Recommended Video
The air is tense with the 74th Miss Universe well underway. On the global stage that champions beauty and intelligence, they are also in search of a woman with purpose—whose strength and grit can carry the weight of the Jewelmer crown. Amid 120 candidates, ten have risen as the strongest contenders—women whose presence, poise, and purpose position them at the forefront of the competition.
RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Ahtisa Manalo Is a Portrait of the Modern Filipina in Mark Bumgarner
Praveenar Singh, Thailand
Veena Praveenar Singh has finally made it to the global platform on her fourth try. And in all the attempts she fought for the crown, she has shown nothing but grit and determination. Even her outfits reflected her drive—sequined dresses, tassel skirts, and gold-trimmed gowns. With an advocacy that promises to uplift women of all ages, it’s clear that her heart and purpose are as bright as her gowns.
Olivia Yace, Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace is a fan favorite for a reason. Her charisma and eloquence make her a strong candidate in the competition. By lending her pink gown to Ecuador’s Nadia Mejia-Webb for the closed-doors interview, she has proven to be an honorable woman who loves nothing more than uplifting her sisters—a gesture that resonated deeply with pageant fans worldwide.
Ahtisa Manalo, Philippines
Pageant veteran Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines is making a clear case for the crown. While her ensembles have remained restrained and refined, her presence is more magnified than ever, especially with her leading the fan-voted categories. A consistent favorite, her advocacy for education and youth leadership positions her as an inspiring role model ready to carry the crown.
Mahyla Roth, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Mahyla Roth has been developing her stage presence when she was just a little girl. Now, she carries her natural charisma and poise on the global stage, bringing her advocacy for wellness, education, and environment with her. She’s even led Working Together Costa Rica for more than six years, which focuses on quality education and climate change. All these combined, she makes a powerful competitor.
Stephany Abasali, Venezuela
A strong contender with an even fiercer stage presence, Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali captivates effortlessly with her mesmerizing pasarela. Fearless and eloquent—thanks to her background as a model and TV host—her advocacy is anchored in quality youth education and empowerment. With charisma, confidence, and a compelling purpose, it’s no wonder pageant analysts are banking on her.
Bereniece Dickenson, Turks & Caicos Islands
22-year-old Bereniece Dickenson has kept the spotlight on her with her striking stage presence and natural charm. Her distinguished studies in Architecture and Building Technologies, plus her fluency in English, Spanish, French, and Filipino, make it clear why the crowd has been taking notice of her. Her own platform, the Butterfly Effect Project, centers around youth empowerment, community development, and mentorship.
Vanessa Pulgarín, Colombia
Colombian model Vanessa Pulgarín is undeniably one to beat. Each dazzling gown and each hypnotizing stride strengthen her impact onstage. Beyond beauty and performance, she is an entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to service, using her businesses—a health food market and an activewear brand—to promote sports and wellness among underprivileged communities.
Fátima Bosch, Mexico
Mexico’s Fátima Bosch made her mark during a major competition controversy. With grace and unwavering courage, she stood up for herself and sparked a movement of empowerment for her fellow candidates, earning global respect. Outside the spotlight, she devotes her time to children with cancer and hosts an annual toy drive in their honor.
Nadeen Ayoub, Palestine
Palestine’s debut on the Miss Universe stage has drawn international attention to their first-ever representative, Nadeen Ayoub. Committed to sharing Palestinian identity with the world, she returned home after university to teach children with special needs before working with NGOs that provide medical aid and mental health support. Her sincerity, confidence, and purpose give her a meaningful edge.
Ève Gilles, France
Ève Gilles turns heads instantly with her pixie cut, and her fashion choices have firmly established her presence in the competition. Exuding edge and androgynous appeal, her eloquence and sultry walk elevate her competitive strength. She advocates for young girls in STEM and digital safety and serves as an ambassador for e-Enfance/3018, helping combat harassment against children, adolescents, and families.
As the 74th Miss Universe competition nears its peak, each of these ten women embodies beauty with depth, intelligence with intention, and charisma with purpose. They prove that the crown is no longer a symbol of elegance alone, but of influence, integrity, and impact. And as the world watches closely, one thing is certain: whoever claims the Jewelmer crown will carry not only a legacy of grace, but the hopes and voices of women across the globe.
Don’t miss the National Costume showcase on November 19 at 1 PM Bangkok Time (GMT+7), and tune in again at 7 PM for the Preliminary Competition.
Featured Image and Photos: PRAVEENAR SINGH, OLIVIA YACE, AHTISA MANALO, STEPHANY ABASALI, BERENIECE DICKENSON, MAHYLA ROTH, VANESSA PULGARIN, FATIMA BOSCH, NADEEN AYOUB, EVE GILLES (via Instagram)
Latest Posts
Latest Issue
