Miss Nicaragua crowned Miss Universe 2023

Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios has been crowned 2023 Miss Universe.

The 23-year-old TV host and model bested 19 semi-finalists to win the annual beauty pageant to make history as the first-ever Miss Universe from her country.  Palacios takes the crown from R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States, who served as last year’s Miss Universe.

The winners of 84 countries’ national pageants competed at this year’s Miss Universe. They were judged by a panel that included model Halima Aden, “Queer Eye” star Carson Kressley and TikTok influencer Avani Gregg.

Antonia Porsild of Thailand placed as first runner-up, and Moraya Wilson of Australia was crowned the second runner-up at the 72nd edition of the renowned global pageant.

Miss Colombia, Camila Avella, and Miss Puerto Rico, Karla Guilfú, rounded out the top five, while another member of the top 10, Spain’s Athenea Pérez, was crowned the pageant’s Miss Congeniality.