Millions tuned in to watch the 2014 Miss World Beauty Pageant on Sunday, December 14th, as 120 lovely contestants from across the world graced the stage of the EXCel ICC Auditorium in London, England. Among the contestants was 21-year-old Sanpedrana, Raquel Badillo, proudly representing her country, Belize. After over a month of activities, the title of 2014 Miss World went to Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss.
The 2014 Miss World Pageant opened with the Dances of the World Segment with LMFAO’s Sky Blu performing his new single “We Love Girls”. Following the program, the contestants were officially presented in their formal gowns, after which the contestants were narrowed down to the top 25. British boy band The Vamps delivered an amazing mid-pageant performance while judges deliberated. But in the end it was Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss who charmed the judges and took the Miss World crown. Rolene was crowned by 2013 Miss World Megan Young. Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar took the runner-up spot, while the Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit was third. Individual awards included: People’s Choice Winner- Miss Thailand Nonthawan Thongleng, Talent- Miss Malaysia Dewi Liana Seriestha, Multimedia- Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit, Top Model- Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Isidora Borovčanin, Beach- Miss Sweden Olivia Asplund, Sports- Miss Finland Krista Haapalainen, Beauty With a Purpose- Miss Brazil Julia Gama, Miss Guyana Rafieya Husain, Miss India Koyal Rana, Miss Indonesia Maria Sastrayu, and Miss Kenya Idah Nguma.
Even though Raquel did not take the crown, she certainly captured the hearts of her audience and even won the Kattera People’s Choice Award (an unofficial Miss Word popularity poll). Kattera, a beauty pageant blog, hosts a poll to determine who their readers believe should win the crown. After over a week of voting, Raquel won the top spot with 47.7% of the votes. Other top five finalists in the Kattera People’s Choice Award were Miss Trinidad & Tobago Sarah Jane Waddell in 2nd with 22.44% of votes, Miss Ghana Nadia Naa Ntanu in 3rd with 11.66% of votes, Miss Philippines Valerie Weigmann in 4th with 9.89% of votes and Miss India Koyal Rana in 5th with 1.06% of votes.
“I would like to say a big thank you to all my fans for your support. This has been one of the best experiences in my life. The memories and friend I have made are priceless. I’m so thankful for all the support my Belizeans have given me. So proud to have been given the opportunity to represent such an amazing country- BELIZE!” said Raquel.
Congratulations to Raquel and all the beauties who took part in the 2014 Miss World pageant.
