contestants to Miss Universe 2023.

Read More Awards & Honours Current Affairs