LIVE UPDATES: Miss Universe 2023

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some of the biggest controversies in Miss Universe history

November 27, 2023 – 1:12PM

The Top 5 candidates of Miss Universe 2023. Image: Instagram/@missuniversosv

The lights dim as two candidates make their way to the center of the stage. They join hands and look at the heavens — praying for their country’s name to be called. Minutes later, destiny calls the new queen to take the spotlight. The crown is placed on her head by her predecessor, as she takes her first walk as Miss Universe. In just a moment, her life is changed forever.

But behind the glitz and glamor, the Miss Universe pageant is never free from controversy. Since its inception in 1952, it has been through a number of OMG, if not vexing, episodes. This year’s pageant in El Salvador was not spared after the Philippines’ bet Michelle Dee was included in the Top 5 of the host country’s Miss Universe Instagram post, which they removed a few minutes later. Dee finished in the Top 10 despite her strong gown competition performance. Miss Universe El Salvador apologized for the gaffe, attributing it a “simple error” for placing Dee in its IG roster too soon even though she was not part of the Top 5.

Michelle Dee ‘feels like a winner’ after warm welcome in the Philippines

November 26, 2023 – 06:13PM

Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph

Michelle Dee is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude after coming home to a hero’s welcome in the Philippines last Saturday, Nov. 25, a week after representing the country in Miss Universe 2023. Dee thanked her supporters for “making [her] feel like a winner” on her Instagram page on Sunday, Nov. 26, while sharing glimpses of her homecoming at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

November 23, 2023 – 2:35PM

Michelle Dee. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Miss Universe

Given the commotion that the deleted post of Miss Universe El Salvador created after showing Michelle Dee in the Top 5 finalists, one netizen reached out to Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere and expressed their sentiments on the mishap.

Mittenaere was one of the judges in the staging of the 72nd edition of the pageant. Other judges were Halima Aden (Somali-American model), Mario Bautista (Mexican singer), Giselle Blondet (Puerto Rican actress), Janelle Commissiong (Miss Universe 1977), Nadia Ferreira (Miss Universe 2021 First Runner-Up), Avani Gregg (US social media personality), Carson Kressley (US actor and designer), Connie Mariano (Filipino-American physician), Sweta Patel (Roku executive), and Denise White (Miss Oregon USA 1994).

November 23, 2023 – 11:55AM

Michelle Dee in her evening gown during the Miss Universe 2023 coronation night. Image: Screenshot from Miss Universe YouTube

Miss Universe El Salvador finally cleared the air and apologized on Thursday regarding the inclusion of Michelle Dee in the Top 5 on the Instagram post they first released during the competition.

The post was immediately deleted and replaced by a graphic showing Thailand’s Antonia Porsild on the Top 5 roster, who ended up winning the first runner-up title.

According to the organizers, they were in such a hurry to get the results out that they accidentally mixed up the two finalists, and there were no special changes in the outcome.

Rhian Ramos slams ill-treatment of Michelle Dee at Miss Universe post-pageant event

November 21, 2023 – 8:19PM

Rhian Ramos shares thoughts over the viral video | via @whianwamos IG

Most Filipinos haven’t recovered from the saddening outcome of Miss Universe 2023, as Philippine contender Michelle Dee failed to secure a spot in the Top 5 of the competition.

Now, a recent video is circulating online showing Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakrajutatip talking to Dee in Thai and allegedly saying the words, “Cannot Move On.”

Pia Wurtzbach questions measly amount given to Miss Universe 2023 ‘Voice for Change’ beneficiary

November 21, 2023 – 7:31PM

Pia Wurtzbach. Image: Instagram/@piawurtzbach

Pia Wurtzbach appeared to question the mechanics of Miss Universe 2023’s “Voice for Change” video contest, as she wondered why the winner’s chosen beneficiary will only receive $12,000 (P672,948).

The Philippines’ own Michelle Dee was named as one of the pageant’s “Voice for Change” gold honorees during the coronation in El Salvador last Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Manila) with Angola’s Ana Bárbara Coimbra and Puerto Rico’s Karla Guilfu.

#PorDee: Michelle Dee, Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild’s friendship in Miss Universe 2023

November 21, 2023 – 5:30PM

(From left) Michelle Dee, Anntonia Porsild. Images: Instagram Broadcast Channel/@michelledee

Michelle Dee and Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild may not have taken home the Miss Universe 2023 crown for their respective countries, but they gained a close friendship that will surely last beyond the global tilt.

