The international drama of Miss Universe
Miss Universe 2025 has been chaotic and scandalous - but will it win back viewers?
The Global Story · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
Miss Universe 2025 has been rocked by controversies and chaos, from stage falls and contestants storming out, to judges quitting and allegations of vote rigging – which the organisers deny.
The pageant – styled as a celebration of women of all backgrounds and nationalities – has suffered waning international attention in recent years, with many questioning the ideals of femininity it seems to espouse.
Could the drama of this year’s competition get people watching again?
BBC journalist and Miss Universe expert, William Lee Adams, joins us to discuss.
Producers: Xandra Ellin and Hannah Moore
Executive producer: James Shield
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins