Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned 73rd Miss Universe

Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig crowned 73rd Miss Universe

Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe.

Kjaer, an animal protection advocate who works in the diamond selling business, beat out Miss Nigeria at the end of 73rd edition of the competition in Mexico City. Miss Mexico placed third.

It is the first time a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe.

The pageant was held in the Mexico City Arena, an indoor venue with a capacity for 20,000 people. Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from countries around the world.

Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe 2024 during the 73rd competition in Mexico City, Mexico on Nov. 16, 2024. Getty Images
Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night. Getty Images
Army officer Alma Cooper represented the USA during the pageant. AP

The ceremony began with 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas playing “Mexicana”, a song created by Emilio Estefan for the contest.

The gala was hosted by Mario López; Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012; presenter Zuri Hall; and Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018.

Organizers said that there were more than 120 contestants.

Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina became the first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024. Getty Images
Theilvig is the first Danish contestant to win the contest. Getty Images
This is the third time that Mexico hosted the contest. AFP via Getty Images

This year some countries were represented for the first time, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

This is the third time that Mexico has hosted Miss Universe.

decioalmeida