Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios was crowned 2023 Miss Universe at the 72nd Miss Universe at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.
The 23-year-old TV host and model bested 19 semi-finalists to win the annual beauty pageant to make history as the first-ever Miss Universe from her country.
Palacioswho takes the crown from R’Bonnegy Gabriel of the United States, who served as last year’s Miss Universe defeated India’s Shweta Sharda.
The winners of 84 countries’ national pageants competed at this year’s Miss Universe. They were judged by a panel that included model Halima Aden, “Queer Eye” star Carson Kressley and TikTok influencer Avani Gregg.
Antonia Porsild of Thailand placed as first runner-up, and Moraya Wilson of Australia was crowned the second runner-up at the renowned global pageant.
Miss Colombia, Camila Avella, and Miss Puerto Rico, Karla Guilfú, rounded out the top five, while another member of the top 10, Spain’s Athenea Pérez, was crowned the pageant’s Miss Congeniality.
“Coming from a country where this issue is rarely addressed, she started an accessible initiative called ‘Understand Your Mind,’ in which she interviews a specialist on emotional care in her television segments. She has also produced events and other audiovisual projects on this theme.
“Her goal in life is to work in the service of humanity, by running a newsroom and producing content and commercials for international brands. In her spare time, she rescues cats and dogs, and loves a good mental game and puzzle,” the organisation added.
