Mexico City is set to host the 73rd Miss Universe pageant at Arena CDMX on Saturday, November 16, marking the event's return to the country for the first time since 2007. The pageant will not only crown the next beauty queen, succeeding Nicaraguan Sheynnis Palacios, but will also feature a unique fusion of global and Mexican cultures, thanks in part to renowned musician Emilio Estefan.
Estefan, a Cuban-American music producer and the creator of the official Miss Universe theme song, discussed how his work blends Mexican flavors with global influences. He shared his excitement about the project during a Zoom interview with Billboard Español, emphasizing how the song captures the essence of Mexico while also reflecting international diversity. Estefan explained that he had been working on a piece for the pageant when Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú visited his studio, expressing his admiration for the music. This meeting led to Estefan composing not only the theme song but also the closing and score for the event.
Estefan is proud of how the composition represents the unity of different cultures, despite the diversity of the participating countries. He highlighted the importance of embracing both regional uniqueness and shared values, saying, "I think it’s important for people to realize that we are different [as Latinos]; although we are different countries, we have the same heart and a message of unity." His own upbringing, blending Cuban roots with American influences, played a key role in shaping the musical blend he created for Miss Universe.
In addition to Estefan, the pageant’s 2024 jury will feature a distinguished group of celebrities from various fields, including Venezuelan singer and influencer Lele Pons, Colombian rapper Fariana, Brazilian artist Romero Britto, fashion designer Eva Cavalli, and Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner, among others.
Estefan’s collaboration with Miss Universe represents the transformative vision of President Rocha, who has focused on inspiring a new generation and introducing fresh faces to the competition. The blending of musical genres and cultural elements promises to make the 73rd Miss Universe pageant a memorable celebration of global unity and diversity.
