Culture

Miss Universe Pageant Finally Picked Its Next Host City

Lead Photo: 13 December 2021, Israel, Eilat: Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu reacts as she is crowned as Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. Photo: Ilia Yefimovich/dpa (Photo by Ilia Yefimovich/picture alliance via Getty Images)
13 December 2021, Israel, Eilat: Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu reacts as she is crowned as Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat. Photo: Ilia Yefimovich/dpa (Photo by Ilia Yefimovich/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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Miss Universe is coming back on Jan. 14, 2023, and we finally know where the delegates representing more than 85 countries will spend their days competing for the crown. The 71st Miss Universe competition is heading to New Orleans, Louisana — a significant switch-up from hosting it in Israel last year. 

“The city of New Orleans and the Miss Universe Organization share common values of celebrating inclusion, culture, and the empowerment of women,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell told WDSU. “Hosting this event demonstrates the significant global impact an international city like New Orleans has on the world’s tourism and cultural stages. We are honored to host the 71st annual Miss Universe pageant and show people around the globe why New Orleans is the best in the world at executing major events, festivals, conferences, and conventions with a culture that is absolutely unmatched.”

The current contestants from around the world are featured on the official Instagram page, as well as the organization’s website, so you can get to know those vying for the crown before the big event. 

The beauty pageant will feature around 90 women from around the world as they provide personal statements, in-depth interviews, and various categories, including the classic evening gowns and swimwear portions.

The current Miss Universe is Harnaaz Sandhu from India, who will be present to pass the crown to the next titleholder. The event will be held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The last time a beauty queen from Latin America won the title was Andrea Meza from Mexico in 2021.