From pre-pageant activities, pageant watchers have seen how the two queens have become closer, such that they were being “shipped” together and were given the hashtag #PorDee or #PorDeeUniverse, which is a portmanteau of their surnames.

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Pulitzer awardee Ronan Farrow says Michelle Dee was ‘robbed’ after Miss Universe exit

November 20, 2023 – 7:00 PM

Michelle Dee (left) and Ronan Farrow (right). Image from Miss Universe YT, Farrow’s X account

Even Pulitzer award-winning investigative journalist Ronan Farrow was rooting for Michelle Dee and thought the Filipina beauty queen has been deprived of the opportunity to shine at the final round of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant.

On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Farrow — son of American actress Mia Farrow and filmmaker Woody Allen — made a brief reference to the Filipina beauty queen being left “shaking and crying.”

November 20, 2023 – 4:24PM

Michelle Dee. Image: Doc Marlon via Instagram/@michelledee

Michelle Marquez Dee may not have brought home the country’s fifth Miss Universe 2023 crown, but she earned the support of her fellow Filipina beauty queens for showing “poise, grace, and confidence” throughout her journey, including her cousin, Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Winwyn Marquez.

Dee ended her Miss Universe 2023 stint in the Top 10 of the pageant, which was eventually won by Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. Despite Dee’s loss, Marquez applauded the crossover stunner for “shining like a true queen” while bringing honor to their country.

Miss Universe 2023 pageant gives birth to these funny memes, reactions

November 20, 2023 – 1:53 PM

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua is Miss Universe 2023. Image: X/@MissUniverse

Miss Universe season in the Philippines will never be complete without an outpouring of funny reactions on social media. As expected, its 2023 edition held in El Salvador last Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in the Philippines) was no different.

One of the most noteworthy moments in the pageant’s coronation was Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s apparent disappointment after Michelle Dee failed to advance to the Top 5.

November 20, 2023 – 12:57 PM

Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@michelledee

Michelle Dee admitted being disappointed over her failure to advance to the Miss Universe 2023 question-and-answer portions, but that she’s nonetheless thankful for the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the global pageant.

During an interview on ABS-CBN’s YouTube channel last Sunday, Nov. 19, Dee said she prepared for a “whole year” to make sure her performance in the pageant — particularly the question-and-answer portion — was smooth sailing, only to bow out after making it to the Top 10.

November 20, 2023 – 9:47 AM

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios. Image: Instagram/@missuniverse

This year’s Miss Universe crown was won by Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, whose beauty and brains secured for her country its first-ever victory from the global tilt.

The 23-year-old Latina beauty queen competed with 83 other delegates at the coronation night in El Salvador on Nov. 18, and triumphantly won the hearts of the judges as well as pageant aficionados. Aside from Palacios’ evident beauty and allure, there is actually a lot more going for her.

November 20, 2023 – 4:45 AM

The newly crowned Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, waves after winning the 72th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, in San Salvador on November 18, 2023. (Photo by Marvin RECINOS / AFP)

Michelle Marquez Dee may not have won the Miss Universe crown, but her Top 10 finish has put the Philippines back on the international beauty pageant map, after last year’s representative Celeste Cortesi broke the country’s 12-year placement streak in the global tilt.

The professional model, host and actress embarked on the difficult task of asserting the Philippines’ status as a pageant powerhouse, but ended her journey after the evening gown segment, missing a spot in the crucial question-and-answer round with the Top 5 delegates.

November 19, 2023 – 8:22 PM

(From left) Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild, Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua,
and Australia’s Moraya Wilson Victoria. Images: Screengrabs from YouTube/Miss Universe

MANILA, Philippines – “If you could live one year in another woman’s shoes, who would you choose and why?”

This was the question to Miss Universe’s top three candidates, Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild, and Australia’s Moraya Wilson, during the final Q & A portion of the pageant.

November 19, 2023 – 7:35 PM

Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua is the new Miss Universe. Image from Miss Universe website

Another Latin nation will take the reins of crowning a new queen as Mexico was announced as the host country for Miss Universe 2024.

