Philippine candidate Chelsea Manalo did not make the Top 12 at the Miss Universe 2024 finals in Mexico City on Sunday, but her remarkable journey was met with heartfelt applause and overwhelming support from her fellow Filipinos.
Manalo had made it to the Top 30, with 125 contestants initially cut down to this group before the field was narrowed further to the Top 12. These finalists competed in the evening gown round, and the remaining five moved on to the final Q&A segment.
Here are the five finalists of Miss Universe 2024:
- Mexico: Maria Fernanda Beltran
- Venezuela: Ileana Marquez
- Nigeria: Chidimma Adetshina
- Thailand: Opal Suchata Chuangsri
- Denmark: Victoria Kjær Theilvig
The 73rd Miss Universe final took place at Arena CDMX, where a distinguished panel of judges included Filipino designer Michael Cinco, women’s empowerment advocate Gabriela Gonzalez, art collector Gary Nader, entrepreneur Eva Cavalli, star producer Emilio Estefan, Colombian actress Fariana, celebrity dentist Camila Guiribitey, and Miss Universe Canada 2020 Nova Stevens.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray returned as a commentator, with actor Mario Lopez hosting the event. Additionally, Miss Universe 2022 R’bonney Gabriel joined the judging panel for the Voice for Change project.