Andrea Meza, the Mexican beauty pageant crowned Miss Universe 2020, revealed at Hoy Día (Telemundo) her top favorite candidates to win on January 14 in New Orleans. The beauty queen mentioned the candidates one by one and explained her reasons. Find below who she thinks could go far in the competition.
A total of 84 beauty pageants would be competing during the 71st Miss Universe, set to take place on January 14 at the Ernest N. Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In 2022, the once-labeled old-fashioned Miss Universe pageant changed its path to a new era after transgender businesswoman Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip bought the organization for $20M.
Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, known for being a Thai media tycoon and transgender rights advocate, is the CEO of JKN Global Group PCL, a Thailand-based media distribution company. “We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions but also to evolve the brand for the next generation,” Anne said.
HOLA! USA previously reported the Miss Universe Organization updated its beauty pageant rules and began welcoming wives and mothers to compete for the crown for the first time in history. According to The National, in 2023, the annual competition will accept married women and contestants with children.
Amanda Dudamel, Miss Venezuela
Amanda Dudamel, Miss Venezuela, is 23 years old and is one of Andrea Meza’s favorites to win Miss Universe. “[She is a] fashion designer. I love it because she supports eco-sustainable fashion. [She is] a super super intelligent woman who has an impressive demeanor,” Andrea Meza explained.
Mia Mamede, Miss Brasil
“She is a presenter, a philanthropist, she is focused on education. I’m fascinated by her,” Andrea Meza said about Mia Mamede, Miss Brazil, 27. Mamede is a television presenter and has a production house, in addition to her philanthropic work.
Irma Cristina Miranda, Miss México
Irma Cristina Miranda, Miss Mexico, 26, is another of Andrea Meza’s favorites. “Beautiful. She has those very Mexican features that represent us as a country. Long live Mexico!” she exclaimed.
María Fernanda Aristizabal, Miss Colombia
For Meza, María Fernanda Aristizabal, Miss Colombia, is a great candidate to win the crown. “She is very familiar with what Miss Universe does, so she has an advantage. She is charming,” Meza said of the 25-year-old Colombian.
R’Bonney Nola, Miss Estados Unidos
“She is going with everything. She has a lot of experience, she knows what she wants and she is a fashion designer too,” Meza said of R’Bonney Nola, Miss USA.
Hannah Iribhogbe, Miss Nigeria
“She has a lot of potential. You see her and she draws attention,” she said.
Ashley Cariño, Miss Puerto Rico
Ashley Cariño, Miss Puerto Rico, is one of the participants that has most impressed Andrea Meza, as she has a bright future. “She fascinates me. She is a very intelligent woman. She wants to work at NASA in the future,” she said of the 28-year-old contestant.
Celeste Cortesi, Miss Filipinas
Celeste Cortesi, Miss Philippines, 25, is another of the participants who, from the point of view of Andrea Meza, could succeed in Miss Universe. “She has a lot of bearing. She fascinates me,” said Andrea.
Andreína Martínez, Miss Dominican Republic
Andrea Meza said Andreína Martínez is one of her favorites: “I love her. She is well prepared. She has an interesting story. She seeks to defend women’s rights,” she said.
Virginia Stablum, Miss Italia
Virginia Stablum, Miss Italy, 24, is another candidate who could make it to the Miss Universe final, from Andrea’s perspective. “She has a divine face and I think she can go a long way.”
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