What was supposed to be a dazzling night of high-stakes glamour turned into a moment of shock and concern on Miss Universe Latina, Telemundo’s hit beauty competition show.
Laura Pérez, a fan favorite contestant of Cuban descent, suffered a painful fall during the season’s final challenge, which was broadcast live as she competed for a spot in the show’s grand finale, set to air on Monday, July 21st.
The Challenge that Went Wrong
As host Jacky Bracamontes explained to viewers, the climactic challenge required each of the remaining contestants to step onto a platform raised 10 feet above the stage. Wearing a safety harness, they were to walk the narrow edge and leap into the air in an attempt to grab a crown suspended dramatically over the stage.
Pérez was wearing a flowing aqua gown that shimmered under the lights, and was the first contestant to take the leap. However, something went wrong and although her harness was in place, her jump didn’t go as planned, and she landed hard.
The crowd gasped. Cameras captured her lying on the stage, clearly in pain, her face twisted in discomfort. Host Bracamontes rushed to her side.
“Ay, Laura, are you okay? Can you stand? Can someone bring in the medics, please?” Jacky called out, visibly shaken. “We’re going to take care of her; health always comes first.”
Judge Fabián Ríos quickly joined to offer support while emergency crews arrived on set.
Bracamontes then addressed the audience: “We’re going to take a break, and we’ll be right back. The wellbeing of our contestants is what matters most.”
After the Break: A Surprising Twist
Following the commercial break, producers decided to cancel the remaining portion of the challenge due to safety concerns. Then, in a surprise twist before the episode wrapped, the eight finalists were announced, and despite the incident, Laura Pérez’s name was among them.
Fans of the Cuban beauty queen immediately took to social media to express support and concern. Messages poured in, “Massive votes for our queen. Wishing her a speedy recovery.”
Others wrote, “Praying she can compete tomorrow,” and “You’re so strong, Laura. Health comes first!”
As of broadcast close, there were no official updates on the extent of Pérez’s injuries or whether she will be well enough to compete in the final showdown.
Meet the Final Eight
In addition to Laura Pérez, the finalists vying for the crown on July 21st include Osmariel, Jelly, Yamilex, Génesis, Gemmy, Andrea, and Ediris. Now, all eyes will be on Pérez, whose fate hangs in the balance after a night no one on Miss Universe Latina will soon forget.