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The AC Hotel Kingston came alive on Sunday as the Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Elimination Show unfolded in grand style, showcasing a diverse cast of entrants, including an unplanned entry and contestants competing under the adjusted Miss Universe Jamaica rules.
It was a pivotal event for scores of hopefuls vying for a coveted spot in the national competition, and ultimately, a chance to represent Jamaica on the international Miss Universe stage. At the end of a rigorous selection process, 26 exceptional young women were chosen to move forward, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting national pageant.
They will join regional queens Troy-Ann Anderson, Miss Universe Jamaica East; Akedia Morgan, Miss Universe Jamaica Central; Dreanna Williams, Miss Universe Jamaica Northeast; and Samantha McFarlane, Miss Universe Jamaica West, bringing the total to 30.
“We selected 30 young ladies today. Some of the regional candidates came in along with all the other candidates who had applied online to vie for the national title. The pageant is judged in three different stages, which is the personality interview, the evening gown segment, and the swimsuit segment,” co-national director Karl Williams told The Gleaner.
‘X-FACTOR’
Beyond the standard scoring rubric, the judging panel, including co-national directors Karl Williams and Mark McDermoth, sought what they called “the X-factor”.
“We always look for that little thing that we call the ‘X factor’ in the young ladies to see the light in a contestant who will stand out in a room, who will stand out in a crowd, and so on,” Williams shared.
The event also marked the beginning of an intense training journey for the selected finalists.
“What we do is prepare every woman as if she will go to the international stage,” said McDermoth. “That way, no matter who wins, she’s fully equipped to compete and shine. One of the things that we do as standard is we incorporate Lou Sierra. Lou Sierra is one of the foremost pageant experts in the world. She’s based in the US. She always interfaces with the contestants, and when we are fine-tuning the winner, she is a part of that process, too,” he added.
For the second year, Miss Universe Jamaica has also seen contestants enter under the revised Miss Universe pageant rules, which removed the upper age limit and marital status and motherhood restrictions, opening the door for all women to compete.
“It’s an exciting time,” said Williams. “This year, we have contestants as young as 18 and as mature as 50. There are single mothers, married women, and professionals from all walks of life. The diversity brings a richness to the competition and encourages a sisterhood that is even more powerful.”
Barbie Mudahy is the oldest entrant in the 2025 Miss Universe Jamaica competition.
The 50-year-old marketing professional at CVM TV, who was also a contestant in the regional Miss Universe Jamaica East competition, told The Gleaner that she was inspired by the participation of Dr Sandra Swaby to fulfil this long-held dream to enter the competition.
Naima Scott, a 20-year-old first-year tourism management student at The University of the West Indies and administrative assistant at the CDT School, had no idea she’d walk into a life-changing moment when she stopped by Starbucks at the AC Hotel Kingston to get some work done after dance class. Unaware that Miss Universe Jamaica eliminations were underway, she was approached by Jermaine Blair, regional manager for Miss Universe Jamaica East and encouraged to audition on the spot.
“I didn’t even know this was happening today,” said Scott, still stunned by how swiftly things unfolded. Minutes later, she found herself in front of the judges, sharing her story and energy, only to be awarded a coveted golden ticket — securing her place in the top 30 and moving on to the national stage.
The energy at the elimination show was electric as past queens, former contestants, and industry professionals came out in full support, underlining the sense of community that the Miss Universe Jamaica platform fosters.
The 30 finalists will now begin their journey to the Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 grand coronation.
English (US) ·