The Top 30 

One obvious MGI element that made the telecast was the Top 30 Bench Swimsuit Round, where, instead of parading in the order they were called, they were presented alphabetically. Here’s a rundown of the quarter-finalists. 

Following her recent Miss World shutout, it was only logical to root for Paraguay’s Yanina Gomez to fare better. But much as she looked more competitive, her alleged ties with a pre-pageant judge raised suspicions. More so, when a sudden online voting extension enabled her to seize the lead in multiple categories, including the crucial Fan Vote award which earned her slot. Luckily, her usurpation didn’t come at the expense of two breakthrough placers: Bangladesh’s Tangia Zaman Melitha and debuting Palestine’s Nadeen Ayoub, who was more vocally displeased by the voting twist.

Pulling surprises were Japan’s Kaori Hashimoto, who was hardly mentioned, and Zimbabwe’s Lyshanda Moyas. But then again, there was a Zimbabwean in the panel. As suspected, there was more to Rwanda’s Solange Keita than that viral power nap. Her credentials are rock-solid and, at 42, she’s now the oldest woman to make the cut. 

Guatemala’s Raschel Paz likely benefited from her countryman, Mauro Bucaro, stepping in as CEO. But with him suddenly out, the country’s future prospects are now in question. Also making it from Central America were Costa Rica’s Mahyla Roth, who won Miss Photogenic, and Nicaragua’s Itza Castillo, who expanded her country’s streakto three years. 

There was no way they’d keep the Stars and Stripes out too long. So, USA’s back in, thanks to Audrey Eckert. And, likewise, Brazil’s also back in the running, thanks to Gabriela Lacerda. With Canada’s Jaime VandenBerg also joining the fray, she’s now the first from her country to place both here and Miss World. 

Making it for Europe were France’s Eve Gilles, who certainly rocked her tomboy look, and Croatia’s towering Laura Gnkjatović, her country’s strongest since 2019. Pageant veteran Nathalie Mogbelzada ended the Netherlands’ decade-long drought and, as a bonus, she was second to Paraguay in Beyond the Crown. 

Breaking odds was Jennifer Ventura, who not only broke the Dominican Republic’s odd-numbered year curse, but was also one of the two Dominicans to advance. The other, Yamilex Hernandez, represented the US Latin community as Miss Universe Latina – an odd brand gimmick I personally don’t look forward to see repeated. One must admit, though, that she was a contender and, perhaps, her elimination came too early. The same goes for India’s Manika Vishwakarma, who at least sustained her country’s streak. 

The Top 12 

After a brutal cut, it was time for the Top 12 Evening Gown Round. It can be recalled that judge Omar Harfouch was initially slated to perform live, if not for his pullout. Hearing this portion scored by Miss Universe filler music, it can be inferred that he was supposed to appear in this round. Default as the soundtrack was, it was the finalists who brought the rhythm – visually at least. 

Cuba managed to one-up last year’s iconic drought-ender with Lina Luaces. Cite her relation to Emilio Estefan if you must, she still had the merits to finish high. Besides, outside of mentioning her middle name, she was largely quiet about the connection. She did the work. Similarly, there was hardly doubt that China’s Zhao Na would surpass her predecessor’s finish. But with her fine presence, she managed to even make the second cut and, in a curious turn of events, wound up as Miss Universe Asia. It’s now her country’s best showing since 2011. 

But the breakthrough of the year, hands down, is Malta, ignored since 1968 but now finally given the spotlight thanks to Julia Cluett. Earning Miss Universe Europe and Middle East was the icing on the cake. And, with her feat, she relieves her country from having most participations with no placements. That distinction now goes to the British Virgin Islands. 

Chile’s Inna Moll also passed muster, despite being outshone weeks prior. Thankfully, her angelic beauty still helped her overcome the onslaught of last minute favorites (Argentina’s, sadly, couldn’t). Still, there’s this gnawing feeling that she deserved more. 

No fault could be found in Guadeloupe’s Ophely Mezino, the French Miss World alumna who opted for her home island this time. Ultimately, cuts simply had to be made. But at least she overcame the Miss World Runner-Up Curse, just like her fellow former Julia Morley protege (and French speaker), who finished higher. Also flawless was Puerto Rico’s Zashely Alicea, who sustained the streak that began in this very host country. But much as her feathery frock was a Top Five-worthy look, she was crowded out. Making her ouster slightly more emblematic: her island’s forthcoming host status is now at risk. 

Lastly, it was generally expected that Colombia’s Vanessa Pulgarin would avenge Daniela Toloza’s 2024 shutout and, in the process, recover from her own (in Miss International 2017). Her pre-pageant performances, particularly in the swimsuit showcase, definitely secured as much. But, as observers have noted, she had the tendency to take the pageant patty route when dolled up. That much proved to be her Waterloo when the final cut was made, which was a shame since someone from the eventual Top Five stuck out like a sore thumb. 

Little did we know that there was more to that irony.