Editing Miss Universe

{{short description|Annual international beauty pageant competition}}
{{for-multi|the most recent competition|Miss Universe 2024}}
{{Redirect|MUO}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox pageant
| name             = Miss Universe
| logo             = Miss Universe Logotype.svg
| logosize         = 
| image            = 
| caption          = 
| type             = International women's beauty pageant
| franchise_holder =
| organization     = {{ubl|JKN Legacy Inc.|[[JKN Global Group]] (50%)|Legacy Holding Group (50%)}}
| headquarters     = {{ubl|[[Samut Prakan Province|Samut Prakan]], Thailand|[[Mexico City]], Mexico|[[New York City]], United States}}
| pageant_region   = 
| region_represented=
| qualification    = 
| first            = [[Miss Universe 1952|1952]]
| recent           = [[Miss Universe 2024|2024]]
| last             = <!---Only if pageant is defunct. Last edition of the pageant, use year used in the pageant name--->
| current_titleholder = [[Victoria Kjær Theilvig]]
| titleholder_represents = Denmark
| language         = English
| leader_title1    = Owners
| leader_name1     = {{ubl|[[Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip]]|Raul Rocha Cantú}}
| leader_title2    = CEO
| leader_name2     = Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip
| leader_title3    = President
| leader_name3     = Raul Rocha Cantú
| leader_title4    = Vice Presidents
| leader_name4     = {{hlist|Olivia Quido|[[Mario Búcaro]]}}
| predecessor      = 
| successor        = <!---Succeeding pageant--->
| website          ={{official URL}}
}}

'''Miss Universe''' is an annual international major beauty pageant that is run by a Thailand and Mexican-based [[Miss Universe Organization]].<ref name=Tadena1>Natalie Tadena (July 2, 2015).[http://blogs.wsj.com/cmo/2015/07/02/donald-trumps-miss-usa-pageant-lands-on-reelz-cable-channel/ "Donald Trump's Miss USA Pageant Lands on Reelz Cable Channel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727055939/https://blogs.wsj.com/cmo/2015/07/02/donald-trumps-miss-usa-pageant-lands-on-reelz-cable-channel/ |date=July 27, 2020 }}. ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]''.</ref> Along with [[Miss World]], [[Miss International]], and [[Miss Earth]], it is one of the [[Big Four beauty pageants]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Beauty Pageant Basics |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-25550425 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |last=Enriquez |first=Amee |date=February 2, 2014 |access-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308120845/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-25550425 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Miss Universe Organization and its brand, is currently owned by [[JKN Global Group]] and Legacy Holding Group USA Inc., an American division of Mexican company Legacy Holding through the joint venture company JKN Legacy Inc.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/miss-universe-only-major-beauty-pageant-worth-watching-here-s-ncna948626|title=Miss Universe is the only major beauty pageant worth watching. Here's why|last=Bundel|first=Ani|date=December 16, 2018|publisher=[[NBC News]]|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108143109/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/miss-universe-only-major-beauty-pageant-worth-watching-here-s-ncna948626|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Telemundo]] has the licensing rights to air the pageant through 2023.<ref>{{cite web|date=3 November 2019|title=Miss Universe Returns To Telemundo After 5-Year Absence|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/veronicavillafane/2019/11/03/miss-universe-returns-to-telemundo-after-5-year-absence/?sh=974ae194b11c|access-date=19 April 2021|website=forbes.com|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421171025/https://www.forbes.com/sites/veronicavillafane/2019/11/03/miss-universe-returns-to-telemundo-after-5-year-absence/?sh=974ae194b11c|url-status=live}}</ref> The pageant's advocacy is "humanitarian issues and is a voice to affect positive change in the world."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.missuniverse.com/about|title=About Miss Universe|publisher=Miss Universe Website|date=20 April 2020|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505175750/https://www.missuniverse.com/about|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Scott|first=H. Allan|url=https://www.newsweek.com/miss-universe-2018-pageant-photos-catriona-gray-philippines-1259769|title=Catriona Gray of Philippines Crowned|date=16 December 2018|work=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201080210/https://www.newsweek.com/miss-universe-2018-pageant-photos-catriona-gray-philippines-1259769|url-status=live}}</ref>

The current Miss Universe is [[Victoria Kjær Theilvig]] of Denmark who was crowned on November 16, 2024 in [[Mexico City]], Mexico.

==History==
[[File:Miss Universe Sash.jpg|right|upright=1.5|240px|thumb|Miss Universe sash from 2001 until 2022]]

The title "Miss Universe" was first used by the [[International Pageant of Pulchritude]] in 1926. This contest was held annually until 1935, when the [[Great Depression]] and other events preceding [[World War II]] led to its demise.

The current Miss Universe pageant was founded in 1952 by Pacific Knitting Mills, a California-based clothing company and manufacturer of [[Catalina Swimwear]], and has since been headquartered in the United States. The company was the sponsor of the [[Miss America]] pageant until 1951, when the winner, [[Yolande Betbeze]], refused to pose for publicity pictures wearing one of their swimsuits. In 1952, Pacific Knitting Mills organized the [[Miss USA]] and Miss Universe pageants, co-sponsoring them for decades to follow.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Roberts|first=Sam|date=26 February 2016|title=Yolande Betbeze Fox, Miss America Who Defied Convention, Dies at 87|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/us/yolande-betbeze-fox-miss-america-who-defied-convention-dies-at-87.html|access-date=25 February 2024|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 26, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160226061628/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/us/yolande-betbeze-fox-miss-america-who-defied-convention-dies-at-87.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Armi-Kuusela-1952.jpg|thumb|240px|[[Armi Kuusela]], the first titleholder, meets people in [[Helsinki|Helsinki, Finland]]]]
The first Miss Universe Pageant was held in [[Long Beach, California]] in 1952. It was won by [[Armi Kuusela]] from Finland, who gave up her title, though not officially, to get married shortly before her year was completed.<ref>{{cite web |author=FUNFARE by Ricky Lo |title=A misty-eyed look at Armi Kuusela, the 1st Miss Universe |url=http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/344221/misty-eyed-look-armi-kuusela-1st-miss-universe |date=June 28, 2006 |website=philstar.com |publisher=[[The Philippine Star]] |access-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015000244/http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/344221/misty-eyed-look-armi-kuusela-1st-miss-universe |url-status=live }}</ref> Until 1958, the Miss Universe title, like that of Miss America, was dated by the year following the contest, so at the time Kuusela's title was Miss Universe 1953. Since its founding by Pacific Mills, the pageant has been organized and conducted by the Miss Universe Organization. Eventually, Pacific Mills and its subsidiaries were acquired by the [[Kayser-Roth Corporation]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|date=19 February 2018|title=Trump's Miss Universe Gambit|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/02/26/trumps-miss-universe-gambit|access-date=25 February 2024|magazine=The New Yorker|language=en-US|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330193214/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/02/26/trumps-miss-universe-gambit|url-status=live}}</ref>  

