Full interview: Meet Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios | ABS-CBN News

Before being crowned Miss Universe 2023, Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios sat down with ABS-CBN News during the preliminary leg of the pageant in El Salvador on November 14.
Palacios, who has been competing in pageants since she was a teenager, spoke at length about her advocacy for mental health and her bid to make history for her home country as its first-ever Miss Universe winner.
Five days later, she did just that: Miss Nicaragua clinched the coveted crown, besting 83 other international candidates.
(Interview by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News)
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#MissUniverseNicaragua
#SheynnisPalacios
#MissUniverse2023

[@arlenedecastro5264]

It’s nice to see a different country win this time. She’s the first Miss Nicaraguan to win Miss Universe. She’s beautiful and sounds articulate. She deserves the Miss Universe crown.

[@JoeTrumps]

She can't speak English on the stage 😂😂😂

[@arlenedecastro5264]

@@JoeTrumps in my opinion the only reason she chose to answer in her language is because she can express well what she wanted to say and she wanted to make sure too that she understands the question well so she can answer them intelligently. It’s not easy to translate what you’re trying to say when English is not your first language because you have to make sure you translated the words correctly and besides, most Venezuelan or other Latina winners of the Miss Universe pageant in the past used an interpreter. It’s not a requirement for them to answer in English but they should be able to answer the question brilliantly and with substance.

[@limlim7461]

​​@@JoeTrumps Wow ha. First and foremost english is not their first language. Oki? They speak spanish in their country. Do you remember what our representative said, "JANINE TUGUNON" in her FINAL ANSWER in MISS UNIVERSE 2012? Check it to educate yourself. Love from PHILIPPINES❤

[@janetrodriguez-texeira9672]

Yes she won it on that night

[@GeoSer-lv9eb]

Yes ended it's really nice to see other countries to win Miss Universe or any competition,especially developing country they need to be in the game and let their voices to be heard on the world stage.

[@laarnideloria9364]

Though heartbroken for Michelle and for Philippines💔🇵🇭 i was relieved at the end because they crown the right woman...Congratulations Sheynnis Palacios...you made history for your country 👑❤

[@TinTinIam]

I super agree! Pinoys' hearts will always belong to MMD but this woman definitely deserves the crown. first for Nicaragua!

[@michaelstrahan2.0]

Great attitude to have!

[@JoeTrumps]

Miss Nicaragua can't speak English on the stage 😂😂😂

[@chinspharmacygently]

agree with you,rooting for Nicaragua also.. ❤❤

[@eclairkiet9196]

It was cooking show..! Meaning they drop off Michelle Dee from Top5 as they knew once she's there , wreak havoc ang plano ng organization. Ang layo niyang magsalita far from real universe pero it is her destiny.... lol!

[@fasaja7489]

I would like to thank all love and support from Filipinos in the 🇵🇭. I’m a Nicaraguan who resides in SF Bay Area in California, married 34 years to a wonderful Filipino. I’ve shared with him all the positive messages. He’s amazed on all the loving comments since he thought not many in P.I. Know of Nicaragua. Our daughters are touched too! God bless all of you 🩷

[@amayer5388]

God bless 🙏🏻

[@plooffoolp3477]

Your queen deserve the crown🥰

[@LesleyGal]

I'm mexican/nicaraguan dating a hawaiian/filipino! treats me like a queen, going into our 6 years soon

[@amayer5388]

@@LesleyGal congratulations 🙌

[@TinayM]

Congrats to Nicaragua! So happy for your historic win ❤️❤️❤️ Forgive me for my curiosity, but may I ask a question? Some non-Nicaraguan fans are questioning Sheynnis' credibility and qualification as crowned Miss Universe because she is an activist. Some think that her gown bears the color of opposition and represents Mama Mary which is also a stance against the regime's religious oppression. As a Nicaraguan, any thoughts on how majority of your countrymen view Sheynnis and her activism? I'm asking because Nicaraguans are the best people to ask about this, instead of listening to naysayers who know nothing about your country's political climate. However, if you don't want to answer, I totally respect and understand. Sorry for being too nosy 😊

[@cheapagoy3167]

from the first time I saw the preliminary performance of Nicaragua I saw potential that she will win ❤from the Philippines.

