Entertainment
Miss Universe 2021: Mexico's Andrea Meza wins the crown
Washington: Miss Mexico Andrea Meza has been crowned the 69th Miss Universe during a three hour televised competition, beating 73 contestants.
After more than a year delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Miss Universe competition was finally held Sunday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood in Florida.
Meza beat more than 70 contestants from around the globe in the 69th installment of Miss Universe.
The pageant was cancelled in 2020 for the first time due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa crowned the Mexican beauty at the event while Brazil's Julia Gama is the first runner-up, Peru's Janick Maceta is the second runner-up.
India's Adline Castelino and Dominican Republic's Kimberly Perez were declared the third runner-up and fourth runner-up, respectively.
Meza, who has a software engineering degree, beat out Miss Brazil and Miss Peru in the top three to claim the prestigious crown.
She also won the award for best national costume, during that competition segment on Thursday where she wore an outfit beaded in traditional Burmese patterns and held up a sign that said, "Pray for Myanmar".
Moreover, Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, who won the crown in 2012, co-hosted the show, featuring a special performance by Luis Fonsi.