Miss Earth 2018 candidates who have competed at Miss Universe
When the Earth and The Universe collide. A few days ago, The Miss Venezuela Organization released a statement, confirming the victory of Miss Venezuela 2023 Diana Silva. This is due to the series of allegations concerning the integrity of her win.
With that finally resolved, Diana will eventually represent her country at Miss Universe 2023. This makes her the sixth woman from the class of Miss Earth 2018 to join the pageant. Regarded as one of the most competitive batches in Miss Earth’s history, the 2018 edition has produced amazing candidates.
While pageant-hopping is not new to pageantry, these contestants are definitely making it more evident. Here’s a quick rundown of the Miss Earth 2018 queens who have tried, are currently trying, and will try their luck at Miss Universe.
Miss Universe 2021
The 70th Miss Universe pageant saw the first three cross-over candidates from Miss Earth 2018. Among them, Colombia’s Valeria Ayos had the highest placement. With her experience as Miss Earth-Water (part of the elemental court), Valeria was a heavy favorite to win the crown. In the end, she placed as part of the Top 5 at Miss Universe 2021.
Another fan-favorite, Chile’s Antonia Figueroa failed to place at Miss Universe despite a Top 12 finish at Miss Earth. Despite this, Antonia would go on and win the social impact award for her advocacy on Climate Change awareness.
Lastly, Maristella Okpala of Nigeria also went unplaced but still received a special award, nonetheless. She won the Best in National Costume. Fun fact, it was designed by a Filipino!
Miss Universe 2022
For this year’s edition, Portugal’s Telma Madeira as well as the Philippines’ Celeste Cortesi will be battling head-to-head yet again. Another set of heavy favorites during Miss Earth, both Telma and Celeste finished their journey in the Top 8.
With another shot at the crown, will these two women rise above and will one of them reign supreme? It is definitely an interesting development we’ll soon find out.
Miss Universe 2023
As mentioned, Diana will be competing at Miss Universe 2023. At Miss Earth 2018, Diana was part of the Top 8 finalists. While she is the only one from her batch preparing ahead of the competition, one might just follow suit.
Melissa Flores, former Miss Earth-Fire 2018 is currently competing at Mexicana Universal 2023. Representing the state of Michoacán, if she wins the title, she’ll be the seventh to join the exclusive club.
The last cross-over beauty queen to win Miss Universe was Andrea Meza in 2020. Finishing up as 1st runner-up at Miss World 2017, Andrea would become Mexico’s third Miss Universe. Other notable mentions are Michelle McLean (Miss World 1991 Top 5 to Miss Universe 1992), and Catriona Gray (Miss World 2016 Top 5 to Miss Universe 2018).
While no one from Miss Earth has conquered the Universe, it’s surely exciting to see it happen in the near future.