The pageant was first televised in 1955. [[CBS]] began broadcasting the combined Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants in 1960, and as separate contests in 1965. Eventually, [[Gulf and Western Industries]] bought the Kayser-Roth Corporation in 1975 which also acquired the Miss Universe pageant until 1991 when it was bought by [[Procter & Gamble]].<ref name=":0" /> 

In 1996, [[Donald Trump]] bought the pageant from [[ITT Corp]], with a broadcasting arrangement with CBS until 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=Four Big Ships Dominate International Beauty Pageants |author=Prestigious Beauty Pageant |url=http://www.prestigiousbeautypageants.org/four-big-ships-dominate-international-beauty-pageants/ |date=November 18, 2013 |website=Prestigious Beauty Pageants |access-date=June 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217131258/http://www.prestigiousbeautypageants.org/four-big-ships-dominate-international-beauty-pageants/ |archive-date=December 17, 2013 }}</ref> During this time, in 1998, Miss Universe, Inc. changed its name to the Miss Universe Organization, and moved its headquarters from Los Angeles to New York City.<ref name="India-Today-1">{{cite web |title=Miss USA Olivia Culpo is Miss Universe 2012! |website=[[India Today]] |date=December 19, 2012 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/miss-universe-2012-winner-olivia-culpo/1/238561.html |access-date=January 9, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124901/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/miss-universe-2012-winner-olivia-culpo/1/238561.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="new team">{{cite news|title=Mistress of the Universe|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/nypost/access/68469692.html?dids=68469692:68469692&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+18,+1999&author=Jonathan+Foreman&pub=New+York+Post&desc=MISTRESS+OF+THE+UNIVERSE+-+MAUREEN+REIDY,+ONCE+DONALD+TRUMP'S+ACCOUNTANT,+HAS+TRANSFORMED+THREE+KEY+BEAUTY+PAGEANTS+FROM+TACKY+CHEESE+INTO+SLICK,+CHIC+AFFAIRS&pqatl=google|access-date=February 24, 2011|newspaper=[[New York Post]]|date=January 18, 1999|first=Jonathan|last=Foreman|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005144/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/nypost/access/68469692.html?dids=68469692%3A68469692&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Jan+18%2C+1999&author=Jonathan+Foreman&pub=New+York+Post&desc=MISTRESS+OF+THE+UNIVERSE+-+MAUREEN+REIDY%2C+ONCE+DONALD+TRUMP%27S+ACCOUNTANT%2C+HAS+TRANSFORMED+THREE+KEY+BEAUTY+PAGEANTS+FROM+TACKY+CHEESE+INTO+SLICK%2C+CHIC+AFFAIRS&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> By late 2002, Trump entered into a joint venture with [[NBC]],<ref name=Tadena1/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/biz/news/donald-trump-miss-universe-wmeimg-acquisition-1201592910/|title=WME/IMG Acquires Miss Universe Organization From Donald Trump|first1=Cynthia|last1=Littleton|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108163857/https://variety.com/2015/biz/news/donald-trump-miss-universe-wmeimg-acquisition-1201592910/|url-status=live}}</ref> which in 2003 outbid the other markets for the TV rights.<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite news |title=Three Beauty Pageants Leaving CBS for NBC |last=Rutenberg |first=Jim |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/22/business/three-beauty-pageants-leaving-cbs-for-nbc.html |date=June 22, 2002 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=October 8, 2013 |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011024009/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/22/business/three-beauty-pageants-leaving-cbs-for-nbc.html |url-status=live }}</ref> From 2003 to 2014, the pageant was broadcast in the United States on NBC.

In June 2015, NBC cancelled all business relationships with Trump and the Miss Universe Organization in response to [[Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign#Announcement|controversial statements]] about illegal immigrants who crossed the border from Mexico.<ref name="hollywoodreporter">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nbc-cuts-ties-donald-trump-805706?facebook_20150629|title=NBC Cuts Ties With Donald Trump Over "Derogatory Statements," Pulls Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants|first=Kate|last=Stanhope|date=June 29, 2015|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=June 30, 2015|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171010094038/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/donald-trump-nbc-severing-ties-805706|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=NBCsever>{{cite news|title=NBCUniversal cuts ties with Donald Trump|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/06/29/media/donald-trump-nbc-ends-relationship/|access-date=June 29, 2015|work=CNN Money|date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=December 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229221647/https://money.cnn.com/2015/06/29/media/donald-trump-nbc-ends-relationship/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the legal settlement, in September 2015, Trump bought out NBC's 50% stake in the company, making him the company's sole owner. Three days later, he sold the whole company to [[William Morris Endeavor|WME]]/[[IMG (company)|IMG]].<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/business/media/trump-sells-miss-universe-organization-to-wme-img-talent-agency.html|title=Trump Sells Miss Universe Organization to WME-IMG Talent Agency|date=September 15, 2015|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-date=February 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204102131/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/business/media/trump-sells-miss-universe-organization-to-wme-img-talent-agency.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-sells-miss-universe-img-2015-9|title=Donald Trump sells the Miss Universe Organization|last=Nededog|first=Jethro|date=September 14, 2015|work=Business Insider|access-date=January 9, 2016|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506164358/http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-sells-miss-universe-img-2015-9|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the change of ownership, in October 2015, [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] and [[Azteca América|Azteca]] became the official broadcasters of the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvinsider.com/article/49807/miss-universe-and-miss-usa-pageants-to-air-on-fox/|title=Miss Universe and Miss USA Pageants to Air on Fox|work=TV Insider|date=October 28, 2015 |access-date=January 9, 2016|archive-date=February 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212061824/http://www.tvinsider.com/article/49807/miss-universe-and-miss-usa-pageants-to-air-on-fox/|url-status=live}}</ref> The broadcast rights to the Miss Universe Pageant was temporarily split between [[Telemundo]] and [[FYI (American TV channel)|FYI]] during the 2020 pageant. amidst [[COVID-19 pandemic]] restrictions at the time. The contract with Fox and then-emcee [[Steve Harvey]] was resumed for the 2021 edition.

