Yesterday night, Miss Universe organization announced the host city for the 71st edition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, which will be held in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana at the USA. Home of unique music, delicious Creole cuisine, and magical culture deeply rooted in New Orleans make it a great host city for the Miss Universe pageant. The final date is set on January 14, 2023 when the delegates will attend various events to experience the rich culture and heritage of New Orleans.
In this article, we will talk about our Top 20 favorites for the Miss Universe 2022 title based on their educational background, previous modeling or pageant experience, interviews, social media presence, and their all-important advocacy. The role of a beauty queen is to help the less fortunate people through various charity programs to uplift them and give them hope for a bright future. It is important to understand the value and responsibility of a beauty queen. Let’s dive down and talk about who are the ladies who have a high chance to wear the Mouawad Miss Universe crown. In our Top 20 semi-finalists, we have
20th Place – Miss Universe Aruba – Kiara Arends
Age: 23 Height: 175cm (5 ft 9 inches)
She is a Master of Laws student, who also holds a degree in Bachelor of Laws. She is a social justice advocate and the founder of the B.U.M.P project, a charity organization aiding mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was Miss Teen Aruba International in 2017 and Virreina de las Americas at Miss Teen Americas in 2018.
19th Place – Miss Universe India – Divita Rai
Age: 24 Height: 175cm (5 ft 9 inches)
Originally from Mangalore, Karnataka in South India. She is an Architect graduate from Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai. She works as an Architect and professional Model. She was LIVA Miss Diva 2021 2nd Runner up, Bennett University Miss Sudoku, Bennett University Miss IQ, and Casio Miss Lifestyle sub-titles winners. She will try her best to win back-to-back Miss Universe wins for India after Harnaaz Sandhu’s victory last year.
18th Place – Miss Universe Curacao – Gabriëla Dos Santos
Age: 20 Height: 181cm (5 ft 11 inches)
Describing herself as energetic, compassionate, and optimistic, Santos likes to take on a challenge and can easily fit into a multitude of situations. For Gabriela, Miss Curaçao is a woman who is inspiring, motivated, and a woman who leads, someone who serves in a community and inspires people to not only believe in themselves but also chase their wildest dreams.
17th Place – Miss Universe Cambodia – Manita Hang
Age: 24 Height: 168cm (5 ft 6 inches)
Manita is a graduate with Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. She is Cambodian French beauty who speaks three languages, Khmer, French, and English fluently. Cambodia has never placed in Miss Universe since its debut in 2017. If Manita improves her styling and her stage presence, Cambodia can achieve its first-ever placement in Miss Universe. Miss Universe Cambodia team needs to work on Manita’s styling as she already has a gorgeous face but it is equally vital to have a stylish presentation during Miss Universe.
16th Place – Miss Universe Spain Alicia Faubel
Age: 25 Height: 178cm (5 ft 10 inches)
She is an aspiring actress who has spent her time working in Asia and Europe. She had previously lived in the Philippines, where she learned to speak the Tagalog language and learn about the rich Filipino culture. She was featured as a lead actress in Alicia DiSanto in General Commander, released in the United States. Her gorgeous beauty and warm aura will help Spain reach the Top 20 placement.
15th Place – Miss Universe Mauritius – Alexandrine Belle-Étoile
Age: 25 Height: 173cm (5 ft 8 inches)
She has a Fine Arts degree, and she teaches Arts and the French language in a private primary school. She is an innovative person who portrays herself through various forms of art like painting, sculpture, and music. She is a visual individual with creative imagination. She has just competed in Miss Supranational 2022 where she placed among the Top 12 semi-finalists and she also won the title of Miss Supranational Africa. It demonstrates that despite coming from a small island nation like Mauritius, her potential was witnessed by international judges. Her joining Miss Supranational has motivated, increased her confidence, and it will benefit her to perform more advantageous during Miss Universe. In the last edition of Miss Universe 2021; we noticed small countries like the Bahamas, Singapore, and Aruba advance placement. Miss Mauritius retains a tremendous chance to progress during Miss Universe 2022.
14th Place – Miss Universe Indonesia Laksmi De-Neefe Suardana
Age: 26 Height: 175cm (5 ft 9 inches)
Laksmi is passionate about fashion which lead her to study Bachelor of Business in Fashion Business from Italy, and graduated cum laude. In addition, she has a degree in Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design from RMIT University in Australia. Growing up on the spiritual island of Bali, she has been an active member who has put contribution to UNICEF’s Voices of the Youth, which works to promote literacy and literature among the members of society. Her project is about teaching the English language through non-government organizations and teaching children through interactive mediums. As a scholar, she possesses intellectual abilities with commanding speaking skills, which can be witnessed by watching her interviews on social media. Her answers have meaningful physiological with deep meaning. There is a high chance for Indonesia to place as semi-finalists in Miss Universe 2022.