During the Miss Universe 2023 coronation night in El Salvador, Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú announced in a video presentation that Mexico was chosen as the headquarters of the pageant’s 73rd edition.

Stay updated on the latest on Michelle Dee’s Miss Universe 2023 journey. Peruse through all of the articles here. ” width=”620″ height=”349″ />

Michelle Dee pays tribute to Apo Whang-Od in Miss Universe 2023 evening gown

November 19, 2023 – 5:05 PM

Michelle Dee. Image: Doc Marlon via Instagram/@michelledee

In a bold move to set herself apart from the usual nude illusion, glass beads, and sparkly gowns, Michelle Dee pranced on the Miss Universe 2023 stage in a black evening gown inspired by indigenous tattoo art as a tribute to renowned mambabatok Apo Whang-Od.

Dee, having made the cut to the Top 10 of the competition, walked on the pageant stage at the Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda in San Salvador, El Salvador on Saturday, Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in the Philippines), wearing a black, long sleeved gown with a heavily beaded top with a tattoo pattern apparently making a reference to the face of a viper.

November 19, 2023 – 4:06 PM

Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee (right) with her reigning queen Michelle Marquez Dee/MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee expressed her gratitude to Michelle Marquez Dee, heaping praises on the Filipino beauty queen for her performance in the just-concluded Miss Universe 2023 pageant.

“A Top 10 finish is already an achievement. Thank you for putting the Philippines back to the map as a pageant powerhouse,” Lee told INQUIRER.net in an online interview after the culmination of the pageant’s coronation show on Nov. 19, where Dee prevented a “back to backstage” scenario for the country by advancing to the next round of competition.

November 19, 2023 – 3:24 PM

Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua is the new Miss Universe. Image from Miss Universe website

Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023 on Saturday at the 72nd edition of the pageant, held this year in El Salvador.

Palacios, 23, received the crown and sash from her predecessor, R’Bonney Gabriel from the United States.

November 19, 2023 – 1:14 PM

(From left) Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild, Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua,
and Australia’s Moraya Wilson Victoria. Images: Screengrabs from YouTube/Miss Universe

One of the most grueling portions of the Miss Universe pageant is the final question-and-answer portion where the three finalists have one chance to show why they are worthy to be crowned.

In the final stage of Miss Universe 2023, recently-crowned titleholder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild, and Australia’s Moraya Wilson Victoria answered the same question: “If you could live one year in another woman’s shoes, who would you choose, and why?”

November 19, 2023 – 12:14 PM

Michelle Dee. Image: Rap Yu via Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter

Michelle Dee has nothing but heartfelt gratitude to her supporters after ending her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10.

The crossover stunner took to her “Hey, MMDVERSE!” Instagram broadcast channel on Saturday, Nov. 18 (morning of Nov. 19 in the Philippines) to thank her fans for the support during the pageant’s coronation night at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.

November 19, 2023 – 11:59 AM

Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua is the new Miss Universe. Image from Miss Universe Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The most beautiful day in the universe has given the world a new queen, and she is Sheynnis Palacios, the first woman from Nicaragua to be proclaimed Miss Universe.

Palacios first represented Nicaragua at the Miss World 2021 pageant, where she finished in the Top 40.

November 19, 2023 – 11:24 AM

Thailand, Australia, and Nicaragua are the final three in Miss Universe 2023. Image: YouTube/Miss Universe

It was an emotional moment for Thailand, Australia, and Nicaragua’s delegates after they were announced as one of the final three contestants who are in the running for the Miss Universe 2023 crown.

The final three candidates became emotional after they were named as the final contenders at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador on Saturday, Nov. 18 (morning of Nov. 19 in the Philippines) after the dreaded question-and-answer round.

November 19, 2023 – 11:01 AM

Michelle Dee in her evening gown during the Miss Universe 2023 coronation night. Image: Screenshot from Miss Universe YouTube

Michelle Dee capped off her Miss Universe 2023 journey at the Top 10 during the coronation night at the Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda in San Salvador, El Salvador on Saturday, Nov. 18 (morning of Nov. 19 in the Philippines).

The crossover stunner was at the Top 10, but failed to advance to the Top 5 of the pageant.

November 19, 2023 – 10:49 AM

Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee. Image: Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines

Michelle Dee was named as one of the gold awardees of the Miss Universe 2023 “Voice for Change” video competition along with Angola’s Ana Bárbara Coimbra and Puerto Rico’s Karla Guilfu.

