Miss Universe 2025 Preliminary Competition: Contestants showcase confidence in the swimsuit segment [VIDEO]

The Miss Universe 2025 Preliminary Competition has officially taken center stage in Thailand, and the energy feels like a global festival stitched together with confidence and a whole lot of personality. The contestants from every corner of the world stepped into the spotlight, determined to charm the international judges and claim their place in the highly anticipated grand finale.

Thailand provided the perfect backdrop as the 74th edition of Miss Universe kicked off its preliminary show. The prelims are more than just a runway walk; they’re the first real test of who can blend poise with presence. Each candidate knows these early moments carry serious weight. Judges are watching every smile, every stride, and every spark of authenticity.

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What makes this round so thrilling is how quickly the stage turns into a world map of beauty and culture. You see one contestant glide by with serenity, followed by another radiating bold charisma.

Swimsuit Segment: Confidence in Its Purest Form

The swimsuit portion is always a fan favorite, not because of the outfits but because confidence becomes impossible to fake under those bright lights. This year continued that tradition with a mix of athletic silhouettes, playful cuts, and a surprising burst of personality.

Every walk was a little love letter to discipline and self-assurance. The candidates were commanding the space. 

National Costumes: A Runway of Culture

Then came the national costume showcase, a technicolor explosion that felt like flipping through the world’s most glamorous storybook. Massive wings, shimmering beadwork, architectural headpieces, folkloric patterns, mythical creatures—the creativity was on another level.

These costumes are cultural declarations. They’re tiny pieces of heritage scaled up to runway proportions. The audience gets a world tour without hopping on a plane, and the contestants get a chance to show where they come from with pride and flair. Some brought tradition. Others brought reinvention.

The Silent Goal: Secure That Final Spot

Beyond the sparkle and choreography, every contestant has one mission during prelims: get noticed. The judges’ scores in these early rounds decide who moves closer to that coveted crown. That means every second on stage matters. You can sense the determination pulsing behind each elegant pose.

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Still, despite the pressure, there’s an undeniable joy circulating backstage and onstage. It’s a rare environment where contestants cheer for one another as loudly as the fans do. 

The Road to the Crown Continues

With the preliminaries wrapped, all eyes shift toward the grand finale on  Thursday, November 20, where one woman will walk away as Miss Universe 2025. Whoever wins will symbolize hope, global unity, and a modern vision of strength.

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The final night promises even more glamour, more storytelling, and more moments that will have viewers replaying clips long after the crown is placed.

¡HOLA! will bring you all the LIVE UPDATES in English and Spanish on Thursday, November 20, at 8:00 pm ET.