Top 12 was then announced, individually by region again. This time, they would feature an edited video clip of the contestant's introduction video, and Karan would then offer a complimentary but generic congratulations to each of them. I only got six of the Top 12 correct, as there were some major upsets that took place. Here's my take on how the Top 12 finishers stack up.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Maria Victoria Bayo. I thought PERU has the bigger inside track but somehow this lady won over the Indian judges to take over this slot. Even if some can say she's a refreshing choice in the Top 12, if they got rid of the strict continental allocation I feel her slot would've been occupied by INDONESIA or TURKIYE.,
MAURITIUS - Liza Gundowry. There is a side of me that feels that her slot was secured thanks to sponsorship by her government, as part of the Miss World prize package this year is a trip to her country., and there are accompanying tourism promotional duties that would be involved. I maintain that NIGERIA is more compelling than her, but we cannot deny she also has her own merits to advance, even without the support of placing in any fast-track challenge.
SPAIN - Paula Perez. Though more eyes were on FRANCE instead of her, I'm very pleased with her inclusion. She is a refreshing choice for the Top 12 as she's undeniably gorgeous and well-spoken. But she obviously could not outperform the two other Europeans who made the Top Eight.
AUSTRALIA - Kristen Wright. It's so interesting how this lady survived her cutthroat region, with the presence of INDONESIA and TURKIYE deemed having a stronger track to this stratified level. Anyway, considering she beat those two formidable contenders, she seems to have been the closest to make it to the Top Eight. I suppose the continental prize of Miss World - Oceania at least is a reward for her standing--take note that her only rival for this award is the less-regarded NEW ZEALAND. No Pacific Island nation or territory competed this year.
After Top 12 announced, there is a tourism ad for Mauritius as part of the Miss World prize package they will travel to that country. The Kakkars then return to sing what seems to be a patriotic original song, "India Ki Jai Ho". This paticular song was promoted by Miss World contestants in social media (e.g., Instagram and TikTok) with key basic choreography from the song. Neha Kakkar goaded the contestants (all present in their "telethon" slots with the exception of the Top 12, who were instead on front) to perform the choreography and the contestants complied.
Karan and Megan then announced the Final 8, again alphabetically by continent, with Karan announcing the Americas and Africa and Megan announcing Europe and Asia & Oceania.
The Top Eight were subjected to a question-and-answer (Q&A) round but the twist is that each continent has the same question and it's basically a head-to-head battle between the two finalists on who delivered the better answer to advance to the final round..
BRAZIL - Leticia Frota. For her region, the question was: "According to you, what is the most pressing issue faced by working women and why?". Her response: "I would say equality, and... because we saw society when unfortunately many women in different countries don't ave the same opportunities. We saw womens [sic] who don't have access to education to choose their dreams and follow their passion, and this is something I would like to change in the world as I believe women deserve to follow their own dreams and I am grateful being able to follow my dreams. and I also want to see other womens [sic] to follow their dreams." Admittedly her answer is not quite organize and a tad verbose--by itself it's a decent answer and if based on how she looked as she was resplendent in a pink embroidered off-shoulder gown witha dreamy pleated top, she was a vision of a gorgeously dreamy ingenue . Too bad answers bore more weight in this round and she was clearly overshadowed by her Caribbean counterpart. At least she has the consolation of winning the Miss World - Americas title.
UGANDA - Hannah Tumukunde. With her BWAP win for her region and a compelling human interest story of almost becoming a child bride, I could see why she edged out NIGERIA for a Top 12 spot and with her absence, become the Top Eight finisher. Her question goes like this: "If you could convince people from all over the world to adopt a green and planet-friendly practice, what would it be and why?" This is her answer: "If I could call these people, one thing I would tell them is to plant trees. When we plant trees we avoid drought. I am going to speak from my background--where I come from, people are very poor because they face drought. When you face drought, you go and sell off your children to go and get married, and (as) one of the survivors that got, that survived getting married at a very young age and I am standing here, and I feel like if parents get to know this and do... one of their children could make it here at this global stage and they will represent. Women just need a voice, they need to know that we can make it with anyone, yes..." It's a sincere answer that she was able to effectively tie in her BWAP advocacy, but no doubt she didn't quite have her rival's eloquence hence this is as far as she could go--still, an impressive finish, coming close to their best-ever finalist finish (and continental title) back in 2018.