[@roseclaur3795]

She's full of life that reflects on her body language and beautiful smile

[@jenis2489]

While I'm watching this interview I can see her naturally. Now I know why she won Miss Universe. She deserved the crown.

[@romanadagatan2825]

Wow! She deserves the title, very beautiful, smart and humble😊

[@jinglemixtv]

I love her background, family oriented, football player, advocate for mental health as well. WOW! Very kind, sincere, warm and gentle Miss Nicaragua really deserve the crown.

[@margasessentials986]

I am happy for Nicaragua. Congratulations! Greetings from the Philippines

[@francesdumaliang6132]

I really love and appreciate her charisma and personality.☺️❤️🙏

[@ganduh2367]

Breathe of fresh air. Charismatic, beautiful and the aura that you want to listen because she seems like someone who speaks from the heart.

[@pinkfab5274]

She's more than just a pretty face. Smart, confident and genuine. Love from the Philippines ❤

[@manchiniist]

Yeah it was her destiny to win...she’s very real n authentic n great communicator n she loves Catriona...yay!

[@olyarushchak5978]

Humble interview, super genuine and now she is Miss Universe! It’s very good to see them before all the glory, because on a big stage everyone will put their best show on, but during a meeting like this you really get to know how genuine or stuck up they might be. Miss Nicaragua 🇳🇮 is as pleasant here as she was on the big stage! Congratulations!

[@trinam3955]

I agree, she’s soo humble all the way through., ❤

[@fealberio5604]

Congratulations very pretty and humble....athletic and family oriented....

[@GeoSer-lv9eb]

All of them are gorgeous 😍 however their destiny are belong to judges hand ✋️ 😉 statistical

[@verg4331]

Her beautiful soul shows how much she deserves the crown.. congratulations Miss Nicaragua🎉😊

[@Momo-vt6gw]

I Love ❤️ Miss Universe Nicaragua 2023 Thanks 😊 so much to all People from Filipinas and around the world thanks for supporting Sheynnis Palacios ❤ Love

[@Thrivinglife3835]

Wow! Everyone is happy for her… no controversy. Well deserved!

[@erinpilla]

except sa Thailand ooops haha

[@babylou60]

Wait until you see how she's been bashed on social media by pageant fans from Thailand.

[@erinpilla]

@@babylou60 I have seen it. A crazy fan said she should be dethroned because she is not fulfilling her duties of speaking English. FFS did she apply to be an IELTS teacher

[@babylou60]

@@erinpilla They forgot many of their former representatives don't speak English as well. This year's Miss Thailand is half Caucasian and from a wealthy background, having the privilege of studying in international schools all her life.

[@erinpilla]

@@babylou60 exactly. It's becoming an epidemic here in SE Asia to crown privileged contestants

[@emilyrafanan2129]

Her advocacy on mental health reaches more people and more generations. This might be the edge she has over the other candidates. She was top 40 in Ms World 2020 & her advocacy during that time was for the community. Kudos to a strong inspirational woman. she deeserve the crown! 😊 Congratulations! 🎉🎉

[@jcescolastico5299]

I am so happy for Nicaragua its so fresh a new country won the Miss Universe title!

