The Miss Universe 2024 pageant promises a historic and captivating competition that will take place on November 16 in Mexico City. As fans around the world eagerly await the coronation of the next Miss Universe, the excitement begins with the preliminary competition and national costume show on Thursday, November. 14. To add to the anticipation, reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios will host a farewell tea party on November 15 before passing on her crown.

This year, the Miss Universe Organization has upped the ante with a record 30 semifinalists, up from 20 in previous years. The contestants will first compete in the preliminary competition, which includes the swimsuit portion, evening gown round and behind-closed-doors interviews. Four continental queens and a fan vote winner will automatically secure a place among the semi-finalists in these events.

© Miss Universe

The remaining semi-finalists compete in the swimsuit segment, with twelve advancing to the evening gown round. Five finalists will then advance to the Q&A round, where the ultimate winner and her four runners-up will be determined.

Most high-profile participants

Argentina – Magalí Benejam

Brazil – Luana Cavalcante

Chile – Emilia Dides

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Dominican Republic – Celinee Santos

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Mexico – María Fernanda Beltrán

© @taticalmelldelsolar

Peru – Tatiana Calmell

Puerto Rico – Jennifer Colón

Spain – Michelle Jiménez

© Getty Images

United States – Alma Cooper

Venezuela – Ileana Márquez

Zimbabwe – Sakhile Dube

Miss Universe controversies and surprises

This year’s election has brought about some surprising changes among national representatives. Franki Russell was initially chosen to represent New Zealand but was replaced by Victoria Vincentius due to changes in franchise ownership. Similarly, Iranian-American nurse Fay Asghari, the original Miss Universe Persia 2024, relinquished her crown due to work conflicts and passed it on to Ava Vahneshan.

© IG @Fay Asghari

Meanwhile, Guatemala’s Andrea Radford resigned due to her and Armenia’s pregnancy Irina Zakharova faced backlash due to her nationality, which ultimately led to her disqualification and replacement by Emma Avanesyan.

Debuts, returns and disqualifications

This year, the Miss Universe stage will feature new countries such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several countries return after years of absence, including Cuba (last participation in 1967) and Fiji (absent since 1981). However, Italy Mora of Panama was disqualified for allegedly leaving the hotel without permission from the Miss Universe Organization, a reminder of the pageant’s strict rules.

© © IG: @italy.mora

Who are the judges of Miss Universe 2024?

A prestigious panel known for its fairness will judge the Miss Universe contestants on evening wear, traditional outfits and interviews. This year’s lineup includes a social media star Lele PonsColombian singer FarianaTelemundo host Jessica Carrillomusic producer Emilio EstefanBrazilian artist Romero Brittofashion icon Eva Cavalliformer Miss Universe Margaret Gardinerand renowned designer Michael Cinco.

What’s next?

The excitement continues with the preliminary competition on November 14, where fans around the world will get a first look at each participant’s performance. Stay informed HOLA‘s coverage of the National Costume Competition and the final event.