On October 26, 2022, Thailand-based [[JKN Global Group]] acquired Miss Universe Organization (MUO) from [[Endeavor (company)|Endeavor Group Holdings]]-owned [[IMG Worldwide]] at $14 million, making [[Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip|Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip]] the first [[transgender]] woman to own the organization and marking the first time the organization expands its headquarters outside the U.S. From the 2022 edition onwards, NBC has re-acquired broadcast rights via [[The Roku Channel]] for the competition as a result of the ownership changes, marking the first time in Miss Universe history that the pageant has transitioned from [[television|traditional broadcast network coverage]] to [[streaming media|full streaming service]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2423031/jkn-acquires-miss-universe-organization|title=JKN acquires Miss Universe Organization|date=October 26, 2022|work=Bangkok Post|access-date=October 26, 2022|archive-date=March 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322043036/https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2423031/jkn-acquires-miss-universe-organization|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 16, 2023, Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, announced her departure from the Miss Universe Organization.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=17 November 2023 |title=Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart Exits After 23 Years |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/miss-universe-organization-president-paula-shugart-exits-1235793531/ |access-date=25 February 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The aforementioned position will not be replaced.<ref name=":1" /> Following the departure of Shugart, CEO of the Miss Universe Organization Amy Emmerich also announced her departure on 8 February 2024 and left the organization on 1 March 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santiago |first=Camille |date=8 February 2024 |title=Amy Emmerich steps down as Miss Universe CEO |url=https://philstarlife.com/celebrity/847811-amy-emmerich-steps-down-as-miss-universe-ceo? |access-date=25 February 2024 |website=Philstar Life |archive-date=February 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225125255/https://philstarlife.com/celebrity/847811-amy-emmerich-steps-down-as-miss-universe-ceo |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Contestant selection==
{{main|List of Miss Universe countries}}
To gain participation in Miss Universe, a country needs a local company or person to buy the local rights of the competition through a franchise fee. The fee includes the rights of image, brand and everything related to the pageant. Often the owner of the franchise returns the franchise to the Miss Universe Organization, which resells it to a new stakeholder. The reselling of the franchise from one owner to the next is recurrently common in the history of the event, sometimes for contractual breaches or financial reasons. The number of participants fluctuates annually because of the franchising of the pageant paired with conflicting schedules to the regular calendar, but has steadied above 70 countries since [[Miss Universe 1989|1989]].

Usually a country's candidate selection involves pageants in the nation's local subdivisions, where local winners compete in a national pageant, but there are some countries who opt for an internal selection. For example, from 2000 to 2004, Australian delegates were chosen by a [[modeling agency]]. Although such "castings" are generally discouraged by the Miss Universe Organization, [[Jennifer Hawkins]] was chosen to represent the country in Miss Universe in 2004 (where she would eventually win the crown). Australia would eventually reinstate its national pageant for Miss Universe from 2005 onwards.

Recent countries that debuted in the pageant include Cameroon (2020), Bahrain (2021), Bhutan (2022), Pakistan (2023), Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova, North Macedonia, Somalia, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan (2024). Macau is the latest newcomer and the most recent country to obtain its first ever semifinal placement at Miss Universe, after debuting in [[Miss Universe 2023|2024]] as a semifinalist in the Top 30. 

Meanwhile, Botswana remains the most recent first-time entry to ever win Miss Universe on its debut year (with [[Mpule Kwelagobe]] in [[Miss Universe 1999|1999]]), and Denmark is the most recent country to obtain its first ever national win in Miss Universe (with [[Victoria Kjær Theilvig]] in 2024).

Cultural barriers, particularly with the swimsuit competition, and the prohibitive franchise fees of the event have prevented some countries like Mozambique from participating. Nevertheless, the Miss Universe Pageant has historically proven popular in regions like the Americas, Africa and Asia, especially in countries like [[Miss USA|United States]], [[Miss Universe Philippines|Philippines]], [[Miss Universe Colombia|Colombia]], [[Miss Brazil|Peru]], [[Miss Venezuela|Venezuela]], [[Miss South Africa|South Africa]], [[Miss France|France]], [[Miss Universe Thailand|Thailand]] and [[Miss Universe Indonesia|Indonesia]], given their successful track record of multiple semifinal appearances in the last decade and combined multiple titles in the competition's history. {{As of |2024}}, only two countries have been present at every Miss Universe since its inception in 1952: Canada and France.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Since 2012, openly [[transgender]] women have been allowed to compete as long as they won their national pageants.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dillon |first=Nancy |date=April 10, 2012 |title=Transgender contestants can compete in Miss Universe |work=Daily News |location=New York |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-04-10/news/31320540_1_transgender-women-glaad-policy-change|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707082743/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-04-10/news/31320540_1_transgender-women-glaad-policy-change|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2012}}.</ref> Six years after this rule went into effect, [[Angela Ponce]] of Spain became the first openly transgender candidate to compete in the contest, in the 2018<ref>{{cite web |date=July 9, 2018 |title=ÁNGELA PONCE: LA TRANSEXUAL MÁS HERMOSA DE ESPAÑA QUE CAMBIARÁ PARA SIEMPRE MISS UNIVERSO |url=https://www.bemiss.es/angela-ponce-la-transexual-mas-hermosa-de-espana-que-cambiara-para-siempre-miss-universo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328130228/https://www.bemiss.es/angela-ponce-la-transexual-mas-hermosa-de-espana-que-cambiara-para-siempre-miss-universo/ |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=November 17, 2018 |work=be Miss Universe Spain |language=es}}</ref> edition. In [[Miss Universe 2019|2019]], Myanmar's [[Swe Zin Htet]] became the first openly lesbian woman to compete in Miss Universe. Spain's [[Patricia Yurena Rodríguez]] is currently the highest-placed [[LGBT]] member at Miss Universe, placing second to Venezuela's [[Gabriela Isler]] in [[Miss Universe 2013|2013]], but did not come out until years after the competition.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 30, 2019 |title=Hoa hậu Myanmar thừa nhận đồng tính ngay khi thi Miss Universe 2019: Đầy bản lĩnh và đáng nể phục! |url=https://baomoi.com/hoa-hau-myanmar-thua-nhan-dong-tinh-ngay-khi-thi-miss-universe-2019-day-ban-linh-va-dang-ne-phuc/c/33149139.epi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212230246/https://baomoi.com/hoa-hau-myanmar-thua-nhan-dong-tinh-ngay-khi-thi-miss-universe-2019-day-ban-linh-va-dang-ne-phuc/c/33149139.epi |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 29, 2019 |title=#MissUniverseMyanmar2019 #RoadToMissUniverse2019 |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B5dbKqxFL63/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/swe_zin_htet/2188024474343095991 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |publisher=Swe Zin Htet}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Herbst |first=Diane |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Miss Universe's First Openly Gay Contestant Came Out Days Ago: 'I Just Started a New Chapter' |url=https://people.com/human-interest/miss-myanmar-is-miss-universe-first-openly-gay-contestant/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211154739/https://people.com/human-interest/miss-myanmar-is-miss-universe-first-openly-gay-contestant/ |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=December 11, 2019 |magazine=People}}</ref> In 2021, the Philippines' [[Beatrice Gomez]] became the first openly [[bisexual]] (and LGBT) contestant to enter the Miss Universe semifinals, after finishing as a finalist in the Top 5 that year. In 2023, Portugal's [[Marina Machete]] became the first [[transgender]] contestant to enter the Miss Universe semifinals, after finishing as a semifinalist in the Top 20.

