The Miss Universe Malta organization hosted the press release and official coronation ceremony for the 2022 edition on 10th April, 2022 where Maxine Formosa Gruppetta was crowned as Miss Universe Malta 2022 as she succeeded Miss Universe Malta 2021 Jade Cini for the title.

Maxine is relatively new to the pageant world. Last year marked her first ever beauty pageant. Her grandmother had nudged her to take part in Miss Universe Malta 2021. To everyone’s surprise, Formosa placed as the second runner up at the competition. And now, this! She has established herself as a strong contender. Her journey has been nothing but awe-spiring.

Unfortunately, her father, who was her biggest supporter, died of a sudden fatal heart attack just three months after her participation. She's dedicating her crowning to him, as well as to her grandmother, who succumbed to cancer just months before the finale.

Maxine works as a legal assistant at a law firm and hails from the seaside town of St Julian's. She moved to UK at the young age of 13 to carve a career in songwriting but was bullied during her time there. Later, she came back to Malta to live with her family.

The newcomer is 21 years of age and likes to play padel. She is a self-confessed dog lover and likes to work out at the gym and spend her time doing yoga. Talking about tackling roadblocks, the diva shares,” If you’re trying to achieve something, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them, everyone has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. If you are persistent, you will get it. If you are consistent, you will keep it.”

As the newly appointed queen, Maxine will represent Malta at the 71st Miss Universe pageant. She will now prepare for her stint at the international platform, Miss Universe 2022, which will take place later this year.