Miss Mexico is crowned the Miss Universe 2021

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza wins the 2021 Miss Universe crown in a dazzling Florida pageant, triumphing post-pandemic.

In a glittering affair, Miss Mexico was crowned the Miss Universe. Held on Sunday in Florida, the pageant took place after last year it was cancelled for the first time in history due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Miss Universe pageant was aired on television, and Miss Mexico Andrea Meza, 26, took home the crown. Finishing first ahead of the Brazilian and Peruvian finalists, Meza, who has a software engineering degree, was seen in the flashy televised event, hosted by American actor Mario Lopez and television personality Olivia Culpo.

Dressed to impress in a sparkling red evening gown, Meza tearfully walked the catwalk as was announced the winner of Miss Universe. Meza beat more than 70 contestants from around the globe in the 69th installment of Miss Universe, which was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

During the final statement round, Miss Mexico was asked to address the topic of changing beauty standards.

"We live in a society that more and more is more advanced and as we have advanced as a society, we have advanced with stereotypes," she shared via translator. "Nowadays, beauty is not only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirits, but in our hearts and the way we conduct ourselves. Never permit someone to tell you that you are not valuable."

Beauty pageants have previously drawn criticism in the past for objectifying the contestants. In recent years, the competition has shifted its image, focusing more on female empowerment and activism.