Previously, official rules had stated that pageant contestants, "must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to, or parented a child. The titleholders are also required to remain unmarried throughout their reign."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-17 |title=Beauty queen stripped of crown after getting pregnant |url=https://nypost.com/2019/04/17/beauty-queen-stripped-of-crown-after-getting-pregnant/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919123148/https://nypost.com/2019/04/17/beauty-queen-stripped-of-crown-after-getting-pregnant/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-26 |title=Miss Ukraine stripped of crown over contest rules violation — she's a divorced mother |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2018/09/26/miss-ukraine-stripped-of-crown-over-contest-rules-violation-shes-a-divorced-mother/ |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref> However, in August 2022, the Miss Universe Organization announced that mothers, married, or pregnant women are eligible to compete in the pageant.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/06/surprise-miss-universe-colombia-to-accept-contestants-who-are-married-with-kids-will-muph-follow-suit/ |location=Manila |work=Manila Bulletin |first=Robert |last=Requintina |title=SURPRISE! Miss Universe Colombia to accept contestants who are married with kids. Will MUPh follow suit? |date=August 6, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810223517/https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/06/surprise-miss-universe-colombia-to-accept-contestants-who-are-married-with-kids-will-muph-follow-suit/ |url-status=live }}.</ref> The new rule has been instituted since 2023. Accepting married contestants reinvigorates tension between the American-based Miss Universe pageant and the European-based [[Mrs. Universe]] pageant, which was previously the only avenue for married women to compete for the Universe title. Later that same year, Colombia's [[Camila Avella]] became the first candidate to become a mother before clinching a semifinal placement at Miss Universe, after finishing as a finalist in the Top 5. 

Moreover, Miss Universe has always strictly prohibited [[age fabrication]]. While the pageant's minimum age limit has been set at 18 years old, this presents a problem for several European countries that allow 17-year-old contestants to compete in their pageants. National titleholders under 18 years of age must be replaced by their runner-up or another candidate in the main pageant. In recent years, all Miss Universe candidates have been required to be at least [[academic degree|university degree holders]] or working [[professionals]] from the onset of their national pageants. In September 2023, [[R'Bonney Gabriel]] announced that the organization would be dropping the upper age limit. Previously, contestants had to be between 18 and 28 years old by the start of the pageant. Beginning in 2024, "every adult woman in the world will be eligible to compete to be Miss Universe."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miss Universe Pageant Puts an End to Age Limits — Soon, All Women Over 18 Will Be Allowed to Compete |url=https://people.com/miss-universe-pageant-ends-age-limit-all-women-over-18-allowed-compete-7969273 |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>

==Main pageant==
{{For|full list and details|List of Miss Universe editions}}
Throughout the history of Miss Universe, the main pageant has varied widely in terms of annual scheduling. In the last decade, the Miss Universe competition has been consistently held over a two-week period between early November and late January. Because of television schedule demands (largely as a result of international time zone differences) or conflicting national events happening during the organizing process (such as the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the [[Olympics]], [[FIFA World Cup]] and national elections depending on the hosting country), four editions have been postponed to next year (as with the [[Miss Universe 2014|2014]], [[Miss Universe 2016|2016]], [[Miss Universe 2020|2020]], and [[Miss Universe 2022|2022]] editions). Since the 2022 edition held in [[New Orleans]], United States during the 2023 calendar year, the Miss Universe Organization has regularly announced the hosting nation of the immediate next edition during the live coronation night. The [[Miss Universe 2023|next edition]] is scheduled for 2024 in Mexico. Between the early 1970s through the late 2000s, the pageant spans a full month (typically between March and June) to allow time for rehearsals, appearances, and the preliminary competition, with the winner being crowned by the previous year's titleholder during the final competition.

According to the organizers, the Miss Universe contest is more than a beauty pageant, though they are expected to participate in swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Women aspiring to become Miss Universe must be intelligent, well-mannered, and cultured. If a candidate is unable to perform well during each round, she is often eliminated. Normally, the placements of the candidates are determined by a ranked vote, where each judge ranks each of the candidates individually and within the stipulated rules. In the past, the pageant semifinalists were chosen on a round robin system. Between 2017 and 2019, the semifinalists were selected based on highest scores per continental group followed by the judging panel's wildcard list along an extra candidate chosen in popular choice. All preliminary results were reset and a new competition starts with the highest placed positions at the semifinals. From 2020 onwards, the round robin system was reinstated where in each round of the grand final, the group of candidates with the lowest rates are progressively eliminated. However, this criterion has been modified to use weighted averages or with points accumulated by stages from the preliminary competition to coronation night, with the assessment in ascending or descending order. From [[Miss Universe 2011|2011]] to [[Miss Universe 2014|2014]], 2016, 2020 and since 2022, the public can also select another semifinalist via fan-voting. Since the pageant's inception, all semifinalists are announced at the beginning of the live telecast regardless of the edition's format and if ties occur in the final rounds, the preliminary results are used.

The winner then signs a contract with the Miss Universe Organization that can last at least seven months to more than a full year as per demands of the Miss Universe Organization. The new Miss Universe takes office immediately after the coronation and takes on a public cause in which she becomes the ambassador for a year to spread messages about the control of diseases, peace, and public awareness of AIDS (though the organization's more recent humanitarian works have included various causes such as women's and ethnic minority rights, along with contemporary racial issues, public health issues and the consequences of [[global warming]]). The winner also receives a cash allowance for her entire reign, a [[New York Film Academy]] scholarship, a modeling portfolio, beauty products, clothes, shoes, as well as styling, healthcare, and fitness services by different sponsors of the pageant. She also gains exclusive access to events such as [[fashion show]]s and opening galas, as well as access to casting calls and modeling opportunities throughout New York City. Between 1996 and 2015, the winner was given the use of a [[Trump Place (New York)|Trump Place]] apartment in New York City during her reign, which she shares with the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA titleholders. Starting in 2022, the winner and the two runners-up in the Top 3 will shuffle between residences in New York, United States and [[Bangkok]], Thailand.<ref>{{cite news |title=Three Crowns Sharing One Apartment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/10/arts/television/10trum.html?_r=0 |first=Felicia R. |last=Lee |date=October 10, 2007 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224215621/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/10/arts/television/10trum.html?_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

If the winner, for any reason, cannot fulfill her duties as Miss Universe, the first runner-up takes over. This protocol has happened only once {{as of|2024}}, when Panama's [[Justine Pasek]] succeeded Russia's [[Oxana Fedorova]] as Miss Universe in [[Miss Universe 2002|2002]] after the latter's dethronement later that same year.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} Aside from the main winner and her runners-up, special awards are also given to the winners of the Best National Costume, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Congeniality. The Miss Congeniality award is chosen by the delegates themselves. In recent years, Miss Photogenic has been chosen by popular internet vote (the winner used to be chosen by media personnel covering the event), and the winning country for Best National Costume is announced live after the naming of the semifinalists during finals night. Starting in 2024, Continental Queens are announced after the show that will travel with the Miss Universe winner.

