Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2004

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Miss Universe Puerto Rico
AbbreviationMUPR
Formation1952 (1952)
Founded atSan Juan
TypeWoman's beauty pageant
Headquarters
MembersMiss Universe
Official language
  • Spanish
  • English
Owner Hemisphere Media Group
WAPA-TV
National director
Yizette Cifredo
Awards5 Miss Universe titles:
1970, 1985, 1993, 2001, 2006
Websitemuniversepr.com

Miss Universe Puerto Rico, previously known as Miss Puerto Rico Universe and Miss Puerto Rico, is an annual beauty pageant operated by the organization of the same name since its creation in 1952. Established in San Juan, the capital city and municipality of Puerto Rico, it is responsible for selecting and preparing the delegate representing the archipelago and island in the Miss Universe international competition, one of the Big Four beauty pageants.

Since 2018, the Miss Universe franchise in Puerto Rico is owned by the media conglomerate Hemisphere Media Group as the "Miss Universe Puerto Rico" pageant and organization. It is based in the headquarters of the subsidiary WAPA-TV, which is also the broadcaster of the pageant. Yizette Cifredo, a television host, motivational speaker, writer, and former beauty queen, heads it as national director under the motto "Se corona una, ganan todas" (One is crowned, they all win).[1][2]

The reigning Miss Universe Puerto Rico is Zashely Alicea of Dorado, who was crowned on August 14, 2025, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

History

From 1952 to 1961, the Miss Universe franchise in Puerto Rico was held by the newspaper El Imparcial under the name of "Miss El Imparcial," "Miss Borinquen," and "Miss Puerto Rico." From 1962 to 1995, the franchise was held by the businesswoman in the modeling and beauty industry Anna Santisteban, who operated it under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico."[3]

From 1996 to 1998, the television station Telemundo Puerto Rico acquired the franchise, naming it "Miss Universe Puerto Rico." From 1999 to 2002, the television station TeleOnce obtained the franchise, organizing it under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico Universe."[4][5]

From 2003 to 2009, Magali Febles, a beautician working with the delegates of Puerto Rico since the early 1990s, held the franchise, operating it under the same name.[6][7] From 2010 to 2017, Luisito Vigoreaux and Desireé Lowry, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 1995, held the franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico."[5][8]

Since 2018, the franchise is owned by the media conglomerate Hemisphere Media Group. The organization is based in the headquarters of subsidiary WAPA-TV, which is also the broadcaster of the pageant.[9] Denise Quiñones, Miss Universe 2001, served as director from 2018 to 2021, when TV host, motivational speaker, writer, and former beauty queen Yizette Cifredo took over the role.[10][1] In 2025, Hemisphere Media Group signed a multi-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization, extending its ownership over the franchise and broadcast rights of Miss Universe in Puerto Rico for 5 years, until 2030.[11]

Selection

Since 2018, the castings of contestants for Miss Universe Puerto Rico traditionally begin in February. Representing a municipality, the delegates undergo months of training as part of the Heel Camp program, a series of comprehensive workshops led by various experts that focus on image, stage presence, communication, emotional intelligence, social service, leadership, and female empowerment.[12][13] The prerecorded preliminary and live final night of the pageant are usually held in August. The winner of the title of Miss Puerto Rico Universe continues to be prepared under the Heel Camp program until she goes to compete in the international competition of Miss Universe, generally held in November.

Host

The Miss Universe franchise in Puerto Rico has hosted or is scheduled to host the following editions of the international competition:

Year Pageant Edition Location Venue
1972 Miss Universe 21st Dorado, Puerto Rico Cerromar Beach Hotel
2001 50th Bayamón, Puerto Rico Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez
2002 51th San Juan, Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum
2026 75th José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum

In 1972, Puerto Rico became the first area outside the contiguous United States to host Miss Universe, making it the first country or territory in Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania to host the pageant. In 2001, Puerto Rico became the first participating country or territory—and only one as of 2025—to win the international title of Miss Universe as a host, not including the United States.

