It’s a dream come true

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe 2021 on Sunday a year after the 2020 pageant was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 26-year-old model-software engineer - who was crowned by 2019 titleholder Zozibini Tunzi - reacted to her triumph on Instagram: 'MISS UNIVERSE IS MÉXICO!', and later: 'MÉXICO ESTO ES PARA TI,' which translates as 'Mexico is for you'.

For the grand finale, Andrea dazzled in a flaming red-fringed gown designed by Ivis Lenin to accept the honor onstage Florida's Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. 

Meza - who has 40 cousins and wowed judges in a hot pink mini dress, a yellow bikini and Aztec dragon national costume - is reportedly the third Mexican woman to ever win the crown, following Lupita Jones and Ximena Navarrete. (Daily Mail)