Everything You Need to Know About Miss Universe 2025: Date, Participants, Controversies, and Cultural Impact

The global stage is set for one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the world as Miss Universe 2025 approaches. For women who appreciate the empowering celebration of beauty, intelligence, and cultural exchange, this 74th edition promises to be particularly memorable. Taking place in Thailand amid both controversy and anticipation, this event represents far more than a beauty competition—it showcases how women from across the globe can use their platforms to inspire and create meaningful change. The pageant’s evolution continues to reflect changing perceptions of beauty and femininity in our modern world, making Miss Universe 2025 an event many women worldwide are eagerly anticipating.^{[source 1]}

Everything About Miss Universe 2025: Date, Venue, and How to Watch

Mark your calendars for November 21, 2025—the date when the 74th Miss Universe pageant will crown its new global ambassador of beauty and grace. The prestigious event will unfold at the IMPACT Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, near Bangkok, Thailand, a venue that has previously hosted the pageant in 2005 and 2018, establishing itself as a significant location in Miss Universe history.

The coronation night will begin at 8:00 am local time in Thailand, which translates to different viewing times globally. For instance, viewers in India can tune in around 6:30 am IST to witness the crowning moment.^{[source 2]}

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Where to Watch the Spectacle

For women around the world eager to catch every moment of this glamorous event, several viewing options are available. In the United States, Telemundo and Peacock will broadcast the pageant, while international audiences can access the official Miss Universe live stream.^{[source 3]}

The preliminary competitions, showcasing the contestants in their national costumes, will be livestreamed on November 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. Thailand time via Telemundo’s app, YouTube channel, and FAST channels—giving beauty enthusiasts an early glimpse of the contestants’ charisma and poise.

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The Hosting Team

The pageant will feature a star-studded lineup of presenters including Carlos Adyan, Danilo Carrera, Jessica Carrillo, and Jacqueline Bracamonte, who will guide viewers through the various segments of this spectacular event. Their expertise and charm will complement the contestants’ journeys as they compete for the coveted crown.^{[source 3]}

Notable Participants and Countries Making Headlines

The 2025 pageant brings exciting developments with new countries joining the Miss Universe family. Cape Verde, Mayotte, Rwanda, and most notably, Palestine are making their debut appearances, adding fresh cultural perspectives to the global stage. Palestine’s inclusion has drawn particular attention amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, highlighting how beauty pageants can intersect with international politics and representation.^{[source 4]}

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Returning Nations and Notable Absences

Several countries are making welcome returns to the competition after absences of varying lengths. Iraq and Slovenia are back after significant hiatuses, with Slovenia last competing in 2017. Sweden returns after a four-year absence, while Ghana and Haiti rejoin after missing the 2023 edition. South Africa, Kosovo, and Panama are also back in the competition, enriching the diversity of participants.

However, the pageant will proceed without representatives from Bahrain, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gibraltar, Kenya, Maldives, Mongolia, Montenegro, Samoa, Somalia, and Uzbekistan, who did not appoint delegates this year. These absences reflect the ever-changing landscape of international pageantry.

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India’s Hopes and Aspirations

For Indian beauty pageant enthusiasts, Manika Vishwakarma, representing Rajasthan, carries the nation’s hopes. Her journey to the international stage embodies the aspirations of millions of young Indian women who see beauty pageants as platforms for showcasing not just physical beauty but intelligence, talent, and social consciousness.^{[source 2]}

Behind the Scenes: Controversies and Special Circumstances

The road to Miss Universe 2025 has not been without obstacles. The pageant is taking place during Thailand’s one-year mourning period following the death of former queen consort Sirikit. This significant cultural context has necessitated modifications to certain events and aspects of the competition, creating a more subdued atmosphere in respect for Thai customs.^{[source 5]}

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Leadership Disputes and Organizational Drama

The 2025 edition has been marred by controversy surrounding Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, who serves as executive director. Public disputes, including a high-profile incident involving Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch, have led to resignations and walkouts, creating unprecedented drama behind the scenes.^{[source 6]}

These controversies have prompted the Miss Universe Organization to address concerns publicly and make necessary adjustments. Despite the turbulence, the organization has confirmed that the event will proceed as scheduled, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity—a quality many contestants embody as well.

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Adapting to Challenges

For women watching the pageant unfold, these behind-the-scenes challenges offer valuable lessons in crisis management and adaptability. The contestants themselves have navigated these uncertain circumstances with grace, focusing on their preparation while the organizational issues are addressed—showcasing the poise under pressure that is so central to the Miss Universe ethos.

Competition Format and Schedule Breakdown

The Miss Universe 2025 competition follows the format established in the previous year. Thirty semi-finalists will emerge from preliminary activities, which include the national costume competition, swimsuit and evening gown presentations, and closed-door interviews that assess each contestant’s communication skills and personality.^{[source 4]}

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The Road to the Crown

From the semifinalists, contestants will progress through several elimination rounds, showcasing their beauty and confidence in swimsuit and evening gown segments. The final phase includes a crucial Q&A round for the top five contestants, where their ability to articulate thoughtful responses under pressure can make or break their chances at the crown.

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Special Awards and Public Participation

This year introduces a significant change to the special awards system. For the first time, the Miss Congeniality award will be determined by public voting via the Miss Universe app, rather than by peer vote as in previous editions. In total, eight special awards will recognize outstanding contestants across various categories.^{[source 4]}

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Key Events Timeline

The pageant week begins with private interviews at Baan Sukhawadee on November 15, 2025, providing judges with their first impressions of the contestants. Dress rehearsals will take place from November 16-18 in Bangkok, followed by the Preliminaries and National Costume Competition on November 19.^{[source 7]}

Each of these events contributes to the judges’ overall assessment of contestants, culminating in the final coronation night when Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig will crown her successor.

The Cultural Impact of Miss Universe on Women Worldwide

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Miss Universe represents a significant cultural phenomenon that influences perceptions of beauty, femininity, and female empowerment globally. For many women, especially in countries where opportunities for international recognition are limited, the pageant offers a platform to showcase their nation’s culture and their personal achievements.

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Evolution of Beauty Standards

Miss Universe has gradually evolved from focusing primarily on physical beauty to embracing a more holistic definition that includes intelligence, advocacy work, and cultural representation. This shift reflects broader societal changes in how we perceive and celebrate women’s contributions to society.^{[source 8]}

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Empowerment Through Representation

For women watching from around the world, seeing representatives from their countries or regions compete on an international stage can be profoundly inspiring. The diverse backgrounds, stories, and causes championed by contestants demonstrate that beauty comes in many forms and that women can use their platforms to advocate for meaningful change.^{[source 9]}

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Beyond the Crown

Many former Miss Universe contestants and winners have leveraged their visibility to pursue careers in entertainment, business, advocacy, and politics. Their journeys illustrate how participation in the pageant can open doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the year-long reign, inspiring women to pursue their ambitions across various fields.^{[source 8]}

Final Thoughts

As Miss Universe 2025 approaches, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of celebrating women’s beauty, intelligence, and cultural pride on a global stage. Despite controversies and challenges, the pageant continues to evolve, reflecting changing perspectives on beauty and femininity while providing contestants with platforms to advocate for causes they believe in.

For women watching around the world, Miss Universe offers not just entertainment but inspiration—showcasing diverse representations of beauty and success that transcend cultural boundaries. As we await the crowning moment on November 21, we celebrate not just the eventual winner but all the contestants who represent their nations with pride and purpose.^{[source 10]}