The 69th edition of Miss Universe, i.e., Miss Universe 2020 is rumoured to take place in the first trimester of 2021. Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa will crown her successor at the end of the finale. The coronation ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic outbreak across the world.
There are 53 delegates who have been appointed or crowned till now by their respective organizations. This year’s batch of Miss Universe include few of exceptionally intelligent, graceful, and powerful women who are surely going to give each other a tough competition for the crown. We’ve selected the few of them who have emerged as front runners for the title as of now. Let’s look at the early hot picks for Miss Universe 2020:
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo
Rabiya Mateo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 on 25th October 2020 where she represented Iloilo City. Rabiya is 24-years-old and was a part of the favourites for the crown since the beginning of the competition but no one really realised how fast she climbed the ladder to the win. She attended Iloilo Doctors' College as Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and graduated cum laude and works at SRG Manila Review Centre as a lecturer and review coordinator. During the question-and-answer portion, she said, “If I were to be crowned tonight, it will be such an honour to bring to the global community our very own hablon which represents dedication, hard work and creative side of every Ilonggo. Aside from that, I want to show to the world that I am a queen today because of my province and with, I want to prove to everyone that I am a true Ilongga with a heartfelt beauty.” She is passionate about educating people and stated, “Knowledge is and always will be power, wherever you are, whoever you’re with. If you are knowledgeable you will excel and become successful.” Rabiya is considered as one of the strongest contenders for the title and has shown immense dedication towards preparing herself for the crown.
Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam
Amanda Obdam was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2020 on 10th October 2020. Amanda is 27-years-old and stands 170 cm tall is a graduate from the University of Toronto, Canada with a degree in Business Administration and Economics. She shared during the competition that while she was growing up, she never thought of being a beauty queen but later she understood the importance of beauty pageant and the platform it provides to inspire others. She is a Mental Health Advocate and want to use the platform to educate and raise awareness regarding the same. Amanda has been working and preparing herself for the Miss Universe 2020 crown since the day she was crowned. Her confidence, and winning attitude makes her one of the strongest contenders who can give a tough competition at Miss Universe 2020 stage as well and her charming personality is an added advantage.
Miss Universe South Africa 2020 Natasha Joubert
Natasha Joubert was adjudged as the second runner up at Miss South Africa on 24th October 2020 and on 10th December 2020 she was appointed to represent the country at Miss Universe 2020 stage. Natasha is 23-years-old and is a B.com Marketing graduate and a founder and owner of Natalia Jefferys, a couture store. She is also a Marketing and Public Relations Manager at RFJ Inc Attorneys. She feels honoured, humbled, and proud to represent South Africa at such prestigious stage. She looks up to Miss World 2014 Rolene Strauss as she believes that the former beauty queen inspires her to be true to herself, to work hard, and practice self-love. She describes herself as unwavering, compassionate, and ambitious. She wants to bring in the effective change in the unemployment sector along with empowering women across the world. Natasha is beautiful, strong, and confident towards winning the title.
Miss Universe India 2020 Adline Castelino
Adline Castelino was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2020 on 22nd February 2020 and soon became one of the favourites for the title of Miss Universe 2020 stage. Adline is 22-years-old stands 168 cm tall and has graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Wilson College. The diva works with a welfare organisation called ‘Vikas Sahayog Pratishthan’ (VSP) which functions to provide a sustainable livelihood for farmers, to curb farmers' suicides and inequality. She has often advocated on spreading more awareness about the acceptance of LGBT community. She also advocates to encourage leadership qualities in women by conducting leadership programmes. She promoted a drive titled 'PCOS Free India' to help women reverse the condition naturally through holistic wellness practices, without medications. Adline has become one of the strongest and favourite for the title of Miss Universe 2020 and is expected to bring the crown back to India.
Miss Universe Indonesia 2020 Ayu Maulida Putri
Ayu Maulida Putri was crowned Puteri Indonesia 2020 on 6th March 2020 where she represented Jawa Timur. Ayu is 22-years-old and stands 179 cm tall holds a Bachelors in Law from Airlangga University. As for her advocacy, she teaches in rural areas on healthy living and entrepreneurship training. During the question-and-answer round at the finale night, she answered, “Happiness for me is being grateful and accepting our weaknesses or flaws. By helping people and give benefits to others is the definition of happiness for me.” She has organized charity works in the rural village (desa) in the entire islands of Indonesia, with her own charity foundation called #SenyumDesa, helping the society with a vision to bring the smile from one village to another village through Gotong royong spirits. She has managed to be one of the favourites for the title with her confidence and determination.
