Malta’s representative at the Miss Universe contest, Julia Ann Cluett, made it to the top 12 at the finals – a first for the island in the competition’s 74-year history. 

Cluett was also the only European to be chosen for the finals, Miss Universe Malta said. 

She was selected from more than 120 women vying for the title of a contest considered among the top global beauty pageants.

Miss Mexico – Fátima Bosch – was crowned Miss Universe in Thailand on Friday, strutting to victory after the beauty pageant’s host had publicly chastised her.

Thailand’s Praveenar Singh and Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali placed second and third, respectively, followed by the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo and Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé.

Together with Cluett, Chile’s Inna Moll, China’s Zhao Na, Colombia’s Vanessa Pulgarin, Cuba’s Lina Luaces, Guadeloupe’s Ophély Mézino and Puerto Rico’s Zashely Alicea also made it to the top 12.

Cluett walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation on November 19, 2025. Photo: AFPCluett walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation on November 19, 2025. Photo: AFP
Miss Malta was the only European at the finals on Friday. Photo: AFPMiss Malta was the only European at the finals on Friday. Photo: AFP