Miss Universe 2023: What You Need To Know

JKN Global Group based in New York City and Bangkok currently owns the Miss Universe Organization. Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, popularly known as Anne JKN, a subsidiary of the Thai JKN Global Group, purchased the Miss Universe pageant for $20 million. It becomes the new owner of the multinational Miss Universe Organization when the former owners WME/IMG sold the pageant which has a long-standing history of over 71 years and manages over 500 million of its pageants worldwide.

In 2023 edition, Telemundo holds the licensing right to broadcast the pageant with the advocacy “humanitarian issues and a voice to affect positive change in the world”. The 2023 Miss Universe pageant strives to raise awareness for humanitarian causes and act as a catalyst to promote positive global transformation.

The 2023 Miss Universe competition will showcase 90 women from different countries who will participate in various events such as personal statements, in-depth interviews, evening gown and swimwear. The current Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, will crown her successor at the end of the night.

R’Bonney Gabriel from United States was crowned as Miss Universe on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

The Miss Universe pageant has had nine different crowns throughout its 70-year history, with the most recent being The Mouawad Force for Good Crown which was unveiled in 2022. It boasts a 45.14-carats royal blue sapphire at its centre, surrounded by 110 carats of blue sapphires and 48 carats of white diamonds. It was created as part of a renewed contract between Mouawad Jewelry and the Miss Universe Organization.

How to Participate

In order for a country to participate in Miss Universe, they must have a local franchise holder who has purchased the right to the competition, including the brand and image. The ownership of franchise often changes hands due to contractual or financial issues, resulting in fluctuating members of participants each year.

However, since 1989, the number of participating countries has remained above 70 with cultural barriers and prohibitive costs preventing some countries from participating. The pageant has historically been popular in regions like America, Africa, and Asia. It has strict rules regarding age and marital status. But beginning in 2023, married women and mothers will be allowed to compete. Since 2012, openly transgender women have been allowed to compete if they win their national pageants.

2023 Contestants

As of June 1, 2023, the Miss Universe pageant had confirmed 12 participants.

CONTESTANTS ​          COUNTRY​​        AGE