The 73rd Miss Universe pageant, held in Mexico City on Saturday night, delivered a spectacular show of beauty, talent, and advocacy.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, a 21-year-old from Denmark, emerged victorious among over 120 contestants from around the world.
Her win marks the first-ever Miss Universe crown for Denmark, a historic milestone for the Scandinavian country.
Theilvig, an animal rights advocate and professional dancer, captivated the judges with her charisma, elegance, and compelling advocacy work.
The pageant, under the ownership of Thai media mogul Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip, has embraced progressive changes in recent years.
It has opened doors to contestants of diverse backgrounds, including plus-sized, married, and transgender women.
In 2023, Marina Machete of Portugal made headlines as the first transgender woman to place in the top 20 of the Miss Universe competition.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle became the first transgender individual to win Miss Netherlands last year, while Angela Ponce of Spain paved the way in 2018.
Theilvig’s victory comes in the wake of these groundbreaking milestones, sparking a mixed reaction among fans and commentators.
Some fans have celebrated her win, while others have pointed to a return to “traditional” beauty standards.
Prominent political commentator Matt Wallace tweeted, “BREAKING: Fans shocked after straight, white, biological woman wins Miss Universe 2024.”
Social media platforms were flooded with comments such as “Reality has just returned!” and “The woke virus is on the run.”
Theilvig’s win has ignited a broader discussion about inclusivity, tradition, and evolving beauty ideals in global pageants.
Her personal journey is nothing short of inspiring, shaped by resilience and a commitment to her advocacy work.
Born in Herlev, a suburb of Copenhagen, Theilvig overcame a difficult family background and personal struggles with abuse.
Her platform includes mental health awareness and animal rights advocacy, which she aims to further during her reign.
Fans of the pageant have noted the shift in this year’s competition, which appeared more “conventional” than in recent years.
In her acceptance speech, Theilvig emphasized authenticity, urging people to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment.
The Danish beauty queen’s message of empowerment has resonated with many, adding depth to her role as Miss Universe.
The final announcement of Theilvig as the winner shocked many, as the competition has increasingly championed diversity.
Some viewers quipped online about the “unexpected” outcome, commenting on the lack of transgender finalists this year.
Despite the controversy, Theilvig’s victory is a historic moment for Denmark and a personal triumph for the young advocate.
As the new Miss Universe, Theilvig’s journey symbolizes grace, strength, and a continued conversation about representation.
Her win has reignited debates about balancing tradition and inclusivity, a challenge the pageant faces in the years ahead.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig now stands as a beacon of hope, poised to inspire millions with her message and advocacy work.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/@victoriaakjaer)
