“Miss Denmark Takes the Crown as Chidimma Shines as Runner-Up”

Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig was crowned the new Miss Universe at the finale of the pageant in Mexico City on Sunday 17 November, while Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina was the runner-up.

MEET YOUR NEW MISS UNIVERSE
Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who hails from Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024 by outgoing Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios. The beauty queen made history as this was the first time Denmark took home the Miss Universe title.

Business Insider reports that it’s been 61 years since a contestant from the country had placed in the top five of the competition. Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina was crowned the runner-up and Miss Mexico María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa.

Chidimma had been in the Miss SA running until there was a controversy surrounding identity theft. The beauty queen is facing criminal charges back “home” outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.

MISS UNIVERSE: ‘I WANT TO MAKE HISTORY’
In the final round, the Top 5 contestants were asked: “Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What is your message to the women watching you right now?”

Victoria took this time to encourage women to keep fighting.

“No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths. It will never define who you are. You just gotta keep fighting,” she said.

“I stand here today because I want to change, I want to make history, and that’s what I’m doing tonight. So, never give up, always believe in yourself and your dreams, and that is exactly what you’re going to do,” she continued.

The Miss Universe Organisation has allowed all women over 18 years old to participate, no matter their age, for the first time this year.