Nadia Mejia, the Ecuadorian representative, was the first married woman to win Miss Universe.
Nadia Mejía, the crowned Miss Ecuador of 2025, is set to make history as she represents her country in the Miss Universe pageant this November in Thailand. This accomplished beauty queen, who is married to Australian actor and producer Sam Webb, will be the first married woman to compete in Miss Universe, a significant milestone in the contest's evolving history.
Mejía's journey to the Miss Ecuador title was not without challenges. She faced criticism and complications due to not fully mastering Spanish, her second language. Yet, her resilience and determination shone through, earning her the coveted title.
Mejía's mother, Kathy Eicher, a former beauty queen from the United States, instilled in her daughter the confidence and grace that have made her a formidable contestant. Her father, Gerardo Mejía, a renowned figure in the music industry, particularly in the rap genre, has also been a source of inspiration.
The Miss Universe contest has undergone a transformation in recent years, making strides towards greater inclusivity and flexibility. The rule that only single women could participate has been eliminated, allowing mothers and even pregnant women to aspire to the crown. The contest now accepts transgender women, as evidenced by the participation of Angela Ponce in 2018, the first transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe.
These changes reflect a broader movement across beauty pageants to update eligibility criteria and be more inclusive. The rule that only single, unmarried women were allowed has been lifted, allowing contestants who are married or divorced to compete, a change that was officially implemented in 2023. This means that starting from around 2023, Miss Universe contestants could be married, divorced, or have children, breaking a decades-old rule that disqualified such women.
Mejía's participation in Miss Universe 2025 marks a significant moment for the contest and for women everywhere. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the importance of breaking barriers. As she steps onto the Miss Universe stage, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of women everywhere who aspire to defy expectations and achieve greatness.
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- Nadia Mejía's appearance at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November, as a married woman, will certainly be a celebratory moment in pop-culture, as she continues to redefine what it means to be a beauty queen in a changing world.
- The entertainment world, particularly pop-culture enthusiasts, will no doubt be captivated by the presence of high-profile celebrities, like Mejía's husband, Sam Webb, who is an Australian actor and producer, during the Miss Universe contest, offering a unique blend of beauty and stardom.
