Miss Universe 2021: Best photos of the top 10 winners
One of the top 10 contestants in this year’s Miss Universe stunned during the National Costume segment of the competition.
One of the top 10 contestants in this year’s Miss Universe competition, third-place Miss Universe Peru Janick Maceta, stunned during the National Costume segment of the show.
After being delayed last year by the COVID-19 pandemic, the contest was held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Monday – with the crown ultimately being taken out by Mexico’s Andrea Meza.
Australia’s entrant, Maria Thattil, made it to the top 10 – but didn’t go through to the final round – along with the following contestants.
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Andrea Meza, Mexico
Andrea Meza of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2021, becoming only the third Mexican woman in history to win the contest.
Ms Meza, who has a degree in software engineering, addressed the topic of changing beauty standards during the final statement round, saying that “as we have advanced as a society, we have advanced with stereotypes”.
“Nowadays, beauty is not only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirits, but in our hearts and the way we conduct ourselves. Never permit someone to tell you that you are not valuable,” the 26-year-old said.
Julia Gama, Brazil
Runner-up of this year’s competition was Miss Universe Brazil, Julia Gama.
According to her contestant biography, the 27-year-old is an actor, entrepreneur and motivational speaker “who is passionate about life and diverse cultures”.
She also studied chemical engineering and has a degree in drama arts.
Janick Maceta, Peru
Second runner-up was Peru’s Janick Maceta.
The 27-year-old works at the iconic New York studio The Manhattan Centre as an audio engineer, and has for the past three years contributed to music, film and TV productions, working alongside the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Akon and Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga.
Adline Castelino, India
Miss Universe India, Adline Castelino, is a model who has worked with India’s leading talent agencies, and has appeared on runways, magazine covers and TV and digital campaigns for major fashion and lifestyle brands.
The 22-year-old works as a Goodwill Ambassador for Smile Train, and collaborates with SNEHA, an organisation that provides affordable healthcare to women.
Kimberly Jimanez, Dominican Republic
Rounding out the top five was the Dominican Republic’s Kimberly Jimanez.
The 24-year-old is currently working toward a double bachelor in forensic sciences and business administration, and is a founding member of the Dominican Republic Women’s Club, an institution dedicated to providing services to women with breast cancer.
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Miqueal-Symone Williams, Jamaica
Miss Universe Jamaica, Miqueal-Symone Williams, began her modelling career three years ago at the age of 21, travelling around the world to work with renowned brands including Valentino and Armani.
The 24-year-old recently created The Bloom Initiative, a project that provides internet access to Jamaican children who cannot attend their online school classes because they don’t have internet.
Maria Thattil, Australia
Maria Thattil was born in Australia to Indian migrants, and was crowned this year’s Miss Universe Australia last month.
Telling fans why she chose to apply for the pageant last Friday, the Melbourne influencer and fashion blogger said it was “because barriers are made to be broken, and ceilings were meant to be shattered”.
The 28-year-old said in an Instagram post today that the experience had been amazing but it was “bitter sweet” being at the pointy end of the competition, adding it was “exciting to see a new chapter for everyone irrespective of the outcome”.
Estefania Soto, Puerto Rico
Estefania Soto, Miss Universe Puerto Rico, has a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages and a master’s degree in intercultural mediation, using her education to work for various international organisations.
The 29-year-old was also recently diagnosed with Meniere’s disease – a disorder affecting the inner ear that can cause hearing loss and strong vertigo episodes.
Amanda Obdam, Thailand
Miss Universe Thailand, Amanda Obdam, is the co-founder of Batika Studio, a product line honouring traditional batik art through sustainable clothing and bags.
The 27-year-old has also been involved in volunteer work since a young age, when her hometown of Phuket was hit by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.
Ivonne Cerdas, Costa Rica
Miss Universe Costa Rica, Ivonne Cerdas, is a software engineer.
The 28-year-old, who is the youngest of five siblings, has worked for years with a number of foundations aimed at helping low-income families, city cleaning and pandemic aid for families in need.
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