Since the pandemic outbreak in the world, beauty pageants and everything related have been put on hold for safety reasons. Miss Universe Organization advised the national directors to either appoint their first runner-up from last year to represent the respective country at the Miss Universe 2020 stage or hold a coronation ceremony after the situation gets better or hold a private casting where they can crown/appoint the next representative of the respective country.
The Tsar of Beauty, Osmel Sousa will be appointing the successor of Miss Universe Argentina 2019 Mariana Jesica Varela. One of the five finalists in the past Miss Universe Argentina 2019 will be the one who represents the country at Miss Universe 2020. The five finalists are Aldana Masset, Florencia Melanie De Palo, Luisina Ojeda, Alina Luz Akselrad, and Juli García.
Florencia Melanie De Palo from Buenos Aires is one of the finalists from Miss Universe Argentina 2019 seems like a front runner for the national crown and an opportunity to represent Argentina at Miss Universe 2020.
Florencia Melanie De Palo is 22-years-old and stands 175cm tall, who is a statuesque ex-dancer from Laflia and has worked with a Keanu Reeves in a series that was filmed in Montevideo and will be releasing on Netflix soon is emerging as a front runner for the title. She is very strong, confident, and dedicated towards winning as well as representing Argentina at Miss Universe 2020 stage. She is studying for a degree in Nutrition and is also a dancer and a professional model.
Florencia prior to participating in Miss Universe Argentina 2019 had been a part of Miss Universe Argentina 2016 as well where she was adjudged as the finalist but unfortunately, didn’t win. Asking about her participation in Miss Universe Argentina 2019, the diva mentioned, “I had already applied to the 2016 contest, in which I became a finalist. But, in 2019, I wanted to participate again because there were rumors that Osmel Sousa, who is El Tsar de la Belleza and was always the director of Miss Venezuela, was coming to Argentina. He has a great career in the world of reigns and it was said that he would take the direction of the local contest. "
The diva explained that it has always been a dream to be Miss Universe Argentina not because of the title of being the beautiful woman but for her is it’s about representing her country at Miss Universe stage. She also states that It is always a challenge to re-invent oneself to be more prepared, energetic, and enthusiastic for the beauty pageants as somethings change every year but she is always ready to take on new challenges because they bring the best in her.
Florencia also feels that the stereotype that society has labelled with women who compete in beauty pageants are simply just a pretty face is not true and people shouldn’t be labeling beauty queens like that. Beauty queens are crowned as the ambassador of the specific country to demonstrate the values that women have, culture, intelligence, commitment, solidarity, and many other factors that influence the beauty of a woman. Beauty pageant is a platform where the queens showcase all the qualities they have and empower and encourage each other to be the best version of themselves. She mentioned, “what encouraged me to re-introduce myself, precisely, is knowing that in the Miss Universe Argentina 2019 competition, there was going to be a change in the contest with the organization.”
Florencia appreciated Osmel Sousa and stated, “Osmel Sousa looks for a woman who is empowered and who can talk about any current issue.” The diva mentioned that being Miss Argentina Universe would help her grow her career and future work. She wants to be a model at the international level, but would also take advantage of this impact to be the voice of many organizations and foundations that help those most in need, starting with those of her country but seeking to cover much more. And after she has graduated with a degree in nutrition, she would like to support her health workers. With the title, the diva would grow not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level and with others.
The diva works on her catwalk, public speaking, languages, styling etc. It is not only the aesthetic issue but also in what refers to culture and knowledge. The training is intense but she feels that it is a necessary requirement for those who want to achieve the title. With her experience, opinion and confidence, Florencia Melanie De Palo would be a strong contender from the five finalists for the title as well as an opportunity to represent Argentina at Miss Universe 2020 stage.