New Reality Show Seeks First ‘Miss Universe Latina’ Contestant

MIAMI, Florida — Two former Miss Universe titleholders are set to mentor contestants in a new reality TV show aimed at finding the first representative for the Latina community in the Miss Universe pageant. Venezuelan actress Alicia Machado and Puerto Rican Zuleyka Rivera will join forces for “Miss Universe Latina, El Reality,” which premiered on Telemundo on June 3.

Machado, who won the title in 1996 during the Donald Trump era, and Rivera, crowned in 2006, will lead teams of contestants from across Latin America. The inaugural season features 30 participants from 12 different countries and territories.

Among the contestants is Genesis Davila from Puerto Rico, a seasoned pageant competitor known for her achievements in several beauty contests, including a Top 5 finish at the Miss USA pageant. Only 24 contestants will advance to the next phase of the competition, which will take place in a mansion where their every move will be filmed.

The show, hosted by Mexican actress Jacqueline Bracamontes, will air six days a week. Each week, two judges and the host will eliminate contestants, while the audience will have a say in keeping certain aspirants safe from elimination.

The final contestant remaining will be crowned “Miss Universe Latina” and will compete in the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November. The event was attended by reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, along with 2020 titleholder Andrea Meza and MUO president Raul Rocha.