Titleholders

This list includes the name, municipality, and international placement of the Miss Universe Puerto Rico titleholders in ascending order from the inaugural edition of the competition in 1952 to the present. The titleholders are divided by the franchise holder under which they won the title.

Color key
  •   : Miss Universe winner
  •   : Finalist in Top 3/5/6
  •   : Semifinalist in Top 9/10/12
  •   : Quarterfinalist in Top 13/15/16/20/21/30
  •   : Special awards winner

Miss Universe Puerto Rico
(2018–present)

Since 2018, the media conglomerate Hemisphere Media Group is the holder of the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico." The organization and pageant is headquartered in and broadcast by the subsidiary WAPA-TV.[14]

Year Edition Municipality represented Miss Universe Puerto Rico Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2026 70th San Sebastián Jennifer Barreto[15] TBA
2025 69th Dorado Zashely Nicole Alicea Rivera[16] Top 12
2024 68th Orocovis Jennifer Colón Alvarado[17] Top 12
2023 67th Patillas Karla Inelisse Guilfú Acevedo[18] Top 5 Voice For Change (Gold Winner)
2022 66th Fajardo Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto[19] Top 5
2021 65th Loíza Michelle Marie Colón Ramírez[20] Top 10
2020 –[a] San Sebastián Estefanía Natalia Soto Torres[21] Top 10
2019 64th Toa Baja Madison Sara Anderson Berríos[22] 1st Runner-Up
2018 63rd Rincón Kiara Liz Ortega Delgado[23] Top 5

Miss Universe Puerto Rico
(2010–2017)

From 2010 to 2017, Luisito Vigoreaux and Desiree Lowry, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 1995, held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico."[24][25]

Year Edition Municipality represented Miss Universe Puerto Rico Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2017 62nd San Juan Danyeshka "Danna" Hernández Valentín Unplaced
2016 61st Aguadilla Brenda Azaria Jiménez Hernández Unplaced
Isabela Kristhielee Yinaira Caride Santiago Succeeded by first runner-up after dethronement due to failed press obligations
2015 60th Guaynabo Catalina Morales Gómez Unplaced
2014 59th Toa Baja Gabriela Berríos Pagán Unplaced Miss Photogenic
2013 58th Arecibo Monic Marie Pérez Díaz Top 16
2012 57th Río Grande Bodine Koehler Peña Unplaced
2011 56th Corozal Viviana Ortiz Pastrana Top 16
2010 55th Río Grande Mariana Paola Vicente Morales Top 10

Miss Puerto Rico Universe
(2003–2009)

From 2003 to 2009, Magali Febles, a beautician working with the delegates of Puerto Rico since the early 1990s, held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico Universe."[25]

Year Edition Municipality represented Miss Puerto Rico Universe Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2009 54th Cabo Rojo Mayra Matos Pérez 4th Runner-Up
2008 53rd Dorado Ingrid Marie Rivera Santos Unplaced
2007 52nd Guayanilla Wilmadilis "Uma" Blasini Pérez Unplaced
2006 51st Salinas Zuleyka Jerrís Rivera Mendoza Miss Universe 2006
Ponce Marilyn Bartolomei Balay Originally first runner-up, took over the title when Zuleyka Rivera won Miss Universe
2005 50th Salinas Cynthia Enid Olavarría Rivera 1st Runner-Up
2004 49th Cidra Alba Giselle Reyes Santos 2nd Runner-Up Miss Photogenic
2003 48th Vieques Carla Tricoli Rodríguez Unplaced Miss Photogenic

Miss Puerto Rico Universe
(1999–2002)

From 1999 to 2002, the television station TeleOnce held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico Universe."[26][25]

Year Edition Municipality represented Miss Puerto Rico Universe Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
2002 47th Utuado Isis Marie Casalduc González Unplaced Miss Photogenic
2001 46th Lares Denise Marie Quiñones August Miss Universe 2001 Miss Photogenic
Añasco Joanna Marie Treviño Cuadrado Originally first runner-up, took over the title when Denise Quiñones won Miss Universe
2000 45th Guaynabo Zoraida Isabel Fonalledas Ferraiouli Unplaced
1999 44th Lares Brenda Liz López Ramos Top 10 Miss Photogenic

