The Complete Q&A And 30-Second Speeches Of Miss Universe 2020's Top 5 Candidates
See how each candidate answered every question with grace under pressure
The Miss Universe 2020 competition introduced a new queen: Miss Mexico Andrea Meza!
The 26-year-old software engineer bested candidates who made it to Top 5, including Fourth Runner-up Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez, Third Runner-up Miss India Adline Castelino, Second Runner-up Miss Peru Janick del Castillo, and First Runner-up Miss Brazil Julia Gama.
The 69th Miss Universe competition made a couple of changes in its format to spice things up for the Top 5, namely, by injecting an additional round of Q&A.
Traditionally, Top 5 semi-finalists went through a single grueling round of Q&A before advancing to Top 3 as finalists. This year, aside from having to answer one question each, the Top 5 candidates also had to choose a topic at random and deliver a 30-second speech about it. Topics ranged from climate change and gender issues, to COVID-19 response and democratic rights.
It was one way to show that 21st century beauty queens aren't just pretty faces, but are of substance, too.
Check out the complete Q&A answers and 30-second speeches of each of the Top 5 candidates in the gallery below!
The complete Q&A and speeches of Miss Universe 2020's Top 5
The complete Q&A and speeches of Miss Universe 2020's Top 5
Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza (Mexico) Q&A
(Question from Brooke Lee: If you were the leader of your country, how would you have handled the COVID-19 pandemic?) | "I believe there's not a perfect way to handle this hard situation such as COVID-19. However, I believe what I would have done was to create the lockdown even before everything was that big. Because, we lost so many lives and we cannot afford that. We have to take care of our people, that's why I would have taken care of them since the beginning."
Photo Credit: @andreamezamx
Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza (Mexico) 30-second speech
On the topic of changing beauty standards: "We live in a society that more and more is more advanced. As we have advanced as a society, we have also advanced with stereotypes. Nowadays, beauty isn't only the way you look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirits, but in our hearts and how we conduct ourselves. Never permit someone to tell you that you are not valuable. Thank you.”
Photo Credit: @telemundo
Miss Universe 2020 Fourth Runner-up Julia Gama (Brazil) Q&A
(Question from Sheryl Adkins Green: In many countries, women are still considered incapable of being world leaders. Convince these countries that they're wrong). | "Women are such important parts of the society. And just because we're not encouraged in the same way men's are, we have our potential wasted. The world needs women's contributions because we came for some reason, and I invite every woman to understand that we are the leaders of our own lives and yes, we can do a lot for our communities. So please, take your power!"
Photo Credit: @juliawgama
Miss Universe 2020 Fourth Runner-up Julia Gama (Brazil) 30-second speech
On the topic of mental health: “Mental health is still a very stigmatized topic and it keeps us from giving the right assistance to those in needs. May we all tonight remember to normalize conversations about anxiety or depression because we all hurt sometimes, but we don’t need to face it alone. May we all come together because togetherness is our strength and together we can overcome anything. So, let’s support each other. Let’s share empathy. Thank you."
Photo Credit: @juliawgama
Miss Universe 2020 Second Runner-up Janick del Castillo (Peru) Q&A
(Question from Zuleyka Rivera: What would you say to the woman watching tonight, who are currently experiencing sexual or domestic abuse?). | "I will tell them that I admire their strength, that they're survivors, and that I've been there too. I became the hero of my own story, that's why I advocate to save little girls from being victims. They're survivors. They're heroes. They have the power and don't ever, ever make anyone silence your voice."
Photo Credit: @janickmaceta
Miss Universe 2020 Second Runner-up Janick del Castillo (Peru) 30-second speech
On the topic of climate change: "It is our collective responsibility to start taking action in order to save our planet. Just by the little by little, we can start making a difference. Little by little, by recycling, teaching young generations about taking care of our beautiful, beautiful earth, we're just here for one time. And this is the time that we have to start taking care of it. Thank you."
Photo Credit: @telemundo
Miss Universe 2020 Third Runner-up Adline Castelino (India) Q&A
(Question from Tatyana Orozco: Should countries lock down to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies or should they open their borders and risk a potential increase in infection rates?). | "Good evening, Universe. Coming from India and witnessing what India is experiencing right now, I have realized something very important—that nothing is more important than the health of your loved ones. And, you have to draw a balance between economy and health and that can only be done when the government works with the people hand in hand, and produces something that will work with the economy. Thank you."
Photo Credit: @adline_castelinofficial
Miss Universe 2020 Third Runner-up Adline Castelino (India) 30-second speech
On the topic of free speech and the right to protest: "The right to protest—we’ve seen many protests in the recent days. Especially, I want to point what women have made throughout the years with equal rights. Until today, we lack in them. Because, protests help us raise our voice against what’s happening, against inequality. It helps minorities in any democracy to raise their voice so the protest is very important. What is not important is when you use it, because with every right comes a responsibility, so you use it with power. Thank you.”
Photo Credit: @adline_castelinofficial
Miss Universe 2020 Fourth Runner-up Kimberly Jimenez (Dominican Republic) Q&A
(Question from Christine Duffy: The night she won Miss Universe, Zozi Tunzi explained the importance of teaching leadership to young girls. How would you do that as Miss Universe?). | "Good night. Thank you for the question. I come from a family completely filled with women, of which have helped me, propelled me to help them today. Working with my non-profit, Ninos de Cristo, I understand I don't need a title to be able to help others and to be able to support them. Thank you."
Photo Credit: @kimberlyjimenez.r
Miss Universe 2020 Fourth Runner-up Kimberly Jimenez (Dominican Republic) 30-second speech
On the topic of global poverty: "During this pandemic, my country, the Dominican Republic, has risen to 23% poverty rate. For me, being able to be in front of you representing the Dominican Republic, that makes me incredibly proud that it will help our tourism and us as human beings, that we have to realize there are so many people out there that need our help and that we can overcome anything. Thank you."
Photo Credit: @kimberlyjimenez.r
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo reached the Top 21 of the competition.
Lead photos from @juliawgama @telemundo @janickmaceta @kimberlyjimenez.r @adline_castelinofficial
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