“Miss Universe” – one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants, it is one of the “Big Four” alongside the “Miss World”, “Miss International” and “Miss Earth” pageants. It was first broadcast on American television in 1955. Over the years, the pageant has been embroiled in political and social scandals, but despite this, “Miss Universe” hasn’t lost its relevance, and its contestants are still the most beautiful in the world.
Let’s take a look at how beauty standards have evolved over the years, and what the winners of the very first pageants looked like.
“Miss Universe 1952: Armi Kuusela, 17, Finland
She kept the promise she made on stage and became an ambassador of goodwill, devoting her life to helping those in need. Armi is currently 87, married and the mother of five children.
“Miss Universe 1958”: Luz Marina Suluaga, 18, Colombia
“Miss Universe 1959: Akiko Kojima, 22, Japan
The victory of this young woman of Asian origin was a worldwide sensation, as before that, only European women and one Latin American had taken part in the pageant. And it was only some forty years after her victory that another representative from Japan, Rie Mori, won the Miss Universe pageant – in 2007.
“Miss Universe 1964: Corinna Tsopei, 24, Greece
Corinna Tsopei is considered by the public to be one of the most beautiful Miss Universe winners. She has subsequently served on the jury of various beauty contests. She has also tried her hand at acting, appearing in several films and TV series. In addition to her Miss Universe title and her acting career, Corinna is still president of the organization for the treatment of children with leukemia.
“Miss Universe 1977: Janelle Commissiong, 24, Trinidad and Tobago
Janelle became the first dark-skinned young woman to win Miss Universe, causing a storm in society. That’s why she’s committed herself to black rights and world peace.
“Miss Universe 1987: Cecilia Bolocco, 22, Chile
“Miss Universe 1997: Brooke Lee, 26, USA
The young woman was crowned at the age of 26 years and 128 days, which was previously unheard of for a contest of this scale. The generally accepted age range for contestants is strictly defined: 17 to 24.
“Miss Universe 1999: Mpule Kwelagobe, 19, Botswana
“Miss Universe 2014: Paulina Vega, 21, Colombia
The second Colombian to win the Miss Universe title. The 56-year gap between two victories from the same country was a record time by Miss Universe standards.
“Miss Univers 2015” : Pia Wurtzbach, 26 ans, Philippines
Everyone remembers the huge scandal that took place at Miss Universe 2015. Host Steve Harvey “crowned” the candidate from olombia, Ariadna Gutierrez, but minutes later, as the happy girl smiled and distributed kisses in the air, he announced that he had made a mistake and named the real winner of the title. Miss Universe 2015 was Pia Alonso Wurtsbach from the Philippines. Both candidates were shocked by what had happened.
“Miss Universe 2019: Zozibini Tunzi, 26, South Africa
“Miss Universe 2020: Andrea Meza, 26, Mexico
“Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu, 21, India
Finally, we present Harnaaz Sandhu, 21, from India. The young woman won the title on December 12, 2021.
