Miss Universe clarifies judging criteria amid voting issue

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has reaffirmed that there are only four official stages of evaluation in the annual pageant — and no additional criteria will influence the competition’s results.

In an official statement released Tuesday morning, MUO welcomed delegates from around the world to Thailand, where the Miss Universe 2025 competition will formally begin.

“You have each arrived here after years of effort, passion, and dedication,” the organization said, addressing the candidates. “You are the pride of your nations, and the living symbol of what Miss Universe represents — women of strength, purpose, and inspiration.”

MUO then reiterated the four official areas of judging:

• Personal interview

• National costume presentation

• Evening gown presentation

• Swimsuit presentation

“These are the only moments that will be considered by the official judges in determining the outcome of the competition,” the organization emphasized.

The statement also underscored MUO’s firm stance on fairness and transparency:

“No delegate will receive any form of preference or advantage outside of these four official categories. The integrity of this process is absolute and will be upheld with the utmost professionalism.”

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and dignity of all participants, MUO added:

“We will not, under any circumstances, allow your image, presence, or identity to be used in any way that diminishes your worth or the values of this organization.”

The clarification followed a recent post by Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) on its official social media pages promoting a “Special Dinner & Talk Show,” which encouraged netizens to vote for Miss Universe candidates through Facebook and Instagram likes and shares.

MUO quickly released a statement labeling the event as “not authorized.”

In response, MUT maintained that, as the officially licensed host organization, it has the right “to manage and execute promotional activities within our territory.”

Meanwhile, Philippine representative Ahtisa Manalo arrived in Bangkok on Sunday to compete for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown. The beauty queen from Quezon Province will join delegates from around the world as they vie for the prestigious title.

The Miss Universe 2025 coronation night is set for 21 November in Thailand.