Miss Universe 2026 drama: New crown unveiled as over 15 countries exit the race
Miss Universe 2026 is just days away from crowning its new queen. But ahead of the grand finale, there's a lot brewing – from the unveiling of a dazzling new crown to the unexpected absence of several countries. Almost 15 countries or more will reportedly be missing from the competition this year.
First, let's talk about the new crown that marks a milestone year – Miss Universe's 75th anniversary. The organisation has unveiled one, and it shines like a thousand diamonds.A new crown for the 75th anniversary
A beauty pageant is hardly complete without its crowning moment. And for its diamond anniversary, Miss Universe has decided to make that moment even more special. The Miss Universe Organisation has unveiled its latest crown, titled 'The Radiance of an Eternal Legacy'.
The crown features 3,150 diamonds set in 18-karat white gold and has been created in collaboration with George Wittels and Maison d'OR. The new Miss Universe crown (Photo: Getty)
According to the official press release, the crown's three prominent diamonds represent the past, present and future of Miss Universe.
The one on the left pays tribute to women who broke barriers and shaped the pageant's 75-year legacy, while the one on the right celebrates those making a difference today. The largest diamond, placed at the centre just beneath the iconic Miss Universe star, symbolises the next generation of women who will carry that legacy forward.
Over the decades, Miss Universe has seen about 18 other iconic crowns, each with its own story and symbolism. The latest addition is particularly significant because it marks the pageant's diamond anniversary.
But while the new crown has added to the excitement, there's another development that has been making headlines. Some contestants have withdrawn for personal or health reasons, others have faced visa troubles, and six Asian countries are out amid a dispute over franchise rights.Why are countries missing from Miss Universe 2026?
Reportedly, over 15 countries will not be represented this year, and for varied reasons.
Miss Universe Austria, Victoria Amerson, announced her withdrawal on November 7. In a statement shared on Instagram, she explained that several factors had influenced her decision, but protecting her mental and physical health and staying true to her values were her priorities. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Victoria (@victoria.loves.vintage)
Bulgaria's Ana-Maria Babau has also withdrawn owing to an unfortunate circumstance. The contestant was involved in a car accident, and her national organisation confirmed that her physical condition would not allow her to participate.
"Due to a car crash, our radiant Miss Universe Bulgaria, Ana-Maria, is currently not in a physical condition that would allow her to participate in the upcoming finals. For us, the health, safety, and full recovery of our titleholders stand above any title, crown, or pageant." the official statement read.
Meanwhile, Saint Martin's Madly Marian has stepped away, citing personal reasons. "This decision, motivated by personal reasons, was not an easy one to make. I embraced this opportunity with immense gratitude and enthusiasm, fully aware of the significance and beauty of the experience that lay ahead," the official statement shared on social media read.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Maldives and Morocco, Aminath Yuin Mohamed and Sara Allali, have also reportedly withdrawn, although no official confirmations have been made so far.
Now, for some contestants, the challenge was not a personal one. Despite months of preparation, visa-related hurdles meant they couldn't even make it to Puerto Rico to compete for the coveted title.
Nepal's Prayashna Gurung confirmed that she would be unable to participate because of visa issues, despite efforts to make the journey possible. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prayashna (@prayashna__gurung)
While Miss Universe Zambia, Republic of Congo and South Sudan have officially announced their withdrawal owing to US visa restrictions, Miss Universe Zimbabwe has shared a video highlighting her visa troubles. Although her participation remains uncertain, she is still hopeful of making it to the competition.
In the video, Miss Universe Zimbabwe Roseanna Hall said, "I am not alone in this predicament. Some of my African sisters are facing the same predicament, and I know exactly what they are going through."
Reportedly, Angola, also been reported as absent because of visa-related difficulties.Six Asian countries caught in a franchise dispute
Then there's the controversy involving six Asian countries.
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Malaysia will not be represented at Miss Universe 2026 amid a dispute over national franchise rights. According to reports, the affected contestants will retain their national titles despite being unable to participate internationally this year.What about India?
Representing the country this year is Kerala's Kaziah Liz Mejo, who will compete for the coveted Miss Universe title in Puerto Rico. The grand finale is scheduled for November 24 at the Jos Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.- Ends
