The 26-year-old software engineer became the third ever from her country to bag the prestigious crown on May 16th, 2021. The pageant made its return after a year, the 2020 ceremony standing canceled owing to the pandemic. The glamorous night, held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, was hosted by American actor Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
“I am so honored to have been selected among the 73 other amazing women I stood with tonight,” she gushed on after her win, “It is a dream come true to wear the Miss Universe crown, and I hope to serve the world through my advocacy for equality in the year to come and beyond.” Miss Brazil, Julia Gama, and Miss Peru, Janick Maceta Del Castillo were placed second and third respectively.
The Winning Answer
After a stellar performance by the representatives of Myanmar, Brazil, India, and Mexico, the competition wasn’t easy. But Andrea’s winning answer made her the new Miss Universe. Utilizing the Miss Universe platform to convey a message, Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was asked about changing beauty standards and came up with an inspiring answer. “We live in a society that is more than advanced, and as we advance as a society, we’ve also advanced with stereotypes,” she said. “Nowadays beauty isn’t only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirit, but in our hearts and the way that we conduct ourselves. Never permit someone to tell you that you’re not valuable.”
Miss India Adline Castelino, who made it to the top 5, too left an impact with an impressive answer in the final round. On being asked, “Should countries lockdown due to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies, or should they open their borders and risk a potential increase in infection rates?” Adline replied, “Good evening universe. Well, coming from India and witnessing what India is experiencing right now, I have realized something very important that nothing is more important than the health of your loved ones. And you have to draw a balance between economy and health. And that can only be done when the government works with the people hand in hand and produces something that will work with the economy. Thank you.”
Other countries also voiced their concerns about important issues. Miss Myanmar drew attention to the ongoing military coup in her country by walking on the runway with a sign that read, “Pray for Myanmar.” Miss Singapore, Bernadette Belle Wu Ong, chose to walk the stage wearing a red bedazzled bodysuit, cuissardes, and a red and white dress in the colors of the Singapore flag with the message “Stop Asian Hate” for the national costume preliminary round.
More About Andrea Meza
Meza holds a degree in software engineering and is also an activist. She is associated with the Municipal Institute for Women, an organization that aims to put an end to gender-based violence. She was also the runner-up in the Miss World 2017 pageant.
Additionally, Meza is also a certified make-up artist and model, and the official tourism brand ambassador for her hometown of Chihuahua City.
Previous Crown Holders and Contestants
Previous winner, Zozibini Tunzi, a public relations professional and the first Black woman from South Africa to hold the title, passed on the crown to her successor. Former Miss Universe contestants Cheslie Kryst, Paulina Vega, and Demi-Leigh Tebow (who won the title in 2017) served as competition analysts and commentators.