==Crowns of Miss Universe==
The crown of Miss Universe has changed twelve times over the course of its 70-year history.<ref name="Rappler">{{Cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/specials/miss-universe/159845-miss-universe-crowns-through-the-years-history-photos|title=IN PHOTOS: Miss Universe crowns through the years|work=Rappler|access-date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620175530/https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/specials/miss-universe/159845-miss-universe-crowns-through-the-years-history-photos|url-status=live}}</ref> 
* '''The Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown''' (1952) was the first crown. It was previously owned by a [[Russian monarchy|Russian czar]]. It contains 1,529 flawless diamonds weighing 300 carats and was insured for US$500,000. It was used to crown [[Armi Kuusela]] in [[Miss Universe 1952|1952]].<ref name="Rappler"/><ref>{{cite news |title= All the Miss Universe Crowns Throughout the Years |url= https://www.preview.ph/fashion/timeline-miss-universe-crowns-through-the-years-a178-20170111?s=ch3rcua2o39a5n71gbrpmrtp5n |access-date=28 December 2024 |publisher=Preview |date=11 January 2017}}</ref>
* '''The Romanov Diadem Crown''' (1953), or infamously known as ''The Metallic Bronze Crown'' due to its solid metallic bronze design, replaced the inaugural crown. [[Miss Universe 1953]] [[Christiane Martel]] was the only titleholder to wear it.<ref name="Rappler"/> 
* '''The Star of the Universe''' (1954–1960) was named for the star shape at its top. It is made up of approximately 1,000 oriental cultured black pearls set in solid gold and platinum and weighed 1.25 pounds. It was insured for US$500,000.<ref name="Rappler"/>
* '''The Rhinestone Crown''' (1961–1962) was made from rhinestones. It debuted in 1961 as part of the [[Miss Universe 1961|tenth anniversary]] of the Miss Universe Organization. [[Marlene Schmidt]] and [[Norma Nolan]] wore this crown.<ref name="Rappler"/> 
* '''The Coventry Crown''' (1963–2001) was designed by the renowned jeweler [[Sarah Coventry]]. She remade the rhinestone crown to feature a female figure holding a scepter as its main centerpiece and it was dubbed ''The Lady Crown''. The design was modified in 1973 for the wearer's convenience and was popularly known as ''The Chandelier Crown''. The cheaper cost of its rhinestone design made it possible to create exact replicas of the crown to be given to outgoing titleholders. In the late 1980’s, the crowns were made by International Gem and Jewelry Show, Inc.<ref>{{cite news |title= All the Miss Universe Crowns Throughout the Years |url= https://www.preview.ph/fashion/timeline-miss-universe-crowns-through-the-years-a178-20170111?s=ch3rcua2o39a5n71gbrpmrtp5n |access-date=28 December 2024 |publisher=Preview |date=11 January 2017}}</ref> [[Miss Universe 2001]] [[Denise Quinones]] was its last holder.<ref name="Rappler"/>
* '''The [[Mikimoto Crown|Mikimoto Phoenix Crown]]''' (2002–2007, and 2017–2018) was used for the [[Miss Universe 2002|fifty-first anniversary]] of the Miss Universe Organization. It was designed by Tomohiro Yamaji for the [[Kokichi Mikimoto|Mikimoto Company]], who were the official jewelry sponsor of the Miss Universe Organization. The crown depicted the [[Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]] rising, signifying status, power, and beauty, as stipulated in their sponsorship deal. The crown has 500 natural colorless diamonds of almost {{convert|30|carat|g}} and 120 South Sea and Akoya [[pearl]]s, ranging in size from 3 to 18 mm diameter, and was valued at US$250,000.<ref name="Rappler"/> The crown was designed for the pageant on Mikimoto Pearl Island in Japan, with the Mikimoto crown and tiara being first used for Miss Universe 2002, which was unveiled by former proprietor [[Donald Trump]].<ref name="Mikimoto">{{cite web|title=Mikimoto History Timeline |url=http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/our-heritage/our-history |website=mikimotoamerica.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801003637/http://www.mikimotoamerica.com/our-heritage/our-history/ |archive-date=August 1, 2014 }}</ref> [[Catriona Gray]] was its last holder in 2019, before it was retired from use.
* '''The CAO Crown''' (2008) was used to crown [[Dayana Mendoza]]  in 2008. It is a tiara designed by [[Rosalina Lydster]] and Dang Kim Lien of CAO Fine Jewelry from Vietnam. The crown, valued at US$120,000, was made from a combination of 18K white and yellow gold and has over 1,000 precious stones, including 555 white diamonds (30 carats), 375 cognac diamonds (14 carats), 10 smoky quartz crystals (20 carats), and 19 morganite gemstones (60 carats). The yellow luster of the gold represented the prosperous, thriving economy of Vietnam as symbolized by a Vietnamese crane. However, Mendoza declined to use this crown and insisted on the Mikimoto crown when she crowned [[Stefanía Fernández]] as her successor.
* '''The Diamond Nexus Peace Crown''' (2009–2013) was the winning crown made by Diamond Nexus Labs. Fans worldwide were given the opportunity to vote online in 2009 to determine which of the Unity, Hope, and Peace Crowns would be the next crown of Miss Universe.<ref>{{cite news |title= All the Miss Universe Crowns Throughout the Years |url= https://www.preview.ph/fashion/timeline-miss-universe-crowns-through-the-years-a178-20170111?s=ch3rcua2o39a5n71gbrpmrtp5n |access-date=28 December 2024 |publisher=Preview |date=11 January 2017}}</ref> The crown is set with 1,371 gemstones, weighing a total of {{convert|416.09|carat|g}}. It contains 544.31&nbsp;grams of 14K and 18K white gold as well as platinum. In 2010, the top arches of the crown were removed for the wearer's convenience. The crown features synthetic rubies to represent Miss Universe's HIV/AIDS education and awareness platform. Diamond Nexus Labs was the first ever eco-friendly official jeweler of the Miss Universe Organization and was selected as part of NBC Universal's ''Green is Universal'' initiative.<ref name="Diamond Nexus">{{cite web |title=Connection to MISS UNIVERSE® |url=http://www.diamondnexus.com/miss-universe-organization |website=diamondnexus.com |access-date=October 8, 2013 |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906064242/http://www.diamondnexus.com/miss-universe-organization |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="redOrbit">{{cite news |title=Diamond Nexus Labs Announced as The Official Jewelry of The Miss Universe Organization |url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1633196/diamond_nexus_labs_announced_as_the_official_jewelry_of_the |date=February 3, 2009 |website=redorbit.com |publisher=redOrbit |access-date=October 8, 2013}}</ref>
* '''The DIC Crown''' (2014–2016) was used to crown [[Paulina Vega]], [[Pia Wurtzbach]], and [[Iris Mittenaere]]. It was produced by Czech company Diamonds International Corporation (DIC) and estimated to be worth US$300,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/830296|title=Miss Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurzbach, wins "Miss Universe-2015"|website=armenpress.am|date=December 21, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2017|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124234551/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/830296|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dicholding.com/en/news/new-miss-universe-to-be-decorated-by-crown-made-by-czech-company-dic-for-the-first-time-in-the-pageants-history |title=New Miss Universe to be decorated by crown made by Czech company DIC, for the first time in the pageant's history |author=4every1 s.r.o. |access-date=January 9, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225212135/http://www.dicholding.com/en/news/new-miss-universe-to-be-decorated-by-crown-made-by-czech-company-dic-for-the-first-time-in-the-pageants-history |archive-date=December 25, 2015 }}</ref> The whole production process took approximately four months and required the work of ten artisans. The crown is reminiscent of the Manhattan Skyline and is composed of 311 diamonds, 5 pieces of blue [[topaz]], 198 pieces of blue [[sapphire]], 33 pieces of heat-fired [[crystal]]s, and 220 grams of 18K white gold. The total weight of the crown is 411 grams. The crown was retired in 2017 due to a copyright infringement and subsequent payment issues between DIC and the Miss Universe Organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2017-05-16/miss-universe-producer-sues-czech-maker-of-winners-crowns|title=Miss Universe sues|website=www.usnews.com|access-date=November 26, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109124431/https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2017-05-16/miss-universe-producer-sues-czech-maker-of-winners-crowns|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''The Mouawad Power of Unity Crown''' (2019–2021) was made by [[Mouawad]] Jewelry, who became the new jeweler for the Miss Universe Organization. With an estimated worth of almost US$6 million, the Mouawad crowns are the world's most expensive set of pageant crowns on record. From 2019 to 2021, [[Zozibini Tunzi]], [[Andrea Meza]], and [[Harnaaz Sandhu]] were crowned with it.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.ajc.com/news/local/miss-universe-unveils-million-crown-used-atlanta-pageant/NP5VPCKzlJv6LDPRvSTNVO/amp.html|title = Miss Universe unveils $5 million crown to be used in Atlanta pageant|newspaper = The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|last1 = Coyne|first1 = Amanda C.|access-date = December 5, 2019|archive-date = November 26, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201126191233/https://www.ajc.com/news/local/miss-universe-unveils-million-crown-used-atlanta-pageant/NP5VPCKzlJv6LDPRvSTNVO/amp.html|url-status = live}}</ref> The crown consists of a golden canary diamond that weighs 62.83 carats. According to Pascal Mouawad, the crown symbolizes ambition, diversity, community, and beauty.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B5s0FhYH4z6/ |title=Discover the inspiration behind the first Mouawad Miss Universe Crown, revealed today for the first time! |author=Mouawad |date= |website=[[Instagram]]}}</ref> 
* '''The Mouawad Force for Good Crown''' (2022–2023) is the second Mouawad crown and was used to crown [[R'Bonney Gabriel]] and [[Sheynnis Palacios]]. It holds 110 carats of blue sapphires, 48 carats of white diamonds, and a 45.14 carats royal blue sapphire at its center.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2022/12/19/Miss-Universe-unveils-2023-crown.html|title = Miss Universe unveils diamond-sapphire Mouawad crown|publisher = CNN Philippines|access-date = December 19, 2022|archive-date = December 19, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221219150306/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2022/12/19/Miss-Universe-unveils-2023-crown.html|url-status = dead}}</ref>    
* '''The Jewelmer ''Lumière de l’Infini'' Crown''' (2024–present), unveiled on 13 November 2024, is designed by Philippine-based luxury jewelry company Jewelmer, known for specializing in [[Pinctada maxima | golden Philippine South Sea pearls]]. It was handcrafted by master jewelers through the use of traditional Filipino and French jewelry design and making techniques, particularly the [[Place Vendôme]] technique. Each of the golden pearls was harvested and prepared through 377 steps. The design of the crown is meant to encapsulate and evoke the long history of beauty with the Miss Universe Organization and its queens. Its gold and platinum metal foundations resemble those of the waves and the dance of the universe, which are adorned with hundreds of diamonds and 23 golden South Sea pearls. The biggest golden pearl featured at the top-center of the crown represents the sun, bursting with diamond-adorned golden rays. The French ''Lumière de l’Infini'' translates to "Light of Infinity" (transliterally) and "Shining Infinitely" or "Infinite Brilliance" (contextually).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Loreto |first1=Maria |title=Miss Universe 2024: First look at the crown, which is covered in gold and accessorized with 23 pearls |url=https://www.hola.com/us/entertainment/20241113729996/miss-universe-2024-crown-unveiling/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |publisher=HOLA! |date=13 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Adina |first1=Armin |title=Miss Universe 2024 unveils PH-made crown for 73rd pageant |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/585439/miss-universe-2024-unveils-ph-made-crown-for-73rd-pageant |access-date=14 November 2024 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=14 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Miss Universe unveils first-ever Filipino-crafted crown dubbed 'The Light of Infinity' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/926948/miss-universe-unveils-first-ever-filipino-crafted-crown-dubbed-the-light-of-infinity/story/ |access-date=14 November 2024 |publisher=GMA News |date=14 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bohol |first1=Gabriel |title=Jewelmer CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec on crafting the first Filipino-made Miss Universe crown: 'It's been an honour' |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/style/jewellery/jewelmer-unveils-filipino-crafted-crown-for-miss-universe-2024 |access-date=16 November 2024 |publisher=Tatler Asia |date=16 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarabia |first1=Chelsea |title=Jewelmer Is Behind the Miss Universe Pageant's First Filipino-Crafted Crown |url=https://vogue.ph/fashion/jewelry/jewelmer-miss-universe-first-filipino-crafted-crown/ |access-date=16 November 2024 |agency=Vogue |publisher=Vogue Philippines |date=14 November 2024}}</ref>

