Miss Mexico, Andrea Meza has been crowned Miss Universe 2021, which was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Andrea Meza beats more than 70 contestants from around the globe in the 69th installment of Miss Universe. The event marked the competition’s return to television after;the pageant was canceled in 2020 for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Twenty-six-year-old Andrea Meza finished first ahead of the Brazilian;and Peruvian finalists in a flashy televised event, hosted by American actor Mario Lopez and television personality Olivia Culpo.

Former Miss Universe contestants Cheslie Kryst, Paulina Vega, and;Demi-Leigh Tebow (who won the title in 2017) served as competition;analysts and commentators, and a panel of eight women determined the winner.

Miss Universe 2020 delayed due to Covid

Winner of Miss Universe 2019, was Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. Because of COVID-19-related delays, she is the longest-reigning Miss Universe in the history of the competition. Before the crowning of Miss Universe 2020, Tunzi took her final walk on stage before having to relinquish her crown.

Ahead of the winner reveal, the fourth runner-up was announced;to be Miss Dominican Republic, Kimberly Jimenez. The third runner-up was Miss India, Adline Castelino. The second runner-up was Miss Peru Janick Maceta.

The final two were Miss Brazil, Julia Gama, and Miss Mexico, Andrea;Meza, and Andrea Meza was announced as the new Miss Universe. She received her crown, along with a sash and flowers.

Dressed in a sparkling red evening gown, Meza tearfully walked the catwalk;as Miss Universe for the first time, before rushing back for a group hug with the other competitors.

Miss Mexico is an ambassador for Chihuahua Tourism. Her platform is to stop gender violence and she works as a software engineer. Meza is also the owner of her self-titled athletic clothing brand Andrea Meza Activewear.

Unfortunately, Ghana’s representative, Miss Chelsea Tayui couldn’t make it to the;semi-finals where the top 10 finalists were announced following the swimsuit competition.

Speaking about the pageant, in the past, it was heavily criticized for objectifying the contestants. However, in recent years, the competition;has shifted image, focusing more on female empowerment and activism.

Miss Myanmar, Thuzar Wint Lwin an activist

One contestant who was the highlight of;the moment for being a great activist was Miss Myanmar, Thuzar Wint Lwin. In the days leading up to the final competition, Thuzar Wint Lwin, who;made the top 21, made waves when she used her time in the spotlight; to bring attention to the coup in her country.

“Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day,” she said during her;biographical video, which showed photos of her taking part in the anti-coup protests. “Therefore, I would like to urge everyone to speak out about Myanmar.”

She also won the award for the best national costume. During that competition segment on Thursday, she wore an outfit beaded;in traditional Burmese patterns and held up a sign that said, “Pray for Myanmar.”