ENGLAND - Jessica Gagen. This red-haired overachiever has been one of the big standouts in this batch that it's a given that she would make the Top Eight. The question for her region was: "If you could shed light on an issue with women's health care, what would it be and why?" She answered: "I would shed fact on the light that there is a lack of compassion and there is a stigma surrounding women's healthcare throughout the world women faced inherent poverty to feel embarrassed in being female; children who are missing school because of a natural bodily function. So it is to all of us as strong independent women representing our countries today to take a stance and educate the masses about this issue." Though it's a well-composed answer, I think what hurt her from pulling off an upset is that she was too generic and didn't point to a specific issue, only that women's health in general is a stigma in several societies. There are overlaps on what she and her rival said, but her rival brilliantly pointed out a specific, foundational topic and named it. At least she got the consolation of winning Miss World - Europe (spoiler alert on the ultimate outcome).
INDIA - Sini Shetty. With INDONESIA and TURKIYE out of the way, this paved the way for this host contestant to advance to the Top Eight. The question for her region goes: "Can you suggest a way that women can be empowered through social media?" Her answer: "Well, today we live in a world where social media is of such power, of such use that conversation and awareness can create change. And I do believe that social media has the power to change the world living in Generation Z, and being a part of Generation Z just conversation and awareness around the fact that women empowerment can take its recourse towards progressive march and perfection. I'm standing here, on the platform of Miss World, I take the light to be the source, and using social media to its utmost utility to be the power of change." Upon further reflection, it's so much words that actually lack substance, as she was too general instead of pointing out a specific approach. Se was simply touting the virtues of social media in communicating empowerment, not showing a way that we can empower women through this medium. Hence I think she delivered the weakest answer among the Top Eight.
After the interview, this "festival" decided to devote time to award its annual Hmanitarian Award: For this edition they decided to award this to prominent Indian businesswoman (and philanthropist, they would like to emphasize) Nita Mukesh Ambani for the work she did with the Reliance Foundation. Indeed this foundation did contribute a lot to uplift Indian society and helped tens millions of people. But I do have to note that the name "Reliance" is huge in this country--it's one of the biggest conglomerates in India, and it's actually akin to giving this award to a billionaire bigshot like Melinda French Gates*2 for her Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.which had contributed a lot to society-at-large globally. That thought made me reflect on a passage in the Gospels where Jesus pointed out that an impoverished widow's pennies in contrribution is more valuable than a wealthy person's huge patronage. Still, I love Megan's voiceover on the video touting Nita's achievements and such efforts deserve recognition. Of course, there are gracious speeches from Miss World CEO Julia Morley and the awardee, that latter whom gave a very gracious speech about employing the Indian principles of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram (Truth, Godliness, and Beauty). There is then a pre-taped message from Miss World 2000 Priyanka Chopra-Jonas touting both Julia and Nita and talking about how thay both inspired her path of also giving back to society with charitable work.
*2 Ex-wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Karan and Megan then announced the Final Four emphasizing the knockout nature of this round as one per each region is crowned continental queen and the other would be her runner-up, and that runner-up would have the chance to clinch the continental title if the finalist becomes Miss World. But I do note that the Americas, it's actually a different scenario as both eventually are already continental title holders (because they still award separate titles for Americas and Caribbean).
For this edition's final round, they decided to feature a gimmick by guesting the stars of Shark Tank: India and that the four finalists would pitch to them why they should become the next Miss World--they are calling this round "Pitch Your Purpose". However, it would've been fascinating if the Sharks were allowed to interrogate the finalists further about their causes, but Megan politely advised them that the question is what they're after is looking for the winner. The Sharks ended up just giving basic platitudes to all the ladies and noted they'll defer the decision to the judging panel behind them and that they'll support all their causes. In this instance, the Sharks were de-fanged.
After the Final Four interview, it was time to present the outgoing queen, Karolina Bielawska. She reflected on her reign in a pre-taped video segment, emphasizing the value of compassion as she touted what a rich experience she had going from glamorous red carpet events like in Cannes to performing various social work throughout the world. After that segment, she of course appeared live onstage looking resplendent in a pink mermaid gown, and had a chit-chat with her crown sister, host Megan Young. Then of course, was the final moment when Miss World CEO Julia Morley announced the runner-up and winner ('as is customary", as her late husband Eric Morley would put it).
At least in this part, I got three of the four finalists right, which makes up for my dismal record in the two previous rounds. Let's now discuss them starting with...
