Miss Universe takes place on Saturday the 14th of January at 8pm (GMT -5) in New Orleans, the United States. It is one of the ‘big four’ beauty pageants, which include Miss World, Miss Earth and Miss International.
The contest is watched by an estimated half a billion people in over 190 territories. In time for the 71st instalment, I take a look at the potted and fascinating history of Miss Universe.
- When did the first Miss Universe start?
- Who was the first winner?
- What are the requirements to enter the contest?
- Who broadcasts Miss Universe and what’s Trump’s involvement?
- How are winners chosen?
- How diverse is Miss Universe?
- Who is the current Miss Universe?
- What country has won Miss Universe the most times?
When did the first Miss Universe start?
The current Miss Universe contest started in 1952 as a marketing stunt by Catalina Swimwear when the winner of Miss America refused to wear one of its swimsuits.
Yolanda Betbeze, winner of Miss America 1951, refused to wear the swimsuit provided by Catalina Swimwear, due to her catholic ethos. In response, the company made their own pageant, Miss Universe.
However, the first competition to use the title of Miss Universe was the International Pageant of Pulchritude, which began in 1920. The contest served as an inspiration for modern beauty contests. It was held until 1935 when the depression and spectre of war led to its demise.
Who was the first winner?
As for the first edition of the current pageant in 1952, 30 women contested for the crown in Long Beach, California. The first winner was Armi Kuusela of Finland. However, Kuusela had to give up her title before the end of the year when she got married.
What are the requirements to enter the contest?
The requirements to participate were that the contestants be young (18-28), single, never have been married and never have given birth or parent a child. However, this year, for this first time, married women and mothers will be accepted. The age bracket will remain the same.
In theory any country can compete in Miss Universe. However some poor countries do not send a representative as there is a participation fee. As well as the cost, cultural barriers, such as the swimsuit competition, have prevented the involvement of some countries. Usually about 70 countries enter.
Who broadcasts Miss Universe and what’s Trump’s involvement?
In the United States, CBS broadcast the event for the first time in 1955 and continued to show it until 2002, when it switched to NBC. In 2015 Fox took control after NBC wanted to distance itself from anti-Mexican comments made by the then owner and future US president, Donald Trump, who was forced to sell the organisation. Steve Harvey is the current host.
The 1996 pageant was the first one held under the auspices of Donald Trump who bought the pageant from ITT. That year saw Alicia Machado, Miss Venezuela, crowned. She has accused Trump of misogyny and poor treatment.
Machado alleges that Trump called her Miss Piggy and Miss Housekeeping, referencing her Latina background. In addition, Machado accused Trump of forcing her to exercise in front of a group of reporters after she had supposedly gained weight during her reign. Hilary Clinton used these remarks to denigrate Trump during the 2016 US presidential election. Trump dismissed the complaints,
“I mean, look, I hardly know this person. This was a person 20 years ago,” he said.
How are winners chosen?
In 1960, interviews were added as part of the contest.
The pageant claims that intelligence and poise are essential characteristics to be crowned. However, in 2011, a former judge claimed that looks are the most important factor.
“Beauty, beauty, beauty. It’s all about beauty”, he said.
In recent years the competition has received criticism due to its superficial nature despite its efforts to modernise.
Ina Dajci, who represented Albania in 2021, said the contest is a fraud in an interview with Time.
“It is all a fraud. It really tries to project this image as this benevolent, charity-oriented platform that’s really giving girls confidence. But I just don’t understand how you can gain confidence if you’re constantly being judged and criticized for things that you actually can’t control, like the way you look or the way your body is shaped.”
How diverse is Miss Universe?
While the competition tries to stay relevant amid increased disinterest and greater criticism, it has, at least, become more diverse in the background of its contestants and winners.
2011 saw the competition’s its first black winner, Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, while 2019 saw its first openly gay contestant, Swe Zin Htet of Myanmar.
“I have that platform that, if I say that I’m a lesbian, it will have a big impact on the LGBTQ community back in Burma,” Htet told People.com.
After a lawsuit in 2012, transgender contestants were permitted to enter the contest. In 2018, Spain’s Ponce became the first transgender contestant.
“Trans women have been persecuted and erased for so long. I’m showing that trans women can be whatever they want,” said Ponce in an interview before the contest.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to use this platform for a message of inclusion, tolerance and respect for the LGBT+ community,”
Who is the current Miss Universe?
The current Miss Universe is Harnaaz Sandhu of India.
During the question and answer round, when asked how she would respond to people that claim climate change is a hoax, she said:
“Honestly, my heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems and it is all due to our irresponsible behaviour and I totally feel that this is the time to take actions and talk less because each action could either kill or save nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair, this is what I am trying to convince you guys today. Thank you“
What country has won Miss Universe the most times?
The United States has the record of the most wins. In total, eight American women have taken the crown, with the latest being Olivia Culpo who won the contest in 2012. Second to the United States is Venezuela with 7 victories.
Puerto Rico, itself a territory of the US, has won five times, while the Philippines, with four crowns, is in fourth place. Sweden, South Africa, Mexico, and India are tied in fifth place with three victories each.
As for countries closer to my heart, Ireland have never the won the pageant. Although Rosanna Davison won the sister competition, Miss World in 2003. The United Kingdom hasn’t had any success either. Colombia, despite its reputation for beautiful women, has only one the contest twice: Paulina Vega in 2014 and Luz Marina Zuluaga in 1958. Spain has one success when Amparo Muñoz won the contest in 1974.
When accumulating titles from the big four contests, Venezuela holds the record, with 23 victories in total.
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2 replies on “The history of Miss Universe”
Before I read this, I could have only written one sentence about Miss World, based mostly on the spoof in Father Ted. You have opened my eyes to a whole history.
I serve to please Ed. Actually a reference to Father Ted could have worked well in this piece!