[@Gisscar910]

So proud of her being proud of her humble roots and her efforts to get where she is! She's a true queen! I admire her humility, even showing here in this interview where she not only asked for feedback on her English but also apologized for any mistake she did; the fact that she enjoys learning and being educated is true testament! Love Sheynnis for putting up high our country and the genuine person she is, true representative of our Nicaraguan people and land!😊

[@Shelbymaldita]

Ms Nicaragua was my bet! She was a well deserved MU unique, beautiful and humble!🎉 See she can speak English from USA❤🎉❤

[@HumanSagaVault]

i just knew she will win, i support our candidate Miss PH but when i saw her pasarela, i just knew she is the one to beat

[@jacksonabanes2437]

As you look to her longer you will see the beauty, charm, sweetness, aspirations and intelligence to her personality and of course the eagerness to win for the crown. You deserved for the title Miss U. Congrats Ms Nicaragua 🎊👏🎉 She has a resemblance to Assunta de Rossi. The face, the way she speak and of course the oozing sexiness 😘and also to Ms Anne Hathaway 😊 beautiful

[@darkchocotony3391]

She has the stately elegance of Lauren Bacall.

[@atejaney8322]

Beautiful soul, beautiful face and body. Perfect and well-suited as the new Miss Universe.

[@michaelstrahan2.0]

It's really nice to see the support in the comments from the Filipino community for the new Miss Universe.

[@roseclaur3795]

As soon she enters the stage her projection of her body movements, facial expression looks positive spirit, like natural , happy face good qualities to serve the universe

[@Ardjamovixch]

Congratulation! Nicaragua! The new queen made history! Love from Philippines!

[@marivicgabrielakatsuka8922]

SHE DESERVE TO BE MISS UNIVERSE🇳🇮🇵🇭

[@annacasis8230]

Beauty and talent.. packed in one.. well deserved..congratulations... ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Electra11100]

This is a true queen very humble not overconfident ❤❤❤

[@liking216]

FELICIDADES DESDE PERÚ A LA MISS UNIVERSO 2023

[@restinaaprilianti3114]

She brought the first MU crown for her country after 72 years!!! She is a heroine for her country. Precious.

[@seanwilson5516]

Heroine for a fake beauty crown? Y'all some circus clowns.

[@reneeleones6227]

Ms. Nicaragua truly deserve the title. She's gorgeous and articulate and her advocacy is also timely Congratulations Ms. Universe 2023.

[@terencego7120]

Well deserved Ms Nicaragua, very pleased with the results. Congratulations and enjoy your reign. From Filipinas!!

[@ma.rossanajasminaquino7346]

Por lo menos, ella habla inglés! Tambien intenta hablar y tiene confianza con la misma. Felicidades, Nicaragua! Disfruta el viaje de Miss Universe! Of course, Diane Castillejo of ABS-CBN from my country, the Philippines, was one of the first! Thanks for the interview fresh from the catch! 👏

[@cdslyrics6430]

She deserves it no doubt, even MD did not take her spot in top 5 were dtill proud of her, but its a great history for Nicaragua as the first miss universe congrats to your country sending love and hugs for your country's Victory 🇵🇭♥️🇳🇮

[@shrikinmimos08]

kudos to dian castellejo.. she was able to talk to ms.universe before she got crowned. I'm also amazed how she was able to translate the spanish to english. Congratulations Ms.Nicaragua..🥳 Well deserved.

[@arlenedecastro5264]

She tried her best to answer in English and I admire her for that. She can communicate well because I think that’s her major in college. She’s prepared.

[@Norlan-r7h]

Wow 7yrs in counting. Congratulations Ms. Nicaragua! We love you from Philippines.

[@joshuaelopre6063]

Deserving of the crown. Congratulations Nicaragua! Encanta dia!

[@dannymanch]

I’m very proud of her! She is a beautiful and humble girl. Greetings from Honduras 😊

[@gertruidapass6741]

She is a beautiful lady, congratulations Sheynnis and Nicaragua, she deserved the Miss Universe crown, she's humble and friendly also and a animal lover, we sending best wishes and love from South Africa ♥️♥️♥️🇿🇦👑🌹🎈

[@danvillarama-velasques9541]

They choose the right woman for the universe and not only for the Philippines Lets be proud of her

[@conniesalvador6195]

😊😊

[@conniesalvador6195]

😊😊😊😊

[@conniesalvador6195]

