Andrea Meza of Mexico is crowned Miss Universe in 69th Miss Universe competition that was delayed over a year by pandemic

FLORIDA: Andrea Meza of Mexico was crowned the new Miss Universe Sunday (16MAY2021) night after the pageant was delayed over a year by the coronavirus pandemic. Meza who has a software engineering degree, beat out 73 other delegates including Miss Brazil at the end of the night, screaming excitedly when the announcer shouted "Viva Mexico!"

Previous winner Zozibini Tunzi fit the crown on Meza's head and waited to make sure it would stay in place as Meza beamed and took her first walk to the front of the stage.

Tunzi, a public relations professional who became the first Black woman from South Africa to win the contest, had held the title since December 2019. Last year's ceremony was canceled due to the pandemic.

The pageant was hosted by Access Hollywood's Mario Lopez and actor, model and 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida.

Ahead of the pageant, Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, stated that they had spent months planning a safe competition that followed similar guidelines as last November's 2020 Miss USA competition held in Memphis.

The Miss Universe competition airs in more than 160 territories and countries across the globe including in the U.S on the FYI channel and on Telemundo.