Mexico is the 69th Miss Universe

Finally, after a year and a half of anxious waiting, a new Miss Universe has been crowned.

First of all, indulge me as I gloat with the final results versus my prediction list. I got 18 of the 21 semifinalists, 9 of the top ten and got 3 of the final five. 

VIVA MEXICO

Andrea Meza is the 69th Miss Universe

Andrea Meza, a  26 year old software engineer from Chihuahua, Mexico was crowned the 69th Miss Universe in glittering ceremonies at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, USA. 

She beat a field of 74 delegates after surviving two rounds of interviews. She was Miss World 2017 1st RU prior to winning the Miss Universe crown.

RUNNERS UP

Her court includes 1st RU Julia Gama of Brazil, 2nd RU Janick Maceta of Peru, 3rd RU Adline Castelino of India 4th RU Kimberly Jimenez of Dominican Republic

The rest of the top ten included Thailand, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Australia.

With the removal of the continental grouping, it was a Latina domination with 12 of the spots going to the Americas. Asia proved to be a strong group with seven girls including Vietnam the Fan Vote winner. Europe had two while Africa went home empty handed.

The rest of the 21 ladies came from Colombia, Argentina, Philippines, Curaçao, Nicaragua, Great Britain, Myanmar, France, Indonesia and Vietnam. 

SHOCKING LOSS

The exclusion of pageant powerhouses  Venezuela and South Africa was the shocker of the night along with the polarizing Canada. 

Pre-arrival fave Philippines didn't quite live up to the hype and cracked under the intense pressure from fans and detractors. Inspite her tentative and underwhelming swimsuit presentation that cost her a top ten spot, you can't deny her luminous beauty and allure. 

On the other hand, despite their sheer beauty, Nepal, Romania and Czech Republic didn't make it due to their weak sashes. 

FOOTNOTE

A lot of pageant fans across the net took to social media to question the results however this blogger is quite pleased with the outcome coz Mexico was in my final list of girls who would be duking it out for the crown. 

My initial pick for the crown was Puerto Rico's Estefania Soto whose luminous beauty, eloquence and elegance would have made her a great titleholder but it wasn't meant to be.

There are things that we pageant fans aren't privy to especially the closed door panel interview. Let us be reminded that the final Q&A isn't the be all and end all of the selection.

The judges had to factor in everything including inputs from MUO on the qualities they want from a winner. So there.

Let's be happy that despite the challenges of this pandemic, MUO was still able to mount a pageant albeit one that wasn't the usual that we have been used to seeing.

Congratulations once again to the winners!