Nicaraguan Sheynnis Palacios won the title of Miss Universe 2023.

The 72^nd Miss Universe pageant held at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, EI Slvador on 18^th November 2023. Sheynnis Palcios, a 23-year-old model and TV anchor from Nicaragua, reached a noteworthy milestone when she was crowned Miss Universe 2023. The 72^nd Miss Universe event concluded with a grand ceremony at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, EI Slvador on 18^th November 2023.

Miss Universe 2023 : Sheynnis Palacios

Being the first Nicaraguan woman to win the title of Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, 23, made history by winning the title. In the final round, TV host and model Palacios won over the judges with her appreciation for British philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft from the 18th century, underlining the boundless potential of women. She highlighted the importance of dreaming big with tenacity, passion, and commitment and dedicated her victory to aspirational females. An experienced pageant contestant, Palacios was the 2016 Miss Teen Nicaragua and the 2020 Miss World Nicaragua winner. She was a varsity volleyball player at Central American University in Managua and studied mass communications.

Highlights From Miss Universe 2023

Global Participation

In the grandeur of the 72^nd Miss Universe pageant, contestants hailing from 84 countries and territories competed ardently, showcasing their unique blend of beauty, intelligence and talent. Notably, Pakistan made its debut on the Miss Universe stage this year, underlining the pageant’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and representation on a worldwide scale.

Indian Representative: Shweta Sharda

Shweta Sharda, who was born in Chandigarh, proudly represented India with her lively and culturally rich entry, placing her among the top 20 finalists. With her participation, Sharda not only brought a hint of Indian elegance to the international scene, but she also brought attention to the many and complex attributes of women everywhere.

Transwomen Contestants in Miss Universe 2023

22-year-old Rikkie Kolle, a crowded Miss Netherlands finalist, is an advocate for transgender rights and equality. Breaking records in the Miss Universe 2023 history, flight attendant Marina Machete won Miss Portugal 2023. As the first transwomen to compete in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, both trailblazers have messages of fortitude, compassion, and kindness. They also represent diversity and female empowerment.

The Final Question & Answer

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua won the pageant because of  the competition's last question. The final question asked to all the top three contestants was, "if you could live one year in another woman's shoes, who would you choose and why?".

Winner Sheynnis Palacios (Nicaragua ) Answer – ‘I would choose Mary Wollstonecraft, because she opened the gap and gave an opportunity to many women. Since there is no field where women can't work, I would like that gap to close so that more women can work in whatever field they choose.’

First runner-up Anntonia Porsild (Thailand) Answer – ‘I would choose Malala Yousafzai because I know the struggles she had to go through to be where she is today. She had to stand up for women's education and fight for the ability of all women to be strong, change the world, and set an example for others. She would be my first choice, if I could.’

Second runner-up, Moraya Wilson (Australia) Answer – ‘I would live my mother’s year in her birth year because she is a very strong woman, she is tough, she taught me how to work hard, She taught me how to work hard, how to be brave, and how to be strong. And I will always be appreciative of her and the lessons she imparted to me.’

Semi-finals at Miss Universe 2023: Top 20 contestants
1. Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua
2. Athenea Pérez from Spain
3. Karla Guilfú from Puerto Rico
4. Jameela Uiras from Namibia
5. Diana Silva from Venezuela
6. Shweta Sharda from India
7. Anntonia Porsild from Thailand
8. Celeste Viel from Chile
9. Jordanne Levy from Jamaica
10. Noelia Voigt from USA
11. Jane Dipika Garrett from Nepal
12. Camila Escribens from Peru
13. Issie Princesse from Cameroon
14. Camila Avella from Columbia
15. Erica Robin from Pakistan
16. Moraya Wilson from Australia
17. Michelle Dee from Philippines
18. Marina Machete from Portugal
19. Bryoni Govender from South Africa
20. Isabella García-Manzo from El Salvador

Evening gown round at Miss Universe 2023: Top 10 contestants
1. Karla Guilfú from Puerto Rico
2. Anntonia Porsild from Thailand
3. Camila Escribens from Peru
4. Camila Avella from Columbia
5. Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua
6. Michelle Dee from the Philippines
7. Isabella García-Manzo from El Salvador
8. Diana Silva from Venezuela
9. Moraya Wilson from Australia
10. Athenea Pérez from Spain

Question round at Miss Universe 2023: Top 5 contestants
1. Moraya Wilson from Australia
2. Karla Guilfú from Puerto Rico
3. Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua
4. Anntonia Porsild from Thailand
5. Camila Avella from Columbia

Miss Universe 2023:  Top 3 contestants
1. Anntonia Porsild from Thailand
2. Moraya Wilson from Australia
3. Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua (Winner)