😊😊

[@conniesalvador6195]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊

[@conniesalvador6195]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😅😊😊😅😊😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😅😅😅😊😅😊😅😅😊😅😊😅😊😊😅😊😅

[@lenpc79]

Very well deserve!! Congratulations Ms Nicaragua.. she looks humble and graceful

[@lenpc79]

Nakakahanga at mahilig pa sya sa football and plays that sport, very articulate and wise. Congratulations 🎉

[@maggeekittyhouse5375]

A humble Queen with a genuine Purpose ❤❤❤ Congratulations

[@loismomoh2603]

Congratulations Ms. Universe Nicaragua ❤.... Your country are very proud of you the first Miss Universe in your country. You deserve the crown.... she is speaking with full emotions❤

[@jesusadecorazon5258]

She's my bet since the start , i just felt it so congrats Ms Nicaragua Sheynnis!

[@fruitful5915]

I’m so proud of her!!

[@ประชาธิปไตยไทอีสาน]

Congratulation! You are so graceful, smart, and natural presentation.

[@jinglemixtv]

Wow great job Miss Dianne for having interviewed Miss Nicaragua before the competition and eventually emerge as the winner of Miss Universe 2023. Amazing!

[@glendatorregosa5449]

She surely deserves the Miss Universe crown. She is every inch a beauty queen. Congratulations Miss Nicaragua!

[@Evavlogkita]

Yes brainy beauty Philippines, shes a stunning edgy candidate but NICARAGUA is also brainy, she got the perfect flawless performance at that night, a complete package from swuimsuit to gown and to the final question, shes consistent in her smile, no inhibitions, no limit, she got perfect body shape, real woman figure, classy elegant hour glass figure, her smile was consistent from swimsuit to gown and her adlib is unique specially when she turned 2x during the swimsuit, it was hard to do it but it seemed easy for her to turn and the way she carried the gown, she got a queenly aura, the star was aligned to her at that night, everything she did was smooth & perfect on stage. She was the brightest star, d most attractive candidate at that night. Sayang lang Philippines had limited smile from her swuimsuit to gown nag boy aura sya, konti lang girly aura at common ang pag turn niya sa swimsuit, kulang din sya sa energy, parang hindi sya happy on stage minsan nakasimangot, minsan. Yes, Michelle got a brainy beauty kung sya lang tingnan mo, parang sya na winner but if u look at other candidates like Nicaragua and Thailand nagiging ordinary ang aura ni Michelle, sorry po, opinion ko lang.

[@solmg6275]

I agree. Miss Nicaragua was in her full feminine power that night, beautiful, radiant, at ease and just enjoying the moment. I almost cried at her answers, you can tell from the look in her eyes that they were heartfelt.

[@dinofrancisco2354]

She's naturally kind

[@markanthony2195]

I love Nicaragua.. she deserves the crown…

[@pherltv]

Very nice interview. She is so beautiful and I feel her sincerity in her advocacy... Congratulations Miss Nicaragua.. 🎉🎉🎉

[@melanniefranco5514]

Very authentic when she's answering interview. Great job.

[@chayapitchaYoutube]

Wow you can speak English and understand English quite well. By the way, you decided to use translator for some advantage that you can have more time to think about the question and answer. I would say “This is not strategy, this is cheating.” 😒

[@chayapitchaYoutube]

And you do a lot of mistake in the final stage. I can’t say that you deserved to win when you are not 100% right for the competition.

[@shamindrahewavithana5174]

She is very confident, very intelligent and beautiful.❤ She deserved to win the crown.

[@erinpilla]

She is so confident! Grabe well-deserved win!! ❤❤❤❤

[@lightning8710]

That’s correct she deserved to win , the body figures it’s perfect

[@yusnizamohdyounos3043]

She is so pretty, charming, sincere, humble, friendly, fit & tall..😍 She deserved to be the 2023 Miss Universe..💪💪👑🎉🎉🎉 Congrats to Miss Nicaragua - Sheynnis Palacios.. 💝💝

[@RommelArielRodriguezCajina]

I'm very happy that she speak English. Is so great for all Nicaragüenses. We are so pride. Viva Nicaragua

[@cbee2329]

Well deserved win Sheynnis. Beautiful, nice, elegant, great performance . Love fr. Phils❤️

[@gregblazer8021]

💙💙💙 Very nice interview, thank you and congratulations from USA.

