HIGHLIGHTS: 74th Miss Universe final competition

The 74th Miss Universe is Mexico's Fatima Bosch.

Miss Thailand's Praveenar Singh finished as first runner-up, while Venezuela's Stephany Abasali emerged as second runner-up. 

Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo is the third runner-up, while Cote d'Ivoire's Olivia Yacé is the fourth runner-up.

Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Theilvig made her final walk before she passes on her crown.

The beauty queen traveled to over 30 countries as Miss Universe.

Donning a bedazzled pink ballgown, Theilvig shed a tear as she bid her farewell.

"When one woman shines, the world shines brighter. Titles end, but purpose does not. This year gave me more than a crown; it gave me a mission," the Danish queen said.

The competition is getting fiercer!

The Top 5 delegates were again tested on their wits as they all answered one final question: "If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?"

Before taking on the Q&A round, the Top 5 queens walked on stage to a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur.

For the segment, each delegate picked an envelope containing the name of a judge to ask them a question. The queries included a range of questions tackling global issues, like the challenges women experience in 2025, their contribution to humanity as global ambassadors, and emotional skills that should be taught to children in school.

The competition is one step closer to finding its new queen, as Miss Universe unveils its Top 5.

The final five will go on to show off their wits in the question-and-answer portion of the competition. Here's who made the cut:

1. Thailand, Praveenar Singh
2. Philippines, Ahtisa Manalo
3. Venezuela, Stephany Abasali
4. Mexico, Fatima Bosch
5. Cote d'Ivoire, Olivia Yacé

Miss Universe Thailand National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil attended the coronation night of the pageant.

Host Steve Byrne took the time to give a shout-out to the Thai media personality for hosting the pageant in their country.

"Thank you Mr. Nawat, you are so amazing," Byrne said.

Itsaragrisil previously sparked tension in the pageant after he had a confrontation with Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, leading to several delegates walking out of a pre-pageant event.

Following this, the Miss Universe Organization restricted Itsaragrisil from pageant activities.

The stakes are higher than ever as the competition moves to the most glamorous segment: the evening gown competition!

The Top 12 candidates commanded the stage, draped in exquisite designer creations that highlighted their grace and poise.

The Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo captivated the audience in a stunning gown featuring intricate beadwork and dramatic wing-like sleeves with a matching regal walk. 

Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres called the Pinay's performance during the segment a "dream come true," which Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel agreed with.

KORONA NA LANG ANG KULANG! 👑

The Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo captivated the audience in a stunning gown featuring intricate beadwork and dramatic wing-like sleeves with a matching regal walk. LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/O0km4nuC74#MissUniverse #MissUniverse2025

📷: Screenshots… pic.twitter.com/2fO3JfoaUh

— PhilSTAR L!fe (@philstarlife) November 21, 2025

Other candidates they highlighted were Miss Chile, Miss Cuba, Miss Guadaloupe, Miss Mexico, Miss China, Miss Venezuela, Miss Thailand, and Miss Cote d'Ivoire.

The queens will now be narrowed down to the final five, who will then be tested for their wits in the question-and-answer round.

Miss Universe announced that its 75th edition will be hosted in Puerto Rico.

Torres shared that she's excited about her home hosting the upcoming pageant.

"It's an amazing opportunity for the world to experience our culture, our music, our food, our traditions, our unique spirit," she said.

Puerto Rico has hosted Miss Universe twice, in 1972 and 2002.

The competition gets tighter as the Top 12 finalists have been revealed.

Here are the contestants advancing to the next round:

1. Chile
2. Colombia
3. Cuba
4. Guadaloupe
5. Mexico
6. Puerto Rico
7. Venezuela
8. China
9. Philippines
10. Thailand
11. Malta
12. Cote d'Ivoire

It's showtime for the final 30!

The candidates stepped out in the highly anticipated swimsuit round, gliding across the stage with poise and energy.

Each queen commanded the runway with a powerful walk, wearing red, white, and dark blue swimwear from Bench.

The Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo drew cheers as she confidently strutted on the runway in a white two-piece bikini.

Dayanara Torres could not help but highlight the Filipina's performance, noting Manalo's eye contact with the camera and how she knew where to look.

The Miss Universe 1993 titleholder and Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel shared their other standouts for the segment, including Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Palestine, Miss Brazil, Miss Guadalupe, Miss Puerto Rico, and Miss Thailand.

Commentary hosts Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel and Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres shared a glimpse of their pageant journey after the top 30 were announced.

The two talked about candidates that caught their attention, including Miss Mexico, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Cote d'Ivoire, Miss Paraguay, and Miss France.

R'Bonney and Dayanara are both dear to Filipinos' hearts. The 2022 titleholder is a Filipino American beauty queen, while Dayanara lived in the Philippines after winning Miss Universe and starred in several TV shows and films, including the variety show ASAP.

From 120 candidates, Miss Universe narrowed the competition down to the top 30 queens advancing to the next round.

1. India
2. Guadaloupe
3. China
4. Thailand
5. Dominican Republic
6. Brazil
7. Rwanda
8. Cote d'Ivoire
9. Colombia
10. Netherlands
11. Cuba
12. Bangladesh
13. Japan
14. Puerto Rico
15. USA
16. Mexico
17. Philippines
18. Zimbabwe
19. Costa Rica
20. Malta
21. Chile
22. Canada
23. Miss Universe Latina
24. Croatia
25. Venezuela
26. Guatemala
27. Palestine
28. Nicaragua
29. France
30. Paraguay (People's Choice Award)

This year’s host, American stand-up comedian and actor Steve Byrne, made sure to welcome the audience with wide smiles to this year’s edition of the pageant.

He also introduced the judges who will pick the next Miss Universe winner.

These include Miss Thailand 1998 Nok Chalida, Cuban journalist Ismael Cala, Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal, Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, International relations expert Minnie Baloyi, Filipino singer Louie Heredia, and Venezuelan model Sharon Fonseca.

Thai singer Jeff Satur opened the show with a performance as the 120 delegates of the 74th Miss Universe dazzled the audience with their introductions.

Ahtisa Manalo stepped onto the stage with a big smile as she shouted with pride, "Philippines!"