Victoria Kjær Theilvig Makes History as Miss Universe 2024

In a remarkable display of talent, beauty, and resilience, Victoria Kjær Theilvig has made history by becoming the first Dane to win the prestigious title of Miss Universe 2024. The competition, which took place in

on November 16, 2024, was a dazzling affair that showcased contestants from over 120 countries. This year was particularly significant not only for Theilvig but also for the evolution of beauty pageants, reflecting shifts toward inclusivity and representation.

For many years, the Miss Universe competition has served as a platform for women to showcase their beauty, intelligence, and ambition. In a landmark move, this year’s pageant abolished the age limit, allowing women over 28 to participate, which sparked greater diversity among contestants. This significant policy shift is a response to the growing calls for modernization in the beauty industry, championing inclusivity.

Theilvig, at just 21 years old, became a symbol of aspiration for young women around the globe. During the finals, each of the top five contestants was posed with the question about their message to women watching from home. Theilvig’s empowering response resounded, emphasizing resilience: "No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths". This message not only highlights her journey but also serves as a rallying cry for all aspiring women, encouraging them to embrace their stories.

The newly crowned Miss Universe is not only a dancer and aspiring lawyer but also an advocate for mental health and animal rights. Her multifaceted background adds depth to her role as a global ambassador. Theilvig's commitment to advocacy highlights a growing trend in pageantry—where winners increasingly use their platforms to promote social causes.

As contestants paraded in vibrant costumes and evening gowns, the atmosphere reflected a celebration of culture and empowerment. The event included breathtaking performances from artists like

and payed homage to the rich heritage of Mexico, which provided an exciting backdrop for the competition.

This year’s pageant not only celebrated Theilvig’s achievement but also recognized the accomplishments of other remarkable competitors. Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, made history as the first Nigerian to reach the top five, illustrating the breadth of talent present in this year’s competition. Moreover, contestants like Miss Egypt, Logina Salah, who broke barriers by competing with vitiligo, showed that beauty is multifaceted and diverse.

Additionally, this year's Miss Universe pageant demonstrated a willingness to adapt, allowing representation that transcends traditional boundaries. Victoria's crowning is a testament to the hard work and determination that characterizes this new generation of women.

Theilvig’s win is an emblem of change within the Miss Universe organization and the broader beauty industry. As beauty standards evolve, platforms are increasingly becoming avenues for empowerment, encouraging women to share their voices and advocate for meaningful change. Her statement, "I'm here because I want to change, I wanted to make history", speaks volumes about the transformative potential of pageantry in today's world.

The historic crowning of Victoria Kjær Theilvig as Miss Universe 2024 not only reaffirms Denmark's presence on the global stage but also signals a promising future for beauty pageants as platforms for social impact. As we cheer for our new Miss Universe, let us also celebrate the ongoing evolution of the competition into a space that embraces diversity, resilience, and empowerment for women everywhere.