[@gvibes5151]

I like her national costume. Stunning.

[@kananelolesesa4447]

You help me practice my English 😭❤❤. Such a genuine human being

[@MyraArbon-o8k]

Congrats Ms. Palacios.. You deserve the crown..

[@ประชาธิปไตยไทอีสาน]

I love you Miss Nicaragua. God bless you.....from Thailand

[@lovely-eds27]

Nicaragua is so Beautiful And Sexy so gorgeous and she did a great job on the stage! she deserved to be a Miss Universe 2023 congratulations🎉🎉

[@wanidafagg4435]

Her English is excellence!! I wonder why she not speak in English when in the final question

[@erborianrn4599]

Apparently, it’s not excellent enough. Notice when she switched to Spanish , there were no pauses and hesitancies. And she’s free to speak in her mother tongue. Not against the rules. I am from the Philippines and I’m so happy she won.

[@mexkurtz4872]

well janine tugunon said that english is not a requisite for you to win

[@Bellajane127]

She's more fluent in Spanish and having a translator gave her the extra time to think about the question and what to answer. Not sure what to think about this extra time which is not fair to the candidates who don't have translators.

[@erinpilla]

​@@Bellajane127and then if she speaks in broken English there will be criticism 🙄

[@MJEmjay]

Because she has the right to speak in the language that she is most comfortable with and since she is Latina and is representing not only her country but Latin people all over the world, which by the way, Spanish is the 2nd most spoken language in the world, with English coming in 3rd., so why not?

[@JazzMeUinFLUSA]

Congratulations 🇳🇮 , you're very deserving among the top 3.❤

[@catalinagatita]

✨ oh wow, wait she's brilliant, brilliant! wow her memory is sharp!! and her comms skills?! okay I'm on board 👍 ✨

[@JudithAgao]

Congratulations Nicaragua your the best keep up the good work...

[@libertytorino4419]

Congratulations Ms. Nicaragua to win the Crown for Ms. Universe 2023

[@historias-aburridas]

Me encanta que dé entrevistas en inglés, por todos los haters que criticaron que respondiera en español durante el concurso, aduciendo que no hablaba inglés y que por eso no debía ser Miss Universo. Todo mi cariño para Sheynnis, desde el rinconcito mas cálido de Nicaragua: Chinandega!!

[@vbnurs]

🌹Well deserved, congratulations‼️So charming indeed👍🇵🇭

[@mariemedrano4355]

She did make history! A dream come true..🌸

[@Nanette-q3f]

She's on my list. She deserved the Miss Universe crown but i was sad that MMD did not make it to top 5. Only Miss Philippines & Miss Lebanon of my prediction list didn't make it to top 5.

[@SHIMENGHET]

congratulations nicaragua

[@markymarkie2630]

Felicidades Sheynnis! Mereces ganar Miss Universo. Eres una reina cálida, amigable y carismática! Felicitaciones también a Nicaragua! 😍🇳🇮

[@RihannaCarlaMorgan]

Felicidades bien merecido su triunfo saludos desde Filipinas ❤❤❤❤❤

[@markymarkie2630]

@@RihannaCarlaMorgan Muchisimas gracias ♥️♥️♥️

[@annietupue9040]

She can speak english during interview but in the pageant she needs interpreter bec.she doesn’t have the confidence to answer difficult questions,her intelligence will be tested!!

[@ma.ofeliagaufo1303]

Using her own language would definitely give her the ability to express what she really thinks rather than english because the way i see it she's still struggling to find the right english words to make her point. English is an advantage but not necessarily required to win the crown. LATINAS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL AND PROUD OF THEM FOR USING THEIR OWN LANGUAGE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES TRUTHFULLY AND WITH NO PRETENSIONS WHATSOEVER.

