Pageant veteran Madison Anderson, representing Toa Baja, was crowned the new Miss Universe Puerto Rico in glittering finale held June 13 at the Centro de Bellas Artes de Santurce in San Juan.
The 23-year-old marketing and public relations student bested 27 other candidates for the right to represent the Caribbean island in the next edition of the Miss Universe competition.
She received the crown from outgoing queen and Miss Universe 2018 Top 5 finalist Kiara Liz Ortega, who broke Puerto Rico’s four-year placement drought in Miss Universe.
Estefanía Soto of San Sebastian and Fabiola Valentín of Camuy placed first and second runners-up, respectively. Miss Carolina, Miss Dorado and Miss Cayey (chosen via public vote) completed the Top 6.
Cynthia Olavarría, Miss Universe 2005 1st runner-up, was one of the show’s hosts.
Anderson was born and raised in Orlando, Florida to a Puerto Rican mother and American Father. Before joining Miss Universe Puerto Rico, she was first runner-up in Miss Florida USA 2019. In 2016, she represented Puerto Rico in Miss Grand International and placed 3rd runner-up.
Puerto Rico is one of the winningest countries in Miss Universe history with 5 crowns. The island last won the title in 2006 with Zuleyka Rivera. Missosology.Org; Photos from El Vocero