Miss Universe Canada 2020 Nova Stevens
Nova Stevens was crowned Miss Universe Canada 2020 on 24th October 2020 and was already one of the favourites for the title. Nova is 27-years-old and stands 182 cm tall and works as an actress, spokesperson, activist, mentor, and a model. She is a youth mentor with the YWCA and a spokesperson for the Keep6ix program to help underprivileged youth who have been wrongly convicted to go on to live a constructive life. She is a co-founder and one of the spokespersons for ‘Freedom March Vancouver’ and ‘Black freedom society’. The diva has always believed in the importance of a balanced and healthy lifestyle to promote both mental and physical wellness. The diva who aspires to continue her career in the entertainment industry believes that the entertainment industry gives a platform and opens the door for various opportunities that she can use to advocate her advocacy. She is one of the strongest contenders who is believed to secure a high place at the competition because of the confidence and determination she has towards the crown and bring the change with the crown.
Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil
Maria Thattil was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020 on 28th October 2020 and was a front-runner and our favourite for the crown ever since the beginning of the competition. She is 27-years-old and stands 160 cm tall and has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from RMIT University in Melbourne and with a master’s degree in management from University of Melbourne. She is a beauty expert, fashion blogger and digital influencer along with being an advocate of fierce self-love inclusivity & empowerment. Having Indian roots but being born and raised with Australian culture, Maria embraces her Indian roots as well, “I belong here and at the same time, I strongly resonate with my Indian roots. I have found a balance between the two. It is not either-or for me. This is who I am and it is unique,” she claimed. She strongly believes that representation matters and making space for people to express themselves irrespective of their background.
Miss Universe Colombia 2020 Laura Olascuaga
Laura Olascuaga was crowned Miss Universe Colombia 2020 on 17th November 2020. Laura is 25-years-old and stands 178 cm tall and has a degree in Social Communication and Journalism from Universedad del Norte. The diva describes herself as spontaneous woman who likes to talk about things with people and understand them better. She also explains that she loves to share with people and attend events and much more when helping those most in need. She is supportive and an animal lover. For her representing Colombia at Miss Universe 2020 stage means representing the strength, dedication and passion of Colombian women who today are occupying an important position in society and are being listened to.
Miss Universe Venezuela 2020 Mariangel Villasmil Arteaga
Mariangel Villasmil Arteaga was crowned Miss Universe Venezuela 2020 on 24th September 2020. She is 24-years-old and stands 176 cm tall and a passionate 4th semester psychology student who is creating content in both Spanish and English languages for social media. She describes herself as responsible, punctual, disciplined, thoughtful, creative, sincere, and very organized. Along with preparing for the competition, Mariangel has dedicated herself towards working as a model, and taking advantage of all the doors that this platform opens for her. She will also take her initiative #RegalaUnaDulceSonrisa to more corners, to support young entrepreneurs. She also aspires to have her own cafe or restaurant with her own dessert brand. The diva had mentioned that changes motivate her, daring new things that makes her leave comfort zone because that's when she puts the best version of herself to the test. It motivates her to know that she is doing something she is passionate about. This passionate nature and dedication have helped her to be one of the favourites for the title.
Miss Universe Mexico 2020 Andrea Meza
Andrea Meza was crowned Mexicana Universal 2020 on 29th November 2020 where Andrea represented the state of Chihuahua. She is 26-years-old and stands 182 cm tall and has studied Software Engineering at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua. Andrea firmly believes in the empowerment of women, which is why she excelled at various academic, human, and professional levels. She wants to use the platform to empower women and work for the society as she feels deeply for the people in her community. She mentioned, “Being determined and disciplined has led me to achieve my goals. That has been my key to success, I am a faithful believer that having your goals clear and working for them will take you far.” She is one of the favourites for the title and is very strong, confident, and focused towards her goals.