Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
The top 30 contestants for this year’s Miss Universe Zimbabwe are set to be unveiled tomorrow following explosive Harare auditions that attracted more than 70 aspiring beauty queens in one of the pageant’s most competitive casting sessions in recent years.
Bulawayo auditions were held last week and saw more than 20 aspiring models taking part.
From seasoned runway models to fresh-faced dreamers hoping to shine on the global stage, Harare’s auditions were packed with glamour, confidence and fierce competition as hopefuls battled for a place in the prestigious pageant.
Only 12 finalists will eventually make it into boot camp ahead of the grand finale scheduled for June 6 at the Harare Hippodrome, where Zimbabwe’s next queen will be crowned.
The auditions left organisers, judges and fashion enthusiasts stunned after witnessing the level of talent and preparation displayed by contestants.
There was beauty, brains, elegance and charisma on full display as contestants strutted confidently before judges while showcasing communication skills, modelling abilities and personal projects.
The atmosphere around the auditions quickly spilled onto social media where fans flooded time-lines with pictures, videos and opinions about their favourite contestants.
From Facebook to Instagram and TikTok, social media was ablaze as pageant followers debated who de-served a place among the finalists. Some contestants immediately emerged as crowd favourites, with fans declaring that Zimbabwe could finally produce a strong contender capable of making waves at the global Miss Universe stage.
“This year Zimbabwe will take it,” posted one excited fan on Facebook after clips from the auditions surfaced online.
Another wrote: “The competition is on another level. Some of these girls are international standard already.”
Fashion lovers also praised the confidence and diversity shown by contestants, with many impressed by how the pageant continues to attract educated, articulate and ambitious young women.
What also surprised many was the presence of reigning queens and yesteryear beauty pageant contestants who returned to try their luck once again under the Miss Universe Zimbabwe banner.
The mixture of experienced models and newcomers created a fierce battle that left judges with difficult decisions to make.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe chairperson Danya Kabwebwe said she was overwhelmed by the response and quality displayed during the auditions. “We are extremely happy and honestly shocked by the level of competition this year. Zimbabwe truly has beautiful and talented women who are ready to compete on the world stage,” said Kabwebwe.
“The turnout exceeded our expectations, and the girls came prepared. We saw confidence, intelligence, elegance and passion. This shows that the Miss Universe Zimbabwe platform is continuing to grow.”
Kabwebwe admitted selecting the finalists would not be easy due to the quality seen during auditions.
“The competition is very tight this year, and the judges definitely have a difficult task ahead. However, we are confident we will choose the best contestant to represent Zimbabwe internationally,” she said.
She confirmed that the top 30 contestants would be announced tomorrow before the public voting process begins.