Dee, Coimbra, and Guilfu was chosen among the 10 silver finalists of the Miss Universe, Mouawad and CI Talks-helmed campaign during the coronation night in El Salvador on Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Manila) which aims to put the spotlight on beauty queens and their advocacies to change society for the better.

November 19, 2023 – 10:29 AM

Michelle Dee in her swimsuit walk during coronation night. Screenshot from Miss Universe YouTube / CharmViet

Michelle Dee has entered the Top 10 at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in San Salvador, El Salvador on Saturday, Nov. 18 (morning of Nov. 19 in the Philippines) following the global tilt’s swimsuit competition.

Dee proved that she’s one of the strongest contenders after being called sixth during the coronation night after flaunting her slim physique and sassy pasarela on the global tilt’s runway.

November 19, 2023 – 09:57 AM

Michelle Dee. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Miss Universe

Michelle Dee was chosen as one of the Top 20 semi-finalists at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant at the Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda in San Salvador, El Salvador on Saturday, Nov. 18 (morning of Nov. 19 in the Philippines).

After the preliminary competition and closed-door interviews, Dee was selected as one of the semi-finalists who will advance to the pageant’s swimwear competition.

November 19, 2023 – 08:48 AM

Miss Philippines Michelle Dee flanked by Misses Puerto Rico and Peru during the open dress rehearsal Saturday morning, Nov. 18, in San Salvador, El Salvador.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Hours before the start of the coronation event, Philippine bet Michelle Marquez Dee stood out at the open rehearsal of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, hosted exclusively for the media on Saturday morning, November 18, at the Gimnasio José Adolfo Pineda Arena, in San Salvador.

Dee dazzled in her blue-gray sequined dress from Clarisse Designs, the official pageant wear sponsor for this year’s edition, when she walked to the stage, along with 83 other contestants. She received one of the loudest applause from global media representatives, with Philippine flags waving in the background.

November 19, 2023 – 1:47 AM

Michelle Dee. (Images: Instagram/@michelledee)

It’s no surprise that Michelle Dee has a captivating style even before she was crowned in her home country. But it was the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador that became a playground for her to display her eye for fashion in her daily activities.

From city girl chic, eye-catching beach babe, to sophisticated lady, Dee strayed from the usual pageant patty dresses to take on edgier yet elegant outfits. She even revealed during her departure that she brought 72 outfits, put together with the help of fashion stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu and his team, for the global tilt.

November 18, 2023 – 07:57 PM

Miss Universe 2023 candidates (from left) Portugal’s Marina Machete, Colombia’s Camila Avella, Nepal’s Jane Garrett, Netherlands’ Rikke Kolle, Guatemala’s Michelle Cohn. Images from their respective Instagram accounts

In a powerful move to push for women empowerment, the Miss Universe 2023 pageant opened its doors to transgender women, mothers, and a plus-sized model in its roster of candidates to break ground in representation.

While Angela Ponce of Spain made history as the first trans woman to join the global tilt in 2018, the current edition is said to be an emulation of the international pageant extending their invitations for transgender candidates to participate after the rule regarding biological women was changed in 2012.

Michelle Dee among top 3 picks in Miss Universe 2023 by global pageant observers

November 18, 2023 – 05:07 PM

Michelle Dee. Image: Dennis Sulit via Instagram/@michelledee

Michelle Dee emerged as one of the top favorites to win the Miss Universe 2023 crown as she landed on the list of two international pageant publications’ hot picks — which were released a day before the coronation.

Dee was named as the third pick for the coveted title by well-known pageant platform Missosology, as seen on its Instagram account last Friday, Nov. 17.

Pakistan’s bid to score Miss Universe win on first try not an unprecedented feat

November 18, 2023 – 02:47 PM

Miss Universe Pakistan Erica Robin. Image: Armin P. Adina/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Pakistan is fielding its first-ever delegate to the Miss Universe pageant this year, more than seven decades since the global tilt’s inception. And gunning for a win on a debut participation may be no mean feat, but still possible. In fact, other than the contest’s first edition, it has already happened.

Erica Robin is making history as the first woman to shout “Pakistan” in the Miss Universe pageant’s introduction of delegates. She is confident that she can pull off a win for her country’s rookie year, hoping to duplicate Botswana’s 1999 win with their first entry, Mpule Kwelagobe.