13th Place – Miss Universe Mexico Irma Miranda
Age: 26 Height: 174cm (5 ft 8.5 inches)
She received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance at Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora in Ciudad Obregon. She has earned many titles: Nuestra Belleza Cajeme 2015, and Nuestra Belleza Sonora 2015 and she joined Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2016, where she finished 1st Runner Up to Kristal Silva. She has been in love with dance since a young age, it has motivated her to take ballet lessons and folklore dance. She feels enthusiastic about promoting Mexican culture and tradition. Her outgoing personality has helped her land her role as a sports commentator for various sporting events in Mexico and she has featured in several music videos for famous singers in her country. She wants to use her platform as Miss Universe to spread awareness about sustainability to look after mother earth by reducing carbon footprints and living a sustainable lifestyle. Mexico has maintained to keep a good track record in Miss Universe with their recent victory with Andrea Meza, it is possible to see Irma land herself in the Top 20 semi-finalist with her charismatic and extroverted personality.
12th Place – Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago Tya Jané Ramey
Age: 24 Height: 180cm (5 ft 11 inches)
She works as a social activist and advocates for the incorporation of migrants into Trinidadian society, to attain a better life on the islands. She is actively involved in various charity events for economic and social conflicts. Her love for humanitarian work has progressed her to achieve a degree in social work and social policy from the University of the West Indies. She lives an active life by playing volleyball and basketball to stay fit and healthy. Tya represented Trinidad and Tobago at Miss World 2019, where she placed Top 40 overall and won the Miss World Caribbean title. Her towering height of 180cm tall, modelesque figure, and impressive social work background can help her advance into the semi-finals.
11th Place – Miss Universe Panama Solaris Barba
Age: 23 Height: 178cm (5 ft 10 inches)
A recent Business graduate and she is studying Marketing and International Business. She has already made her presence after qualifying for the semi-finals during Miss World 2018 and winning the title of Miss World Americas. In May 2022, the Miss Universe Panama organization appointed her to represent Panama at Miss Universe, and in September 2022, crowned in an announcement ceremony. She is a qualified delegate with remarkable communication skills, her a background as a television host, has proficiency in the English language, and carries herself with diligence and professionalism. We can expect to see Panama make the Top 20 semi-finals.
10th Place – Miss Universe Brazil Mia Mamede
Age: 26 Height: 173cm (5 ft 8 inches)
She is a Television Presenter and Businesswoman from Vitoria. She is a graduate of Audiovisual Journalism and Economics Partners from New York University. She hosts a travel and entertainment program broadcast on YouTube. She is multilingual as she speaks Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin languages. Mia is a strong speaker who will be able to showcase her outgoing personality during interviews due to her background in journalism and as a content creator. Looking at her performance in her national pageant, was impressive as she is very self-aware of herself. She carries herself with elegance which is her biggest strength.
9th Place – Miss Universe Vietnam Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Châu
Age: 27 Height: 177cm (5 ft 9.5 inches)
She is a Vietnamese beauty and fashion model; she has won Vietnam’s Next Top Model 2016 Champion and she was crowned Miss Supranational Vietnam 2018. She represented Vietnam at Miss Supranational 2019 where she placed as a Top 10 finalist and won the title of Miss Supranational Asia 2019. She is a graduate of Ton Duc Thang University. Her father passed away early, leaving her mother to raise three children alone. She worked as a professional model and financially support her family as the breadwinner of her family. She is a resilient and empowered young woman who believes in writing her own story, through many hardships and struggles in life. She has managed to overcome her obstacles and achieve victory to be a living example that victory is possible with a positive mindset and dedication toward a goal.
8th Place – Miss Universe Venezuela Amanda Dudamel
Age: 23 Height: 178cm (5 ft 10 inches)
She is a Fashion Design graduate from Rome, Italy. She lived for many years and she learned to speak Italian. She works as creative director of Made in Petare which financially supports the underprivileged people in her hometown. As she has lived in so many different countries like Colombia, Chile, South Africa, and Italy, it has broadened her perspective in life which has developed of knowledge. Since she is from a powerhouse pageant country like Venezuela, we can expect her to receive the best of best training so by the time she arrives at Miss Universe. She will be a front runner for the competition like many of the previous Miss Venezuela. She started Voices Across the Universe, an Instagram Live stream where she invites other Miss Universe delegates to get to know more about them and discuss important topics.
7th Place – Miss Universe Colombia María Fernanda Aristizábal
Age: 25 Height: 176cm (5 ft 9.5 inches)
She graduated in social communication from Luis Amigo Catholic University. She was the winner of Senorita Colombia 2019 and Miss Universe Colombia org appointed her as the new Miss Universe Colombia 2022. She has great pasarela with a commanding stage presence which will make her stand out in Miss Universe. Colombia has a history of sending strong delegates, Maria will continue to give Colombia their Top 10 placement. She was charming and engaging with a sweet aura in a makeup video filmed in Miss Universe org office.
6th Place – Miss Universe Peru Alessia Rovegno
Age: 24 Height: 180cm (5 ft 11 inches)
She is a global model and singer, working as a model in New York, but she is developing her career as a singer in Lima, Perú. Alessia is half Peruvian and half Italian. She has participated in New York Fashion Week 2022. She also carried out social support campaigns for the Bridges today organization to help undernourished Peruvian children living in poverty. Alessia has excellent modeling skills, which she can use in her Preliminary to impress the judges.