===Gallery of Miss Universe crowns===
<gallery>
File:Christiane Martel in 1953 (cropped).jpg|The ''Romanov Diadem Crown'', as worn by [[Miss Universe 1953]], [[Christiane Martel]]
File:Gladys Zender.jpg|The ''Star of the Universe Crown'', as worn by [[Miss Universe 1957]], [[Gladys Zender]]
File:Martha Vasconcellos (1968) (cropped).jpg|The ''Coventry Crown'', as worn by [[Miss Universe 1968]], [[Martha Vasconcellos]]
File:Natalie Glebova - MU2005.jpg|The ''[[Mikimoto Crown|Mikimoto Phoenix Crown]]'' as worn by [[Miss Universe 2005]], [[Natalie Glebova]]
File:Miss Universe 2008, Dayana Mendoza2.jpg|The ''CAO Crown'' as worn by [[Miss Universe 2008]], [[Dayana Mendoza]]
File:Miss-universe-2011-leila-lopes.jpg|The ''Diamond Nexus Peace Crown'' as worn by [[Miss Universe 2011]], [[Leila Lopes (Miss Universe)|Leila Lopes]]
File:Miss_Universe_2015_Pia_Wurtzbach_071816_(cropped).jpg|The ''DIC Crown'' as worn by [[Miss Universe 2015]], [[Pia Wurtzbach]]
File:Zozibini Tunzi Attending Puteri Indonesia 2020 (potrait).jpg|The ''Mouawad Power of Unity Crown'' as worn by [[Miss Universe 2019]], [[Zozibini Tunzi]]
</gallery>