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - Aché Abrahams. Of the Top Eight question asked of her about the most pressing issue facing working women is, this is her response: "Well, I can only speak from a Caribbean perspective. I come beautiful and small islands and sometimes it's not a lack of talent or skills but a lack of opportunities. So I'm grateful for Miss World for allowing me this platform to really follow my dreams as my sister said, but the truth is I want to take this moment to speak to every little boy and every little girl from my country from my small island and other small nations that are watching this that I want you to know that your voice is as powerful as anybody else's and your passion is just as need and lights is just as bright and I believe in you, but you have to believe in yourself to come represent our small island nations." Her speech was impassioned and broaden the scope to include everyone but targetted towards small nations like her own, giving a call to action to encourage them that they also matter and they can represent and make an impact like what she's doing. The final night judges no doubt loved her impassioned speech that despite looking a bit basic in her blue lamé gown, she edged out BRAZIL to be the top performer for her region.
For her pitch to the Sharks, this is what she gave: "Namaste, everyone. Sorry, I’m excited. So firstly, when I stand here, I represent 1.4 million people of Trinidad and Tobago. And what I can offer Miss World is the mindset of my people. In India, I know you say vasudev kudam… sorry, I butchered it. But the point is you say, ‘The world is one family.’
In sweet TNT, we say, ‘May every creed and race find an equal place.’ And so the way I live my life is with that motto, with that mantra. And I believe Miss World has a similar mantra. I believe when you have compassion and understanding for differences, you can really make a difference in the world and work hand in hand to create a bright future.
For me, I’m so honored to be here and to share the mindset of TNT, because we can truly make a difference. In sweet Trinidad and Tobago, we acknowledge our similarities, but more importantly, we celebrate our differences. We see the beauty in diversity and we promote inclusion.
So, I would love to be part of this organization and to do so and work with you all to create a brighter future and a happy world. Thank you so much.”
It's a well-composed, eloquent answer, no doubt about it. But I think what prevented her from becoming the runner-up is basically her overall stying, and her answer is not focused on what she can offer to volunteer or help but simply to promote Trinidadian values and global diversity, which are lofty aims by themselves.
BOTSWANA - Lesego Chombo. The lady who hogged all the fast-track events seems to be firing on all cylinders throughout most of the evening that she could be a possible winner. She definitely was on-point and became the continental champion in her response to the question of what one green and planet-friendly practice she would want people to adopt, as she responded: "It would definitely be agriculture. Where I come from we are very big on sustainable agriculture and this is because this is not just an issue of being green but it is also an issue about solving issues such as hunger and poverty and ensuring that communities and people who are unable to make a living can sustain themselves. But more than that, every time we take care of nature, we take care of the future. I'd love to encourage every person to take up social responsibility and ensure, ensure from a very personal level that you take your part in being a Beauty with a Purpose ambassador and sustaining our environment and beautiful world." The eloquence that helped her nail a win in the Head-to-Head challenge was obviously in play here and hence she expectedly secured her Final Four spot.
So one might wonder--why didn't she come close to winning in the end? some pageant fans got livid when Megan came to fix some stray locks on her hair, as they felt she sabotaged her chances by creating an impression that she was not looking her best at that moment, but I think Megan only did it with the kindest of intentions. If you ask me, it's her pitch that cost her the crown. This was her pitch: “Thank you and good evening, everyone. I believe that I should be the next Miss World because I am the true essence of beauty with a purpose. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always used my skills, my passion, my talent, my intellect, and my love to uplift the lives of those around me.
I’ve done so through my Genesis project, which levels the playing field for children living in poverty. I use my legal expertise to offer legal solutions to those who cannot afford them. And each and every day, I share love and kindness.
But most importantly, I love this platform. I love it with my whole heart. And I aspire to see a world where beauty with a purpose is not just a Miss World concept, but where each and every person uses that quality that makes them beautiful to uplift the lives of the lives of those around them. And I know that I can’t do it alone.
And as Julia Morley says, is it not better to light one candle than to not see in darkness? I aspire to be the driving force that inspires the world to light their own little candles. Thank you.”
Since 2011, I've observed the Miss World Organzation tends to mark down answers where a contestant talks about the qualities she possesses as they'd rather hear what the contestant is willing to give or contribute to help. Although this lady's answer touches on her willingness to serve, the fact she prefaced it with an "I possess these" statement marked her down from at least becoming the runner-up. This is why she couldn't be announced as runner-up or winner.
