Mexico's Andrea Meza crowned Miss Universe

Andrea Meza of Mexico won the Miss Universe title in a glittery televised event in Florida.

The 26-year-old succeeds Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, who was the longest-reigning queen as the 2020 pageant was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Brazil's Julia Gama was judged first runner-up, while Peru's Janick Maceta del Castillo took home the title for the second runner-up.

Meza, who has a software engineering degree, highlighted the "changing beauty standards" in her final statement.

"We live in a society that more and more is more than advanced and as we advance as a society, we've also advanced with stereotypes. Nowadays, beauty isn't only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirits but also in hearts and how we conduct ourselves. Never permit someone to tell you you are not valuable," Meza said in Spanish.

FINAL STATEMENT: Mexico. #MISSUNIVERSE

LIVE on @FYI from @hardrockholly in #HollywoodFL pic.twitter.com/qf6luSGY15

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) May 17, 2021

American actor Mario Lopez and television personality Olivia Culpo turned hosts for the ceremony that saw contestants from 74 countries, and was held under strict COVID-19 safety protocols.