== Recent titleholders ==
{{For|full list and details|List of Miss Universe titleholders}}
{| class="wikitable " style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
! Edition
! Year
! Country/Territory
! {{nowrap|Miss Universe}}
! {{nowrap|National title}}
! Competition venue
! Number of entrants
|-
| 69th
| [[Miss Universe 2020|2020]]
| {{flagu|Mexico}}
| [[Andrea Meza]]
| [[Mexicana Universal 2020]]
| [[Hollywood, Florida|Hollywood]], Florida, United States
| 74
|-
| 70th
| [[Miss Universe 2021|2021]]
| {{flagu|India}}
| [[Harnaaz Sandhu]]
| [[Miss Diva 2021|Miss Diva Universe 2021]]
| [[Eilat]], Israel
| 80
|-
| 71st
| [[Miss Universe 2022|2022]]
| {{flagu|United States}}
| [[R'Bonney Gabriel]]
| [[Miss USA 2022]]
| [[New Orleans]], Louisiana, United States
| 83
|-
| 72nd
| [[Miss Universe 2023|2023]]
| {{flagu|Nicaragua}} 
| [[Sheynnis Palacios]]
| [[Miss Nicaragua|Miss Nicaragua 2023]]
| [[San Salvador]], El Salvador
| 84
|-
|73rd
|[[Miss Universe 2024|2024]]
|{{flagu|Denmark}}
|[[Victoria Kjær Theilvig]]
|[[Miss Denmark|Miss Universe Denmark 2024]]
|[[Mexico City]], Mexico
|125
|-
|}

=== Gallery of winners ===
<gallery>
File:Victoria Kjær Theilvig in 2025.jpg|Miss Universe 2024<br>[[Victoria Kjær Theilvig]]<br>Denmark
File:Visita Sheynnis Palacios Miss Universe Asamblea Legislativa Costa Rica febrero 2023 (65) (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2023<br>[[Sheynnis Palacios]]<br>Nicaragua
File:R'Bonney Nola Gabriel y Nayib Bukele (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2022<br/>[[R'Bonney Gabriel]]<br/>United States
File:Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu snapped at IGI airport in New Delhi (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2021<br/>[[Harnaaz Sandhu]]<br>India
File:Andrea Meza visiting National Museum of Indonesia (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2020<br />[[Andrea Meza]]<br> Mexico
File:Zozibini Tunzi Attending Puteri Indonesia 2020 (potrait).jpg|Miss Universe 2019<br>[[Zozibini Tunzi]]<br>South Africa
File:Catriona Gray with iconic tristar and sun earpiece, in Mak Tumang Swarovski gem-embellished "Mayon" evening number.jpg|Miss Universe 2018<br>[[Catriona Gray]]<br>Philippines
File:Demi Leigh-Nel Peters in 2018 (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2017<br>[[Demi-Leigh Tebow|Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters]]<br>South Africa
File:Iris Mittenaere 2016.05.07 (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2016<br>[[Iris Mittenaere]]<br>France
File:Pia_Wurtzbach_-_2019_(cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2015<br />[[Pia Wurtzbach]]<br>Philippines
File:Paulina Vega en la XXXVI versión de la Caminata de la Solidaridad por Colombia .jpg|Miss Universe 2014<br />[[Paulina Vega]]<br> Colombia
File:María Gabriela Isler cropped.jpg|Miss Universe 2013<br />[[Gabriela Isler]]<br> Venezuela
File:Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.jpg|Miss Universe 2012<br />[[Olivia Culpo]] <br>United States
File:Leila Lopes 2012 Shankbone.jpg|Miss Universe 2011<br />[[Leila Lopes (Miss Universe)|Leila Lopes]]<br> Angola
File:Ximena Navarrete - Miss Universe 2010.jpg|Miss Universe 2010<br />[[Ximena Navarrete]]<br> Mexico
File:Miss Universe Visit to earth Earth infra Earth Infrastructures Limited (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 2009<br />[[Stefanía Fernández]] <br>Venezuela
File:Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza en Nicaragua 06.jpg|Miss Universe 2008<br />[[Dayana Mendoza]] <br>Venezuela
File:ZuleykaRivera2.jpg|Miss Universe 2006<br />[[Zuleyka Rivera]] <br>Puerto Rico
File:NatalieGlebova Tiara.jpg|Miss Universe 2005<br>[[Natalie Glebova]] <br> Canada
File:Jennifer Hawkins 2015.jpg|Miss Universe 2004<br>[[Jennifer Hawkins]]<br> Australia
File:Amelia Vega6.jpg|Miss Universe 2003<br />[[Amelia Vega]] <br>Dominican Republic
File:Justine Pasek - STRI (2002) 07.jpg|Miss Universe 2002<br />[[Justine Pasek]] <br>Panama
File:Denise Quinones interview (cropped).JPG|Miss Universe 2001<br />[[Denise Quiñones]] <br>Puerto Rico
File:Lara Dutta in 2009.jpg|Miss Universe 2000<br />[[Lara Dutta]] <br>India
File:Mpule Kwelagobe.jpg|Miss Universe 1999<br />[[Mpule Kwelagobe]] <br>Botswana
File:Wendy Fitzwilliam.jpg|Miss Universe 1998<br /> [[Wendy Fitzwilliam]] <br /> Trinidad and Tobago
File:Brook Lee.JPG|Miss Universe 1997<br />[[Brook Lee]] <br>United States
File:Alicia Machado.jpg|Miss Universe 1996<br />[[Alicia Machado]] <br>Venezuela
File:Sushmita Sen at the Dior store launch.jpg|Miss Universe 1994<br />[[Sushmita Sen]] <br>India
File:Dayanara Torres 2011.jpg|Miss Universe 1993<br />[[Dayanara Torres]] <br>Puerto Rico
File:Michelle MacLean Conservation Film Foundation.jpg|Miss Universe 1992<br />[[Michelle McLean]]<br>Namibia
File:Lupita Jones (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1991<br />[[Lupita Jones]] <br>México
File:Angela Visser (1989).jpg|Miss Universe 1989<br />[[Angela Visser]] <br>Netherlands
File:Cecilia Bolocco (2)-2.jpg|Miss Universe 1987<br />[[Cecilia Bolocco]] <br>Chile
File:Bárbara Palacios en Osmel Sousa (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1986<br />[[Bárbara Palacios]] <br>Venezuela
File:Yvonne Ryding (cropped).JPG|Miss Universe 1984<br />[[Yvonne Ryding]] <br>Sweden
File:Lorraine Downes in Oval Office (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1983<br />[[Lorraine Downes]] <br>New Zealand
File:Shawn Weatherly.jpg|Miss Universe 1980<br />[[Shawn Weatherly]] <br>United States
File:Maritza Sayalero en Osmel Sousa.jpg|Miss Universe 1979<br />[[Maritza Sayalero]] <br>Venezuela
File:Margaret Gardiner, Miss Universe 1978, TV Magazine.jpg|Miss Universe 1978<br />[[Margaret Gardiner (Miss Universe)|Margaret Gardiner]] <br>South Africa
File:Janelle Commissiong, ACF 2014.png|Miss Universe 1977<br />[[Janelle Commissiong]] <br>Trinidad and Tobago
File:Rina Messinger wearing Miss Universe crown.jpg|Miss Universe 1976<br />[[Rina Mor|Rina Messinger]] <br>Israel
File:Margie Moran Miss Universe 2016.jpg|Miss Universe 1973<br />[[Margie Moran]]<br>Philippines
File:Georgina Rizk (1971).jpg|Miss Universe 1971<br />[[Georgina Rizk]]<br>Lebanon
File:Marisol Malaret in Oval Office (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1970<br />[[Marisol Malaret]]<br>Puerto Rico
File:Abreu Sodré-Miss Universo e misses II (1969) (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1969<br />[[Gloria Diaz]] <br>Philippines
File:Martha Vasconcellos (1968) (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1968<br />[[Martha Vasconcellos]] <br>Brazil
File:Sylvia Hitchcock, 1968 Indy 500 (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1967<br />[[Sylvia Hitchcock]]<br>United States
File:Apasra Hongsakula crowned Miss Universe 1965.jpg |Miss Universe 1965<br />[[Apasra Hongsakula]] <br>Thailand
File:Iêda Maria Vargas at 1963 National Governor's Conference.jpg|Miss Universe 1963<br />[[Iêda Maria Vargas]] <br>Brazil
File:Linda Bement Detroit News TV Magazine, edited (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1960<br />[[Linda Bement]] <br>United States
File:Akiko Kojima 1959.jpg|Miss Universe 1959 <br> [[Akiko Kojima]]<br> Japan
File:Luz Marina Zuluaga poses for Max Factor of Hollywood.jpg|Miss Universe 1958 <br>[[Luz Marina Zuluaga]]<br>Colombia
File:Gladys Zender (1962).jpg|Miss Universe 1957 <br> [[Gladys Zender]]<br> Peru
File:Carol Morris (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1956<br />[[Carol Morris]] <br>United States
File:Hillevi Rombin Miss Universe (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1955<br />[[Hillevi Rombin]]<br>Sweden
File:Miriam Stevenson with globe (cropped).jpg|Miss Universe 1954<br />[[Miriam Stevenson]] <br>United States
File:Christiane Martel as Miss Cinemonde 02.jpg|Miss Universe 1953<br />[[Christiane Martel]] <br>France
File:Armi Kuusela-1.jpg|Miss Universe 1952<br />[[Armi Kuusela]] <br>Finland 
</gallery>

