Mexico Wins the 69th Miss Universe Pageant

The entire country held their breath, hoping that Belize’s name would be called on Sunday evening at the live broadcast of the Miss Universe Pageant which was held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida, U.S.A. after an introduction piece the twenty-one advancing women were named, including the top fan vote. Unfortunately, Miss Universe Belize Iris Salguero did not make the cut, but she still made the country proud. Here’s a recap of the event.

Duane Moody, Reporting

The sixty-ninth Miss Universe is Mexico’s Andrea Meza. The twenty-six-year-old succeeds South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi, whose reign was extended due to the coronavirus pandemic and goes down in history as the longest reigning titleholder.  Mexico, which is considered a powerhouse in the pageant industry, has had sixty-three placements and six victories; prior to Sunday night’s win of the 2020 Miss Universe crown, Mexico had captured the crown in 2010 when Jimena Navarrete won the coveted title and then in 2019, its delegate was the second runner up. In amateur footage following the crowning, Meza said she is ready for this new journey.

Chaperone

“You ready? You ready for the journey?”

Andrea Meza

Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020

“I am.”

Chaperone

“It starts right now! Let’s go!”

Andrea Meza

“Okay…”

Iris Salguero

Mesa was one of seventy-four delegates, including Belize’s very own Iris Salguero, who competed for the crown. Significantly, Salguero was among several delegates who were featured for their stories of being survivors of gender-based violence.

Iris Salguero, Miss Universe Belize 2020

“I was a very insecure person at that time so it took me to a very dark place. That person put so much negative ideas in my mind that no one would ever love me or want me. And so I healed from that. And that’s why I fell in love with pageantry because they really just give us women a platform to tell these stories that we go through. And it’s very important to share because I feel like there is so much power in sharing your story.”

The delegates competed in several rounds including an interview with two panels of judges, the national costume competition as well as preliminaries over the last few days leading up to Sunday’s live broadcast. Second place went to Brazil, Peru came in third and Indian and the Dominican Republic settled for fourth and fifth, respectively. Duane Moody for News Five.

Salguero is expected to return to Belize later this week.