Miss Universe

Miss Universe is a major international beauty pageant held annually. It is recognized as one of the "Big Four" beauty pageants, alongside Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth. The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) manages the event and its global brand. The organization states its advocacy is focused on humanitarian issues. They aim to provide a voice to affect positive change in the world. Currently, the organization is owned by JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group USA Inc. This ownership is managed through a joint venture called JKN Legacy Inc.

To participate in the competition, a country must acquire local rights. This is done by paying a franchise fee to the Miss Universe Organization. This fee grants the right to use the Miss Universe image and brand. Once a franchise is secured, the country selects its representative. Most nations use local subdivisions and national pageants to find their candidate. However, some countries use internal selection methods. For example, between 2000 and 2004, Australia used a modeling agency to choose delegates. This method led to Jennifer Hawkins winning the crown in 2004.

The main competition involves several distinct stages and rounds. Candidates typically participate in swimsuit and evening gown competitions. The goal is to demonstrate that they are intelligent, well-mannered, and cultured. During the competition, judges determine placements using a ranked vote system. In the past, semifinalists were chosen through a round-robin system. In 2020, this system was reinstated for the grand final. In this format, the group with the lowest ratings is progressively eliminated in each round. This ensures that only the highest-rated candidates remain until the final crowning.

The history of the Miss Universe title dates back to 1926. That original contest was called the International Pageant of Pulchritude. It lasted until 1935, when the Great Depression caused its demise. The modern version of the pageant was founded in 1952. It was started by Pacific Knitting Mills, a California clothing company. They were the manufacturers of Catalina Swimwear. The first pageant was held in Long Beach, California. Armi Kuusela of Finland became the first titleholder.

Ownership of the pageant has changed many times over the decades. Pacific Knitting Mills was eventually acquired by the Kayser-Roth Corporation. In 1975, Gulf and Western Industries bought Kayser-Roth. They held ownership until 1991, when Procter & Gamble purchased the organization. Donald Trump bought the pageant from ITT Corp in 1996. Under his ownership, the headquarters moved from Los Angeles to New York City in 1998. In 2015, JKN Global Group acquired the organization for $14 million. This move made Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip the first transgender woman to own the organization. It also marked the first time the headquarters moved outside the United States.

The demographics and rules of the pageant have shifted significantly. Since 1989, the number of participating countries has steadily stayed above 70. Canada and France are notable for having participated in every single edition since 1952. Rules regarding eligibility have also evolved to reflect social changes. In 2012, openly transgender women were allowed to compete. In 2022, the organization announced that married women and mothers were eligible. Furthermore, the upper age limit was removed in 2023. As of 2024, every adult woman in the world is eligible to compete.

Miss Universe also demonstrates how media and technology influence global culture. The pageant was first televised in 1955. It has moved through various broadcasters, including CBS, NBC, and Fox. In the United States, the pageant has recently transitioned to a full streaming service model via The Roku Channel. This change marks a shift from traditional broadcast networks to digital streaming. The event remains a massive global spectacle that connects different cultures through a shared televised experience.