Miss Universe Puerto Rico
(1996–1998)

From 1996 to 1998, the television station Telemundo Puerto Rico held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Universe Puerto Rico."[26]

Year Edition Municipality represented Miss Universe Puerto Rico Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
1998 43rd Aguas Buenas Joyce Marie Giraud Mojica 2nd Runner-Up
1997 42nd San Juan Ana Rosa Brito Suárez Top 10
1996 41st Toa Alta Sarybel Velilla Cabeza Unplaced

Miss Puerto Rico (1962–1995)

From 1962 to 1995, the businesswoman in the modeling and beauty industry Anna Santisteban held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss Puerto Rico."[3][27][26]

Year Edition Municipality represented Miss
Puerto Rico		 Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
1995 40th Corozal Desiree Lowry Rodríguez Top 6
1994 39th Isabela Brenda Esther Robles Cortés Unplaced
1993 38th Toa Alta Dayanara Torres Delgado Miss Universe 1993
1992 37th Bayamón Daisy García Rodríguez Unplaced
1991 36th Toa Alta Lizzette Marie Bouret Echevarría Unplaced
1990 35th Guaynabo Maria Luisa Fortuño Cosimi Unplaced
1989 34th Salinas Catalina María Villar Ruiz Unplaced
1988 33rd Guaynabo Isabel Maria Pardo Cubeñas Unplaced
1987 –[b] San Juan Laurie Tamara Simpson Rivera 4th Runner-Up
1986 32nd San Germán Elizabeth Robison Latalladi Top 10
1985 31st San Juan Deborah Fátima Carthy Deu Miss Universe 1985
San Germán Arlene Ramírez Román[28] Originally first runner-up, took over the title when Deborah Carthy Deu won Miss Universe
1984 30th Mayagüez Sandra Beauchamp Roche Unplaced
1983 29th Trujillo Alto Carmen Batíz Vergara Unplaced
1982 28th Juncos Lourdes Milagros Mantero Hormazábal Unplaced
1981 27th Guaynabo Carmen Lotti Rodríguez Unplaced
1980 26th Caguas Agnes Tañón Correa Top 12
1979 25th Mayagüez Teresa "Tere" López Hernández Unplaced
1978 24th San Juan Ada Cecille Perkins Flores Unplaced
1977 23rd Ponce Maria Del Mar Rivera Veglio Unplaced
1976 22nd Salinas Elizabeth Zayas Ortiz Unplaced
1975 21st San Germán Lorell Del Carmen Carmona Juan Unplaced
1974 20th San Juan Sonia María Stege Chardón Top 12
1973 19th Orocovis Gladys Vanessa Colón Díaz Unplaced
1972 18th Santurce Bárbara Torres Viñolo Unplaced
1971 17th San Juan Idalia Margarita "Beba" Franco Cantino 3rd Runner-Up
1970 16th Santurce Marisol Malaret Contreras Miss Universe 1970
Ivonne Menéndez Conde[29] Originally first runner-up, took over the title when Marisol Malaret won Miss Universe
1969 15th Río Piedras Aida Betancourt Barreto Unplaced
1968 14th Santurce Marylene Carrasquillo Unplaced
1967 13th Fajardo Ivonne Coll Mendoza Unplaced
1966 12th Santurce Carol Bajandas Unplaced
1965 11th Caguas Gloria Cobián Díaz Unplaced
1964 10th San Juan Yolanda Rodríguez Machín Unplaced
1963 9th Ponce Jeanette Biascoechea Unplaced
1962 8th San Juan Ana Celia Sosa Arce Unplaced

Miss Puerto Rico (1952–1961)

From 1952 to 1961, the newspaper El Imparcial held the Miss Universe franchise under the name of "Miss El Imparcial," "Miss Borinquen," and "Miss Puerto Rico."[3][27]

