Minh Khoi
The Miss Earth 2024 grand finale took place on November 9 in the Philippines, with 76 contestants from around the world competing. Jessica Lane from Australia emerged as the titleholder.
The new Miss Earth, 21 years old and 1.75 meters tall, hails from Queensland, Australia. Currently a journalism student and well-known philanthropist, Jessica has been involved in charity work since she was 11, with a focus on animal welfare and campaigns against animal testing.
Jessica impressed with her sweet, alluring beauty and a toned, striking figure. Throughout the Miss Earth journey, she maintained a steady performance, displaying confidence and skill across various segments.
The runners-up were: Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir from Iceland, Bea Millan-Windorski from the United States, and Niva Antezana from Peru.
Australia's Jessica Lane was crowned Miss Earth 2024, while Cao Ngoc Bich, representing Vietnam, did not place in the top 20. Bich was unable to secure any side awards or make a lasting impression on the international audience.
The final night included swimsuit, evening gown, and interview rounds. The show opened with a group performance by all 76 contestants in green-themed outfits inspired by nature, echoing the environmental values upheld by the competition.
After the opening, the top 20 were announced: Jessica Lane (Australia), Grace Gavigan (Wales), Bea Millan-Windorski (USA), Shuntell Ezomo (Nigeria), Ryu Seo-byn (South Korea), Ekaterina Romanova (Russia), Tamara Aznar (Dominican Republic), Shreeya Bokhoree (Mauritius), Irha Mel Alfeche (Philippines), Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir (Iceland), Bianca Caraballo (Puerto Rico), Jasmine Jorgensen (Cape Verde), Noura Al Jasmi (UAE), Faylinn Pattileamonia (Netherlands), Niva Antezana (Peru), Albertina Haimbala (Namibia), Rachadawan Fowler (Thailand), Angela Rowson (New Zealand), Stephany Díaz (Cuba), and Julia Zawistowska (Poland) — who won the People’s Choice Award.
In the swimsuit round, the top 20 flaunted their toned physiques and confidence in white bikinis, though some noted the stage lighting was too dim, diminishing the full impact of the show. Contestants from Peru, Puerto Rico, the USA, and Iceland stood out for their impressive runway skills and stage presence.
The top 12 finalists were: Jessica Lane (Australia), Jasmine Jorgensen (Cape Verde), Tamara Aznar (Dominican Republic), Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir (Iceland), Shreeya Bokhoree (Mauritius), Albertina Haimbala (Namibia), Shuntell Ezomo (Nigeria), Niva Antezana (Peru), Irha Mel Alfeche (Philippines), Bianca Caraballo (Puerto Rico), Ekaterina Romanova (Russia), and Bea Millan-Windorski (USA).
In the evening gown segment, each finalist walked the stage in elegant gowns to serene music, showcasing their sophisticated, glamorous presence. Puerto Rico’s Bianca Caraballo opened the segment in a silver gown with intricate cuts that accentuated her figure, followed by the Philippines' Irha Mel Alfeche, who drew attention in a unique white design. The remaining contestants presented equally dazzling gowns, each radiating her own distinct style.
Following the gown segment, the top 8 were revealed: Tamara Aznar (Dominican Republic), Bianca Caraballo (Puerto Rico), Bea Millan-Windorski (USA), Niva Antezana (Peru), Jasmine Jorgensen (Cape Verde), Jessica Lane (Australia), Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir (Iceland), and Ekaterina Romanova (Russia).
The top 8 moved on to the environmental advocacy round, with each contestant having one minute to share their views and propose solutions for environmental issues.
The final question for the top 4 - Australia, Iceland, Peru, and the USA - was: “How can we preserve old traditions in an increasingly tech-driven world?”
Miss Iceland emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation about heritage, noting that they are the future and must learn about past lifestyles. Australia’s Jessica Lane advocated blending tradition with modernity for balanced growth. Miss USA faced challenges in this round, straying off-topic to discuss immigration issues. Peru’s representative, constrained by a language barrier, required an interpreter, which hindered her full expression.