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Miss Universe 2024 judges Lele Pons, Emilio Estefan, Margaret Gardiner and Michael Cinco
In just a few hours, the Miss Universe 2024 pageant will reveal its new queen who will take over the reigns from Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua who won last year’s competition.
But before that, meet the panel of accomplished individuals who will adjudge all 125 ladies from all over the world who aspire to bring home the coveted “Lumière de l’Infini” (Light of Infinity) crown.
Get to know these 12 judges — two Asian, six Latin American, two European, one North American, and one South African — who will obviously play a key role in choosing the next Miss Universe.
Michael Cinco
Filipino global fashion icon and influencer Michael Cinco has been selected as one of the judges for the Miss Universe 2024, but this is not the first time that he has been involved in the pageant.
The Dubai-based designer has been making the couture gowns of several beauty queens from various countries, while his creations have also been worn by many of the Miss Universe queens.
Cinco has been making a name for himself in the international fashion scene since 2003, dressing up celebrities and royalties, and was even the first Filipino designer invited to Paris Fashion Week.
“Get ready for a dash of haute couture on the Miss Universe stage, @michaelcinco5 acclaimed designer of luxurious gowns for Hollywood’s elite, joins the selection committee for the 73rd Miss Universe bringing his fashion expertise. Elegance and beauty will reign supreme!” the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) said.
In judging Miss Universe 2024, Cinco reminisced his childhood dream of making the gowns of the pageant candidates.
“From watching Miss Universe as a child in Samar to dreaming of dressing the candidates, to now being on the grand stage as a judge—this is proof that no dream is too big. Have faith in GOD…Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up. IMPALPABLE DREAMS DO COME TRUE,” he said.
Lele Pons
Eleonora “Lele” Pons Maronese, or Lele Pons, is a Venezuelan-American actress-singer and content creator and is considered the voice of modern Latin American women.
In 2023, Pons was announced as a contestant on the 32nd season of Dancing with the Stars, where she partnered with professional dancer Brandon Armstrong.
The MUO, in introducing her as member of the panel of judges, said Pons’ “passion for innovation and ability to connect with audiences makes her an inspiring figure.”
Emilio Estefan
Grammy-winning Cuban-American Emilio Estefan is a music producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
The Cuban-American music icon came to prominence as member of the Miami Sound Machine, who together with his wife, Gloria, paved the way for the Latin artistry into the mainstream music industry.
“Honored to have legendary @emilioestefanjr, the king of Latin music, as our first Selection Committee in #MissUniverse. A visionary, hit producer, and innovative entrepreneur, his legacy inspires and his presence enriches us. His passion, creativity, and dedication are an empowering example that inspires generations. We’re proud to have his expertise and wisdom guiding the selection of our next queen,” the MUO said on Instagram.
Eva Cavalli
Herself a beauty queen, Austrian fashion designer Eva Cavalli is known for her work with Roberto Cavalli, though they have already divorced since 2010. During her tenure as co-creative director of the Cavalli label, she had immersed herself as an ambassadress of fashion and style.
Formerly Miss Austria and Miss Europe, Cavalli joined the Miss Universe pageant in 1977, placing 1st runner-up to Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago. Now as member of the MUO selection committee, she is expected to bring her own “expertise and sophistication” to good use in the competition.
“With her impressive background, Eva has consistently demonstrated her ability to recognize and celebrate beauty and elegance. Her glamorous style and innovative vision will be an invaluable asset in the search for the next Miss Universe,” MUO said.
Jessica Carrillo
Jessica Carrillo is a Mexican journalist and TV host for Telemundo. She was one of the anchors of Al Rojo Vivo (Red Hot), a Spanish language news program on American television network Telemundo.
“With her extensive career in journalism and entertainment, the Al Rojo Vivo cohost will bring her unique perspective and expertise to Miss Universe , which unites women from around the globe as they compete for the title and showcase their social missions to the world,” MUO said of Carillo, a native of Mexico, which hosts the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant.
Gabriela Gonzalez
Gabriela Gonzalez is a celebrated Mexican designer behind her eponymous fashion house. As one of the judges of the Miss Universe 2024, she takes her tasks seriously.
MUO described Gonzalez as a “a woman who embodies elegance and passion, brings her vision and expertise to our Miss Universe selection committee. Her dedication to promoting individuality and self-expression will be an invaluable asset in evaluating our candidates.”
Gianluca Vacchi
Add Miss Universe judge to the numerous titles that Italian billionaire Gianluca Vacchi has, on top of being a billionaire businessman, DJ, and social media star, with stakes in real estate and machinery packaging businesses.
With over 22 million followers on Instagram, Vacchi is “that Italian rich guy” often featured in the company of numerous celebrities, either riding on private planes, or touring the countrysides on his big horses, or simply enjoying an afternoon on his luxurious yachts. In short, he knows everything about glamor and style.
“This renowned Italian entrepreneur has captured our hearts with his energy and charisma on social media. Now, as part of the selection committee in the 73rd edition, he will bring his expertise, business vision, and infectious energy, infusing the competition with joy and passion,” MUO said.
Margaret Gardiner
Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner from South Africa joins the panel of judges in Mexico City, in the same country where she had been crowned 46 years ago.
A journalist and beauty queen, Gardiner is a champion of women empowerment and health.
“Thank you Miss Universe for this amazing opportunity to empower and change a young woman’s life! It is such a huge honor to return to the country where I was crowned and be part of this incredible legacy again. I am overwhelmed with joy to greet the people of Mexico again,” she said.
Nova Stevens
Perhaps one of the most controversial Miss Universe candidates, Canadian beauty queen Nova Stevens is returning to MU as judge. A model, actress, and activist, Stevens is an advocate of Black culture. She joined Miss Universe as representative of Canada in 2020.
“A passionate advocate for racial justice, mental health, and resilience, Nova inspires with her story and work, showing that true beauty lies in authenticity, strength, and compassion. We’re thrilled to see how her expertise and vision will enrich our competition,” MUO said.
Stevens, for her part, said her judging stint is an “incredible honor.”
Fariana
Singer-actress Fariana is a trailblazer in Latin urban music, introducing reggaeton in her native Colombia. Coming from a long line of composers and singers, Fariana blended her strong Caribbean, Arabic, Chinese and Andean influences to make her own unique approach to music.
“With seven Billboard chart-topping songs and two Latin Grammy nominations, her artistic expertise will enrich our competition,” MUO said of Fariana.
Fariana said in Spanish after judging the MU preliminaries: “What an honor to be part of the biggest beauty pageant in the universe! Yesterday, I had the privilege of judging all the queens in their national costumes, swimwear, and evening gowns. It’s so tough! They are all wonderful.”
Gary Nader
Influential art collector and gallery owner Gary Nader is the first Lebanese to judge the pageant. Nader is a proud owner of the Gary Nader Art Center in Miami, Florida.
“We are honored to announce that the renowned art collector , @garynader , a leading figure in the art world, brings his vision and expertise to our Miss Universe selection committee. His passion for culture and beauty will be an invaluable asset in evaluating our candidates,” MUO stated.
Camila Guiribitey
Camila Guiribitey is a Cuban philanthropist, dentist, and social media influencer.
“A 2023 Distinguished Humanitarian Award recipient, her legacy of community service and dedication to healthcare and education will inspire our contestants,” MUO said of Guiribitey.