As coronation night approaches, only one question lingers: who will be taking home the crown?
The 73rd Miss Universe title is being pursued by 130 candidates—and only one will emerge victorious. With the preliminary rounds now complete, the competition has never been fiercer. Among the favorites are delegates who stood out for their captivating performances, confidence, and stage presence. While surprises are always a possibility in the final round, MEGA presents its lineup of the top five powerful contenders competing for the Miss Universe 2024 title.
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Tatiana Calmell, Peru
Tatiana Calmell is eyeing the Miss Universe 2024 crown with determination and grit. At the preliminaries, she impressed both the judges and the audience with her national costume that highlighted the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Peru, and her swimsuit and evening gown segments were marked by poise and confidence. Calmell’s focus on representing her country with excellence shone through as she worked to secure her spot in the finals. She is actively involved in initiatives that address challenges such as body image and self-confidence.
Opal Suchata, Thailand
An exceptionally well-rounded candidate in this year’s competition, Thailand’s hopeful showed a dazzling display of poise and grace in the preliminaries. It was evident that her performance highlighted her preparedness; her captivating stage presence made her one of the most talked-about contestants and heavy favorites.
Suchata’s advocacy work was deeply influenced by her experience as a breast cancer survivor. Through her project, Opal For Her, she offers guidance and support to others facing the same battle. She serves as an inspiring figure, not only for herself but also for those who find strength in her story.
Chelsea Manalo, Philippines
A model and advocate for indigenous youth education and body positivity, Chelsea Manalo might just live up to the expectations of her name. During the swimsuit segment, she confidently strutted down the runway in a two-piece bikini. She also garnered significant attention for the evening gown portion, gracefully moving with fluidity and charm to embody the waves of the sea in an ocean-blue gown. Manalo’s heartfelt tribute to her cultural roots for the national costume further solidified her as one of the frontrunners.
Celinee Santos, Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic’s bet believes in the power of determination and resilience, a trait she proudly associates with the Dominican spirit and a trait she showcased on the Mexico stage. A professional model with a rich pageant history, she exuded confidence with her pasarela, gracefully owning the runway with poise and a radiant smile. In the evening gown segment, she commanded attention with her graceful movements and striking beauty, drawing admiration from both the crowd and panel. Her arresting stage presence and refined elegance stood out, cementing her as a top contender for the crown.
Santos is widely recognized for her unwavering dedication to improving and empowering the lives of Dominican women.
Emilia Dides, Chile
Known for her blend of beauty, talent, and natural charisma, singer and pop sensation Emilia Dides made a notable impact in the preliminaries. Among the favorites for the title, she is praised for her balance of elegance, personality, and advocacy. The Chilean beauty queen’s polished stage presence has made fans and pageant experts support her bid for the crown, especially because she uses her platform to tackle important social causes—particularly mental health awareness and women empowerment.
Photos and Featured Image: TATIANA CALMELL, OPAL SUCHATA, CHELSEA MANALO, CELINEE SANTOS, EMILIA DIDES (via Instagram)