Year Edition Municipality represented Miss
Puerto Rico		 Performance in
Miss Universe
Placement Special
award(s)
1961 7th San Juan Enid Del Valle Unplaced
1960 Absent, as Puerto Rico did not compete in Miss Universe 1958, 1959, and 1960.
1959
1958
1957 6th Ponce María del Pilar "Mapita" Mercado Cordero Unplaced Miss Congeniality
1956 5th San Lorenzo Francisca "Paquita" Vivo Colón Unplaced
1955 4th Trujillo Alto Carmen Laura Betancourt Unplaced
1954 3rd San Juan Lucy Santiago Nazario Unplaced
1953 2nd San Juan Wanda Irizarry Unplaced
1952 1st Lares Marilia Levy Bernal Unplaced

Rankings

Placements in Miss Universe

This list includes the placements, unplacements, and absences of Miss Universe Puerto Rico in the international competition.

Placement Total Year
Miss Universe 5 1970, 1985, 1993, 2001, 2006
1st Runner-up 2 2005, 2019
2nd Runner-up 2 1998, 2004
3rd Runner-up 1 1971
4th Runner-up 2 1987, 2009
Top 5/6 4 1995, 2018, 2022, 2023
Top 9/10/12 10 1974, 1980, 1986, 1997, 1999, 2010, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025
Top 13/15/16/20/21/30 2 2011, 2013
Total 28
Unplaced 43 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Absent 3 1958, 1959, 1960
Total 74

Placement streaks in Miss Universe

This list includes the placement streaks, or continuous placements lasting at least three years, of Miss Universe Puerto Rico in the international competition.

Duration Total Placements
2018–ongoing 8 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
2009–2011 3 2009, 2010, 2011
2003–2006 2004, 2005, 2006
1997–1999 1997, 1998, 1999
1985–1987 1985, 1986, 1987

Titleholders by municipality represented

This list includes the titleholders of Miss Universe Puerto Rico by the municipality they represented in the national competition.

CityTitleYear
San Juan 12 1953, 1954, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1971, 1974, 1978, 1985, 1987,[c] 1997, 2017
Guaynabo 5 1981, 1988, 1990, 2000, 2015
Salinas 4 1976, 1989, 2005, 2006
Santurce 1966, 1968, 1970, 1972
Lares 3 1952, 1999, 2001
Toa Alta 1991, 1993, 1996
San Germán 1975, 1985,[d] 1986
Ponce 1957, 1963, 1977
San Sebastián 2 2020[c], 2026
Dorado 2008, 2025
Orocovis 1973, 2024
Fajardo 1967, 2022
Toa Baja 2014, 2019
Isabela 1994, 2016[e]
Río Grande 2010, 2012
Corozal 1995, 2011
Mayagüez 1979, 1984
Trujillo Alto 1955, 1983
Caguas 1965, 1980
Patillas 1 2023
Loíza 2021
Rincón 2018
Aguadilla 2016[e]
Arecibo 2013
Cabo Rojo 2009
Guayanilla 2007
Yauco 2006[d]
Cidra 2004
Vieques 2003
Utuado 2002
Añasco 2001[d]
Aguas Buenas 1998
Bayamón 1992
Juncos 1982
Río Piedras 1969
San Lorenzo 1956

See also

Notes

  1. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020 was not held. The first runner-up in Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2019, Estefanía Natalia Soto Torres from San Sebastián, was appointed as Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020 on September 24, 2020.
  2. Due to time restraints caused by the advance of the celebration of the Miss Universe international pageant from July to May, Miss Puerto Rico 1987 was not held. The second runner-up in Miss Puerto Rico 1986, Laurie Tamara Simpson from San Juan, was appointed as Miss Puerto Rico 1987 on April 21, 1987.
  3. Titleholder was appointed. No pageant was celebrated in 1987 and 2020.
  4. Originally 1st runner-up and assumed the Miss Puerto Rico title when the original winner was crowned Miss Universe
  5. The representative of the municipality of Isabela won the title of Miss Univese Puerto Rico in 2016. However, after her dethronement, the first runner-up, who was the representative of Aguadilla, assumed the title.

