In a dazzling display of elegance and resilience, Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, made history as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.
Held at Arena CDMX, Mexico City, on Saturday, November 16, 2024, the event brought together over 130 contestants from around the globe, with Chidinma standing tall as a beacon of African excellence.
The crown ultimately went to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who received the coveted title from outgoing queen Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. However, Chidinma’s journey captivated audiences worldwide, proving that beauty and intelligence combined can transcend challenges.
Chinma Adetshina First Runner-up Miss Universe 2024, Also Miss Universe Africa and Miss Oceania
Chidinma’s path to the Miss Universe stage was far from smooth. Earlier in the year, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following controversy surrounding her Nigerian heritage. Despite enduring online trolling and public scrutiny, she rose above the negativity with grace and focus, earning her place as a global icon.
On the final night, she shone brightly in the question-and-answer round when asked by the judges, “Which one is more important to you, to be respected or liked, and why?” Her poised response, “I feel like it’s being respected… When you respect yourself, you respect others around you,” resonated deeply, drawing loud applause and solidifying her position in the final two.
The competition was as fierce as it was inspiring. Contestants participated in numerous pre-pageant activities, including galas, tours, and the National Costume Show on November 14, where they showcased their countries’ heritage.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark crowned Miss Universe 2024
During the grand finale, 30 contestants competed in the swimsuit round, with 12 advancing to the semi-finals. Chidinma dazzled during the evening gown segment, securing her place in the top five before impressing the judges with her articulate answers in the final round.
Top Five Finalists at a Glance
1. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig – Denmark (Winner)
2. Chidinma Adetshina – Nigeria (First Runner-Up)
3. Maria Fernanda Beltran – Mexico (Second Runner-Up)
4. Suchata Chuangsri– Thailand (Third Runner-Up)
5. Ileana Marquez – Venezuela (Fourth Runner-Up)
Some of the contestants at the Miss Universe 2024 from 125 countries of the world
Chidinma was the only African contestant to reach the top 12, showcasing her as a symbol of hope and excellence for the continent. Her achievement underscores the potential for African beauty queens to excel on global platforms, inspiring a new generation of women to chase their dreams fearlessly.
While Chidinma captivated the audience, the competition wasn’t without its surprises. Miss South Africa 2024 winner, Mia Le Roux, withdrew from the pageant just before the finale due to health concerns, as confirmed in a statement by Miss Universe South Africa. This unexpected exit added an air of suspense to the event, but it didn’t overshadow the brilliance of Chidinma’s performance.
Read Also : Chidimma Adetshina Crowned Miss Universe Nigeria Amid Controversy In South Africa
Becoming a Miss Universe winner demands more than beauty—it requires confidence, charisma, and the ability to shine under pressure. Contestants spent weeks in Mexico, participating in workshops, photoshoots, and fan-voted contests like the Best Costume competition, all leading up to the preliminaries and final night.
For Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, her victory marked Denmark’s first Miss Universe crown, but Chidinma’s extraordinary journey etched a new chapter in the history of Nigerian pageantry. Her rise to the global stage exemplifies resilience and the power of representation, proving that even in the face of adversity, a star can still shine the brightest.
As the curtains closed on the 73rd Miss Universe, one thing was clear—Chidinma Adetshina had done Nigeria proud, leaving a legacy of hope, courage, and triumph.