RUNNER-UP: LEBANON - Yasmina Zaytoun. Charisma-wise, I was more impressed with the likes of AUSTRALIA, INDIA, INDONESIA and TURKIYE that I thought that even if this lady secured her slot in the Top 40 thanks to being one of the winners at the Head-to-Head Challenge, that would be as far as she would go. But it looks like the judges like her brand of impassioned sincerity and proved impressive in interviews. And it is with interview that she was able to climb up and deliver her country's best finish thus far in this "festival". For her answer about empowering women through social media, she gave this answer: "First, of course social media plays a big role in our life. But to empower women, we have to start with ourselves, the beauty pageant to normalize being authentic, to normalize being okay to be not perfect, it's okay to be ourselves--that's why we are here. Today, I've witnessed all of us are different here but everyone is different but [sic] her own way, and that is why we are all here, queens. So to everyone watching me now, be who you are, be authentic. Just be you because that's what makes you perfect and unique and let's normalize being authentic." I would quibble about her use of the word "perfect" in her final sentence as it contradicts her earlier point that it's okay to NOT be perfect, but I do get her point and she probably meant being wonderful and/or interesting, at it is indeed our diverse qualities that makes each individual have value and contribute to society. So despite her sporting a basic look with a royal blue low-cut gown with thigh-high slit for the Top 12 onwards, she bumped out the host contestant to be the top performer for her continent.
For her pitch to the Sharks, she gave this: “Well, I see Miss World as a very strong, confident woman, but most importantly, a woman with a purpose.
Born and raised in Lebanon, I’ve learned how to spread love wherever I go, how to have respect, and how to rise after every fall because even the biggest non-nuclear explosion in the history couldn’t stop us from dreaming and achieving.
So that’s why I want to share with the world the resilience [sic], resilience, love, respect, and compassion. So everyone listening to me now. I just want to say thank you Lebanon for teaching me how to be a Miss World. Thank you.”
It's a similar tack covered by TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, sharing her country's experiences and values as she conducts her reign as Miss World. Some might even argue that TRINIDAD & TOBAGO actually gave the stronger pitch, but I think the judges still have the memory of her Top Eight answer still fresh in their memories that it spilled over and hence they granted her the runner-up honors. Moreover, she unlocked the key "password" that has been emphasized throughout the pageant--"compassion". Hence, this final finish, which many pageant fans and pundits would deem a refreshing surprise.
71ST MISS WORLD: CZECH REPUBLIC - Krystyna Pyszková. It dawned on me she resembles another famous Christina, the real-estate reality TV star Christina Hall (née Haack El-Moussa Antstead). Besides all that she had done going into final night, what might help her seal the deal was the outfit she sported for the Top 12 round and beyond, this regal pink satin gown accessorized with a dramatic faux-fur white cape. Besides towering over the rest of the Top 12, such a presence made her visually the one to beat. But she clinches the deal with her Q&A responses. This is how she answered the question about women's health care: "Being a woman is a big gift and I can be more grateful to stand here proudly as a woman representing all the womens [sic] in the world. I think the issue, we never should forget, is about menstruation because women in many different countries are still facing the shame when it comes to menstruation and they're afraid to talk about it and they don't get the proper attention that they need to." It's definitely a very interesting answer that delivered a lot of truth about how many people are still ignorant about reproductive health that they view this very natural, human process as something to be feared or, as she mentioned, to be ashamed of or try to avoid discussions on the matter.
This is how she pitched to the Sharks: “Dear Shark Tank, I want you to imagine one thing. Imagine that you’re a child and you have your dreams and your hopes. But as you grow older, your dreams are going further and further away. Now imagine that you are a parent and your child needs to go through the same situation, having a dream. But while growing up, the dream is going further and further.
And that’s because the children don’t get the proper education to fulfill their dream career. As of 2024, it’s still a fact that 250 million children are out of school worldwide. And that’s why my lifelong mission is to provide quality education to unprivileged children.
I believe that education is a fundamental right every child deserves. And I’m here to advocate for those children. It’s something that I’ve been doing for a very long time, much before I entered the pageantry. It’s something that was really close to my heart and what I’ll be doing either I win or I don’t win the Miss World. Thank you so much.”
This lady's answer is brilliantly composed and definitely is catnip to the organization, as she emphasized on her willingness to serve and offer her time and resources to help. She may not have uttered the password, but her very answer embodies it. Alongside her undeniable gorgeousness and regal bearing in her final gown, it's a clear victory for her, and with that she offered a twist on Bob Dylan's famous album title Blonde on Blonde, as she succeeded a fellow Slavic Central European stunner.
This "festival" was indeed loaded with pomp and spectacle, and as much as I would like to resist the back-to-back blonde wins, the results are very fair and justified (even if I'm still slightly upset over my country's rep's exclusion). I'm very sure this lady (and her court / fellow continental queens) would be hitting the ground running and being paragons of hope and compassion for the masses. I hope in future editions they would loosen up the strict continental format, as there were several deserving contenders shut out by this system. With that quibble and future hopes aside, congratulations to all the winners!
JUST ME!
JOSEPH