== Miss Universe Organization ==
The ''Miss Universe Organization'' currently owns and runs the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants. Between 2020 and 2022, it stopped organizing the [[Miss USA]] and the [[Miss Teen USA]] competitions, when these franchises were operated by [[Crystle Stewart]], until her suspension in October 2022, and as a result, the latter pageants returned to the ''Miss Universe Organization''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/dec/20/who-will-be-new-miss-universe-planet-hollywood-/|title=Philippines crowned Miss Universe after Harvey wrongly names Colombia winner|last=Chareunsy|first=Don|work=LasVegasSun.com|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222072554/http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/dec/20/who-will-be-new-miss-universe-planet-hollywood-/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/exclusive-crystle-stewart-takes-leadership-role-miss-usa-74958210|title=Exclusive: Crystle Stewart takes on new leadership role for Miss USA, Miss Teen USA|date=December 30, 2020|work=[[Good Morning America]]|last=Brantley-Jones|first=Kiara|access-date=December 30, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517204203/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/exclusive-crystle-stewart-takes-leadership-role-miss-usa-74958210|url-status=live}}</ref>

Based in New York City and [[Bangkok]], it is currently owned by the Thai [[JKN Global Group]] since 26 October 2022, when the former owners [[William Morris Endeavor|WME]]/[[IMG (company)|IMG]] sold the pageant. The organization sells television rights to the pageants and pageant organizations in other countries.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

===Gallery===
<gallery class="centre" widths="220px" heights="150px">
File:Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran Miss Universe 2016.jpg|[[Gloria Diaz]], [[Miss Universe 1969]], and [[Margarita Moran-Floirendo|Margarita Moran]], [[Miss Universe 1973]], at the [[Miss Universe 2016]] red carpet - [[Mall of Asia Arena]], [[Metro Manila|Manila]], the Philippines
File:Miss USA contestants give autographs while visiting Guantanamo.jpg|[[Crystle Stewart]], Miss USA 2008 and [[Dayana Mendoza]], Miss Universe 2008 at Guantanamo Bay
File:Miss USA Crystle Stewart and Miss Teen USA Stevi Perry at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.jpg|[[Crystle Stewart]], Miss USA 2008 and [[Stevi Perry]], Miss Teen USA 2008
File:Hilary Cruz and Riyo Mori.png|[[Hilary Cruz]], Miss Teen USA 2007 and [[Riyo Mori]], Miss Universe 2007 attend the "Fashion Rocks the Universe" event prior to the [[Miss USA 2008]] pageant.
File:Chelsea Cooley Shelley Hennig GTMO.png|[[Chelsea Cooley]], Miss USA 2005 and [[Shelley Hennig]], Miss Teen USA 2004 at Guantanamo Bay
File:MUO GTMO 2003.png|Miss Universe 2002, [[Justine Pasek]], with Miss USA 2002, [[Shauntay Hinton]] and Miss Teen USA 2002, [[Vanessa Semrow]] at [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base|Guantanamo Bay]]
File:Shawn Weatherly, Ronald Reagan and Kim Seelbrede in 1981.jpg|[[Shawn Weatherly]], Miss Universe 1980 and [[Kim Seelbrede]], Miss USA 1981 together with then-US President [[Ronald Reagan]]
</gallery>

==In other media==
[[Electronic Arts]] was reportedly developing a video game based on the pageant in 2013, but development status is currently uncertain due to the closure of [[EA Black Box]], the studio allegedly developing the game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://whatculture.com/gaming/10-awful-sounding-video-games-that-fortunately-got-cancelled?page=7|title=10 Awful-Sounding Video Games That (Fortunately) Got Cancelled|date=November 14, 2014|work=WhatCulture.com|access-date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807111945/http://whatculture.com/gaming/10-awful-sounding-video-games-that-fortunately-got-cancelled?page=7|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of beauty pageants]]
* [[Mrs. Universe]]
* [[Big Four beauty pageants]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons|Miss Universe}}
* {{official website|https://www.missuniverse.com/}}

{{Miss Universe}}
{{Miss Universe titleholders}}
{{Miss Universe countries and territories}}
{{Big Four Pageants}}

[[Category:Miss Universe| ]]
[[Category:JKN Global Group]]
[[Category:Joint ventures]]
[[Category:International beauty pageants]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1952]]
[[Category:1952 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Miss Universe Organization]]
[[Category:Gulf and Western Industries]]
[[Category:Beauty pageants in Thailand|Universe]]