8 photos show Miss Universe contestants making history during the 2023 pageant

Palacios, 23, was crowned the 72nd Miss Universe on Saturday night in San Salvador, El Salvador. She was crowned by R'Bonney Gabriel, the ninth American woman to win Miss Universe.

During the final round, the top three contestants were all asked the question: "If you could live one year in another woman's shoes, who would you choose and why?" Palacios chose the women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft.

Palacios also used her Miss Universe platform to open up about her struggles with anxiety. She started the project "Understand Your Mind" to advocate for women who experience mental-health issues.

Garrett, who placed in the top 20, is using her Miss Universe platform to advocate for mental and hormonal health and discuss the depression she has struggled with due to her PCOS.

"As a curvy woman who doesn't follow certain beauty standards, I'm here to represent all women," she told HOLA before the competition. "I think there's not one way to be beautiful, every woman is beautiful just as they are."

"For me, to be on this stage and to speak my truth is something that matters a lot," she added. "A few years ago, I was a very insecure person and had very low self-esteem. Now, I love myself, and that's success to me."

Robin, who placed in the top 20, wrote in her Miss Universe bio that she is among the 1% of Christians in Pakistan.

She noted that she received "some backlash from different sectors of the community" after she was named Miss Pakistan.

"Despite these criticisms, I was ready to face any challenges ahead of me while maintaining my values as a young modern Pakistani woman, representing our rich culture and heritage, and showing the world that Pakistan can celebrate the success of women," Robin added.

Pérez, who is an advocate for racial equality in Spain, said in her Miss Universe introduction video that she was raised by a single immigrant mother, and she hoped her story could "inspire people."

"Diversity is here, and diversity is now, it's today," she said.

Though she only placed in the top 10 at the pageant, she was named Miss Congeniality.

Avella was given a second chance at the crown after the Miss Universe Organization changed the rule to allow mothers and married women in the pageant starting in 2023.

The 28-year-old, who is married and has a daughter, told HOLA that she previously competed for the Miss Colombia title in 2018 but wasn't selected. However, the rule change inspired her to try again.

"One role is not going to define us, and we're finally breaking down those stereotypes that have held us back for so long," she told the site. "I want women to teach their children that they're not a limitation, that a child is the most beautiful thing that exists."

Though she didn't place in the 2023 competition, Cohn had a standout moment during the costume contest. She wore a bejeweled bodysuit inspired by La Monja Blanca, the orchid that serves as Guatemala's national flower.

Outside of pageants, the 28-year-old works as an entrepreneur, model, and brand founder.

Machete, 28, is a flight attendant and advocate. As Miss Portugal, she works to ensure safe housing, improve education, and provide medical care to others, especially fellow trans people.

She placed in the top 20 of this year's competition.

Kollé, 22, has a history onstage, having previously competed on "Holland's Next Top Model."

Though she didn't place in the 2023 Miss Universe competition, she made an appearance onstage in a green minidress to announce her country.