Don’t fret Michelle Dee, the Miss Universe pageant has crowned ‘crossover beauties’ in the past

November 18, 2023 – 01:38 PM

Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee. Image: Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Will the Miss Universe pageant crown a winner who has already participated in a different contest? That is the question in many Filipinos’ minds now that pageant veteran Michelle Dee is on a quest to score the country’s fifth victory in the global tilt.

Dee, daughter of 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez and cousin of 2017 Reina Hispanoamericana Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez, is hoping to win the Miss Universe title four years after finishing in the Top 12 of the Miss World pageant.

Miss Universe bets from Bahrain, Egypt weigh in on pageantry at a time of conflict

November 18, 2023 – 12:59 PM

(From left) Miss Universe Bahrain Lujane Yacoub, Miss Universe Egypt Mohra Tantawy.

MANILA, Philippines—War has been making international news for a while now, particularly the ongoing operations between Russia and Ukraine, and the recent escalation of violence in the Gaza strip. But life goes on for beauty contest fans as international competitions still persist amid all the tension.

A couple of Miss Universe delegates sat with INQUIRER.net to share their thoughts about pageantry during a time of international conflict, both of them from countries located just a few miles away from Gaza—Bahrain’s Lujane Yacoub and Egypt’s Mohra Tantawy.

A day before Miss Universe 2023 finale, Michelle Dee says ‘I’m so ready’

November 18, 2023 – 11:53 AM

Michelle Dee during an interview with reporters a day before the Miss Universe coronation night in San Salvador, El Salvador on Sunday (Manila time). Image from Anthony Advincula / INQUIRER USA

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — In the final day leading up to the grand finale, the Miss Universe 2023 candidates were presented Friday morning to the members of the media from around the world at the Gimnasio José Adolfo Pineda Arena here in San Salvador, to share their journey throughout the competition.

The finale will be held on Saturday 7 p.m. (Sunday 9am in Manila) at the Gimnasio National Pineda in the capital city.

Michelle Dee among Miss Universe ‘Voice for Change’ awardees

November 17, 2023 – 05:13 PM

Miss Universe’s Voice for Change silver awardees. Image: Instagram/@missuniverse

Michelle Dee is among the 10 silver finalists of the Miss Universe “Voice for Change” video competition, which puts the spotlight on beauty queens and their advocacies to be a transformational leader for the world.

Dee and the delegates from Angola, Brazil, Chile, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine and Zimbabwe were announced as the silver finalists during the pageant’s preliminary competition last Nov. 15 (Nov. 16 in Manila).

“We’re thrilled to announce the 10 Silver Finalists who are making waves with their impactful messages,” Miss Universe wrote on Instagram.

Esther Swan says Paula Shugart ‘will always reign supreme’ after exiting Miss Universe post

November 17, 2023 – 04:26 PM

(From left) Esther Swan, Paula Shugart. Images: Instagram/@swanbirdnyc, Screengrab from YouTube/Miss Universe

Esther Swan, who resigned from her post as Miss Universe Organization’s (MUO) talent director last May, asserted that Paula Shugart “will always remain supreme” after the latter announced her exit from the organization.

Shugart confirmed her departure from the MUO after its 2023 edition during the pageant’s costume show in El Salvador on Nov. 16 (Nov. 17 in Manila) after serving as the organization’s president for 25 years.

Filipino designs grace the stage of Miss Universe preliminary competition

November 17, 2023 – 01:37PM

The creations of Filipino designers took center stage at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant. Images: FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino delegate Michelle Marquez Dee drew praises for her elegant emerald-green gown created by her go-to designer Mark Bumgarner at the preliminary competition of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador on Nov. 15 (Nov. 16 in Manila). But she was not the only one who showcased Filipino fashion on that stage.

Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart steps down after 25 years

November 17, 2023 – 03:01 PM

Paula Shugart. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Miss Universe

Paula Shugart will be ending her tenure as president of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) after the pageant’s 72nd edition, a position she held for 25 years.

Shugart made the announcement in a heartfelt speech at the end of the global tilt’s national costume show on Nov. 16 (Nov. 17 in Manila), after thanking the host country El Salvador for delivering “beyond our greatest expectations.”