Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in Thailand
Bangkok is glowing brighter than ever as the world zeros in on Thailand for the spectacular Miss Universe 2025 grand finale tonight.
The city has transformed into a global beauty capital, with 120 contestants from across the world descending on the kingdom for what promises to be one of the biggest and most thrilling editions in recent years.
Curtains rise tonight, and one woman will walk away wearing the most coveted crown in pageantry. The excitement has hit fever pitch, not only because a new Miss Universe will be crowned, but also because this year’s edition will honour continental winners before the global title is announced. Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe and the Caribbean will each see one outstanding contestant recognised for exceptional performance and fan impact. For Zimbabwe, all attention is firmly fixed on one woman.
Lyshanda Moyas has become a breakout favourite this year, rising from a strong, disciplined competitor to a full-blown phenomenon in Thailand. Her confidence, warmth and consistent delivery on stage have made her one of the most admired contestants from the African continent. From the moment she touched down in Thailand, fans began gravitating towards her and the momentum has only intensified with each appearance.
In the preliminaries, Lyshanda stood out for her poise and command.
In the swimsuit segment, she delivered one of her strongest performances, earning nods from bloggers and unofficial pageant analysts. Her national costume moment also gained traction online, with clips shared by Thai supporters who described her as “refreshing,” “regal” and “a joy to watch.”
Voting officially closed last night, and though the results remain sealed, Zimbabweans around the world rallied behind her in massive numbers, determined to give their queen every possible push into the semifinals. Even Thai fans have joined the chorus, cheering her name outside venues and sharing well-wishes on social media.
Tonight’s show will be electrifying, with a line-up designed to match the grandeur of the competition. American stand-up comedian and actor Steve Byrne will serve as the presenter with former titleholders Dayanara Torres and R’Bonney Gabriel providing commentary for the event. Thai musician Jeff Satur will perform in the event.
A thrilling cultural fusion presentation featuring traditional Thai Mor Lam dancers will also grace the stage, celebrating the host nation’s heritage. Organisers have teased an unexpected collaboration between two Asian superstars a tightly guarded secret expected to send the crowd into a frenzy.
The final selection committee is one of the most diverse and decorated the pageant has assembled in recent years.
Among them is Zimbabwe’s proud representative, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga, the National Chairperson of Miss Universe Zimbabwe. Her appointment has been celebrated across the continent as a bold and progressive move, marking her as one of the few non-models and one of the very few African women to sit on this elite global panel. She joins an illustrious lineup that includes former Miss Universe queens, actor s and high-profile celebrities.
The committee has already completed all key assessments from closed-door interviews to preliminary scoring and now prepares to make the final calls that will change someone’s life.
With voting now closed, the fate of the contestants lies entirely in the hands of the judges. For Lyshanda Moyas, her supporters have done all they could.
She has exceeded expectations, carried the Zimbabwean flag with honour, and inspired thousands who have followed her journey across continents.
As showtime approaches, Bangkok buzzes with anticipation.
The venue is ready, the crowns are polished, and the world is holding its breath. For the 120 queens waiting backstage, dreams are hanging in the balance.
And for Zimbabwe, tonight could be monumental. Whether she takes the continental honour or pushes further into the global spotlight, Lyshanda Moyas has already etched her name into the hearts of fans in Thailand and beyond. Tonight, the universe watches and decides.
Mathew Masinge