[@erinpilla]

But she won, and her answer was amazing, both in English and Spanish

[@khrysztoffe27]

​​@@ma.ofeliagaufo1303the only drawback and a bit unfair in using an interpreter is a candidate has the luxury of time to think and structure her answers in a concise and coherent way contrary to speaking in English where one has to provide her answers right away without stuttering, else she would look awkward and less confident. 🤔🤫

[@IrmaSheppard]

She is so sweet; she looks humble

[@IrmaSheppard]

Nicaragua deserves the crown and Philippines deserves to be on top 3

[@isabelmarissadonato5278]

Congratulations Miss Nicaragua .😊💖

[@marissamay7486]

Congratulations for a well-deserved win!

[@roseclaur3795]

For a long time they haven't have a winner. Congrats miss Nicaragua and happy for Nicaraguan s

[@Gahnokcho]

Nicaragua muy bonita ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@derlyndayanadownswilson275]

I love that she was open to feedback and also put them in practice she smiled even though she didn't feel comfortable speaking English and I am sure that she will improve her English now. I am so proud of her. Proud to be Nicaragüense ❤❤️🇳🇮

[@Aquafheb]

Sa mga nagsasabi magaling sya mag english pakinggan nyu sya nag sstrugle sya sa english nya pero pag nagsasalita sya sa kanyang lenggwahe drdrtso siya magsalita...From the start makikita mo tlga deserved nya ang crown..Destiny nya talaga ang MU✨👑

[@pedromax6878]

That’s good kasi they speak their own language sa tin kasi may miss universe tayo na di nag sasalita ng Tagalog correct me if I’m mistaken

[@ChromeFoxYT]

@@pedromax6878 Dinidiscriminate kasi dito satin pag nag Tagalog sa "Miss Universe PH. ang Mindset kasi dito satin is "Di mananalo ng crown kung Di marunong/fluent sa English". hahaha

[@pedromax6878]

@@ChromeFoxYT nagtatagalog ba si Catriona gray?

[@jcescolastico5299]

impressive lang kasi she tried her best to speak english!

[@jcescolastico5299]

​@@pedromax6878Catriona and Pia speaks tagalog.

[@milesorca2642]

Shennyis you shine, congrats you deserve it🎉🎉🎉

[@byaherochannel7355]

Congrats Ms Nicaragua. Love from Philippines

[@rinotilde2699]

Felicitaciones, Nicaragua! También a Diane Castillejo 🎉

[@Chrizjoshjam]

Its not fair if Miss Universe crown is only for those who speaks fluent English...happy for you Miss Universe Nicaraguan God bless you and your country ❤

[@malaysianeurofibromatosisc588]

Congratulations Nicaragua's beautiful queen 👑.

[@yolandaalido5273]

Congratulations our Miss Universe 2023....love from the Philippines

[@키미키미-i7b]

You deserve to win. You're so beautiful, and i like you since preliminary nights love from the Philippines🇵🇭

[@aaronantigua2812]

Congratulations Ms. Nicaragua.. Ms. Universe 2023 from the Philppines

[@sl8472]

She is beautiful. Charmimg. The right winner!

[@fayebulouschelsea3444]

Well deserved...Luv her!!!!

[@momof3880]

She is beautiful. She is destined to win. From intro , swimsuit to gown, she really stood out… The people were really shouting for her.. Michelle is beautiful , classy and elegant but the crown is not destined for her. She did her best. God has amazing plan for her besides she won more awards so she is still a winner because she has funds to use for her cause. God bless Michelle and this newly crowned queen🙏🏻

[@darrylvillamora3435]

WELCOME HOME MISS UNIVERSE 2023 SHEYNNIS PALACIOS

[@valentindipaysa4162]

Congratulations Miss Nicaragua