It wasn’t long ago that Brazilians basked at the limelight for hosting the Miss Universe 2011 pageant. For such a large and diverse nation with considerable strength in the world of beauty pageants it was a moment of fame. It was designed to showcase Brazil as a powerhouse and that it deserves to be called as the 4th most powerful nation in the world of pageantry.
Since hosting the pageant, Brazilian candidates made it to the semifinals every year. In fact, from 2011 to 2013, Brazil was always on the Top 5. It was an amazing run. Then in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the prospect of having the third Miss Universe crown was at its all-time high when Julia Gama finished as first runner-up.
Sadly, it was a turning point for Brazil not for the better but for the worse. The 10-year unbroken streak ended in 2021, and Brazil never recovered. The country failed to make it to the semis of Miss Universe for three years in a row. The dream of having another crown was shattered.
This year, Brazil will be represented by Luana Cavalcante, a 26-year-old elegant beauty from the state of Pernambuco. She’s got class and beauty and clearly, she is a strong candidate. However, her journey to the Miss Universe crown won’t be easy. She has strong headwinds to contend with.
The Brazilian public is no longer enthusiastic about beauty pageants like they used to. Their national organization is in shambles. The Brazilian franchise-owner, Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicação struggled financially. The Miss Universe Brazil brand was passed from one company to another and it was difficult to find sponsors and deals.
Whether Brazil can turn a new chapter or not will hinge on the outcome of Luana Cavalcante’s quest. The country is still a lucrative market and there are still sizable number of Miss Universe fans albeit not in the same level as ten years ago. A crown or even just a Top 5 finish could help revitalize the sagging interest for Miss Universe in Brazil. The limelight may no longer be possible, but the country needs a lifeline to resuscitate its hope of winning that elusive third crown.