References

  1. Candelaria, Mónika (2022-03-29). "Bajo nueva gerencia el Miss Universe Puerto Rico". WAPA.TV (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  2. Rodriguez, Genesis (2024-11-15). "Miss Universe reconoce a Yizette Cifredo con premio "Beyond The Crown" Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  3. "Reinas de Puerto Rico: Historia" (PDF). Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo (in Spanish). 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  4. "Telemundo transmitirá Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2009-03-24. Retrieved 2026-05-03.
  5. "Se repite la historia". El Vocero de Puerto Rico. 2018-02-06. Retrieved 2026-05-03.
  6. "Febles pierde franquicia de Miss Puerto Rico Universe". www.laprensa.hn (in Spanish). Retrieved 2026-05-03.
  7. "Magali Febles recuerda a reinas puertorriqueñas". Metro Puerto Rico (in Spanish). 2016-08-20. Retrieved 2026-05-03.
  8. "Miss Universo le quita franquicia de Miss Universe P. R. a Desireé Lowry". Metro Puerto Rico (in Spanish). 2018-02-05. Retrieved 2026-05-03.
  9. "Hemisphere Media adquiere los derechos exclusivos de Miss Universo Puerto Rico". www.thedailytelevision.com (in Spanish). 2018-02-16. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  10. "Denise Quiñones será directora de franquicia MUPR".
  11. Rodriguez, Genesis (2025-01-16). "Con fecha las audiciones de Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025 | Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  12. Rodriguez, Genesis (2025-01-16). "Con fecha las audiciones de Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025 | Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  13. "Heel Camp | Miss Universe Puerto Rico". Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  14. "Reinas de Puerto Rico: 2018-2022" (PDF). Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo (in Spanish). 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  15. Rivera Cedeño, Jomar José (26 June 2026). "De San Sebastián la nueva Miss Universe 2026" [From San Sebastian the new Miss Universe 2026]. El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 26 June 2026. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
  16. "De Dorado la nueva Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2025". El Nuevo Día. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  17. Vida, Por Jomar José Rivera CedeñoPeriodista de Entretenimiento y Estilos de (2024-06-28). "Miss Orocovis, Jennifer Colón, se corona como Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2024". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  18. "Miss Patillas, Karla Inelisse Guilfú Acevedo, se corona como Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2023". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  19. "Miss Fajardo, Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto, se corona como Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  20. "Así brilló Miss Loíza, Michelle Colón, en Miss Universe Puerto Rico". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  21. "Estefanía Soto Torres es la nueva Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2020". WAPA.TV (in Spanish). 2020-09-24. Retrieved 2026-05-08.
  22. "Madison Anderson to represent Puerto Rico in Miss Universe 2019". HOLA! USA. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  23. "¿Quién es la nueva Miss Universe Puerto Rico?". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 2018-09-21. Retrieved 2025-09-13.
  24. "Reinas de Puerto Rico: 2011-2017" (PDF). Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo (in Spanish). 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  25. "Reinas de Puerto Rico: 2001-2010" (PDF). Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo (in Spanish). 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  26. "Reinas de Puerto Rico: 1971-2000" (PDF). Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo. 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  27. "Reinas de Puerto Rico: 1932-1970" (PDF). Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Arecibo (in Spanish). 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  28. Borges, Norma (August 3, 1985). "Diario Vivir: llega Deborah" [Daily Living: Deborah arrives]. El Mundo (in Spanish). San Juan, Puerto Rico. p. 17, 18. Retrieved June 7, 2026 – via Global Press Archive.
  29. "Queen Professional: SAL'S WIG CENTER AND BEAUTY SUPPLY". El Mundo (in English and Spanish). San Juan, Puerto Rico. September 29, 1970. p. 2-SM. Retrieved June 7, 2026 – via Global Press Archive.