Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025 Preliminaries: A Night of Elegance and Emerging Stars – Breaking News!
San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Alejandro Tapia and Rivera Theater was ablaze with beauty and ambition this Sunday as Wapa Televisión broadcast the preliminary competition for Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025. This isn’t just a pageant; it’s a cultural touchstone, a platform for young women, and a significant event for Puerto Rican fashion and design. For those following Google News, this is a developing story with immediate impact.
Runway Highlights & Award Winners
Twenty-three delegates captivated the audience with their first official appearances, showcasing stunning designs in blue, fuchsia, and violet gowns crafted by renowned Puerto Rican designers Nicole Rodriguez, Rinaldi Droz, Jose Julia August, and Juan Carlos Collazo. The swimsuit competition, featuring designs from Lorel Aurora’s Mare Cheia line, emphasized vibrant purple and pink hues. But the night wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about recognizing talent.
Several awards were presented, adding another layer of excitement to the evening:
- Total Look RunWay by Colgate Optic White: Zashely Alicea Rivera (Miss Dorado)
- Cabello L´Oréal: Isys Arimar Santos Crespo (Miss Universe Vieques)
- Radiant skin L’Oreal Paris: Marisabel Rivera Negrón (Miss Universe Ponce)
- Miss Photogenic: Isys Arimar Santos Crespo (Miss Universe Vieques)
- My Way Award: Josuan del Valle (Carolina)
- Smile Colgate: Samaris Barbot (Jayuya)
- Miss Personality: Heidi Marie Acevedo Rosario (Miss Morvis)
- Better Catwalk: Zashely Alicea Rivera (Miss Dorado)
A Panel of Experts & Cultural Influencers
The judging panel, a carefully selected group of professionals, brought a wealth of experience to the evaluation process. This year’s committee included Zilka Ríos (registered dietitian), Adriana Luna (veterinary doctor and influencer), Walter Otero (plastic artist and cultural manager), Karla Guilfú (Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2023), Madesly Martínez (Coca-Cola Marketing Manager), Jesús Cancel (celebrity makeup artist), and Shirley A. Rodríguez (Mr. & Mrs. Entertainment executive). Their diverse backgrounds reflect the multifaceted qualities sought in a modern Miss Universe Puerto Rico.
Osmel Sousa’s Apology & Zuleyka Rivera’s Involvement
The event wasn’t without its share of headlines beyond the runway. Renowned pageant expert Osmel Sousa retracted previous statements regarding potential fraud in a Miss Universe crown and issued an apology. Adding to the excitement, former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera will serve as a member of the selection committee, bringing her invaluable experience and perspective to the process. This is a significant development, given Rivera’s iconic status within the pageant world and Puerto Rican culture.
Music & Entertainment
The preliminary competition also featured performances by local artists Christian Alicea, who debuted his new singles “Hello What´s Up” and “I enjoy it,” and Karina Vélez, performing “Crush” and “Avoiding us.” Integrating local music underscores the pageant’s commitment to celebrating Puerto Rican artistry.
A Unified Look for the Final Competition
In a surprising announcement, the candidates collectively decided to reuse and adapt the swimsuits worn during the preliminary competition for the final night. This decision, while practical, also speaks to a growing trend within pageantry – a focus on sustainability and resourcefulness. It’s a subtle but significant shift, reflecting a broader cultural conversation about responsible consumption.
The Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageant continues to evolve, blending tradition with contemporary values. As the competition progresses, archyde.com will continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage, offering insights into the world of beauty, fashion, and the inspiring stories of these remarkable women. Stay tuned for further updates and exclusive content as we follow the journey to crowning the next Miss Universe Puerto Rico, a story that’s sure to resonate with audiences both locally and globally. For more breaking news and in-depth features, explore archyde.com today.