4th Runner Up – Miss Universe Italy Virginia Stablum
Age: 24 Height: 175cm (5 ft 9 inches)
She is currently studying Communication Sciences. Virginia was born to a German and Nigerian father and Italian mother, celebrating the mixed European and African cultures with unique features. She has worked as an international professional model under the world-renowned modeling agency Elite Model Management. Virginia is a vocal advocate for diversity in the fashion industry after facing discrimination in modeling. The importance of representation can lead to a long-lasting effect on young children consuming media. She is no stranger to pageantry as she has competed in Miss World Italy 2017 where she finished in the Top 5 finalists and won the title of Miss World Cover Girl 2017. Italy has never won the Miss Universe crown yet, the closest was First Runner Up in 1987, Virginia can help Italy bring glory and possibly Top 5 placement in Miss Universe 2022.
3rd Runner Up – Miss Universe Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam
Age: 23 Height: 175cm (5 ft 9 inches)
She has completed a Bachelor of Science from Kasetsart University in Bangkok. Her strength is her ability to connect with her audience. Growing up in Thai temple alongside female monks, she has learned about practicing empathy and gratitude. Anna is always grateful and her life mission is to help the underprivileged people living in impoverished conditions. She is relatable to many people who look up to a beauty queen as a role model as she is an example that your background will never define you from achieving your endless accomplishment. Her team needs to help her with communication skills in the Thai language with the help of a great Thai-to-English translator. The delivery of the answer is more important than the actual context. So, the Miss Universe Thailand organization needs to let Anna express herself in the Thai language, she feels the most comfortable speaking.
2nd Runner Up – Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi
Age: 24 Height: 177cm (5 ft 9.5 inches)
She is a student for a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management and wants to pursue a real estate license. She was born to a Filipina mother and Italian father, and she is fluent in English and Italian languages. Celeste has an effortless elegance about her presence on the runway, which makes her captivating and memorable. As she is the breadwinner of her family, she understands the importance of hard work and dedication toward helping her family with financial support. Because of her upbringing, she is grateful for every opportunity she gets and spreads her positive attitude whenever she speaks. Being a Miss Universe, it is essential to be a role model for many people, especially under IMG management. You have to be an ambassador for the company, Celeste has star quality. She is soft-spoken with a smooth voice which is great to listen to. Celeste can bring back-to-back Top 5 placements for the Philippines in Miss Universe. She will prove why the Philippines is a pageant powerhouse nation that consistently sends qualified and polished delegates to Miss Universe.
1st Runner Up – Miss Universe South Africa Ndavi Nokeri
Age: 23 Height: 170cm (5 ft 7 inches)
She has obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree in Investment Management Qualification from the University of Pretoria. Currently, she works as a consultant for an asset management firm in Cape Town. She had previously won the title of Miss Jozi 2019 during her university days. she prepared two years before joining Miss South Africa. She is an advocate for education equity which all began due to her failure in certain aspects at school which helped her grow and become passionate about academics. She openly shares her struggles with math in school and she now wants to help other children who are having a difficult time to provide interactive education that can benefit the students to understand the teachings more than the regular traditional style of teaching. Ndavi has stunning beauty and a toned body with an incredible runway presentation. South Africa has been shining in the Miss Universe pageant in recent years. I believe Ndavi will continue the legacy of South Africa by placing in the Top 3 of Miss Universe 2022.
Miss Universe – Miss Universe Puerto Rico Ashley Cariño
Age: 28 Height: 180cm (5 ft 11 inches)
She is studying aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida. Her future goal is to work for NASA after graduating. She is intelligent, compassionate, and articulate with her delivery. She had received certification to work as a psychosocial rehabilitator, specializing in working with children with cognitive diversity. After overcoming childhood (ADHD) herself, her journey has inspired her to pursue psychosocial rehabilitation. Courageous of Ashley to share about her suffering ADHD and wants to help children who are going through similar experiences as she is going through. Her outstanding stage presentation during Miss USA has developed and improved in a short period of watching her Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022 performance. It shows she is a fast learner and polished herself for Miss Universe. Standing at a towering height of 5 feet 11 inches tall, Ashley will stand out on the stage with her impeccable runway walk and stellar personality. There is a high chance for Puerto Rico to win their sixth Miss Universe crown with a future aerospace engineer with an approachable personality.
Miss Universe Puerto Rico @ashleyanncarino
1st Runner Up South Africa @ndavi.nokerii
2nd Runner Up Philippines @celeste_cortesi
3rd Runner Up Thailand @annasnga_1o
4th Runner Up Italy @virginia.stablum
Top 10
Peru @alessiarovegno
Colombia @mafearistizabalu
Venezuela @amandadudamel
Vietnam @ngocchau_612
Brazil @miamamede
Top 20
Panama @solarisbarbac
T&T @tyajaneramey
Mexico @irmamirandav
Indonesia @laksmideneefe
Spain @alicia.aliccia
Mauritius @alex.belleetoile
Cambodia @nita_hang
Curacao @gvbrieladossantos
India @divitarai
Aruba @kiara.arends
Who are your favourites for Miss Universe? Comment below
