BBC Global News

The Global Story: The international drama of Miss Universe

Loading player...
Miss Universe 2025 has been rocked by controversies and chaos, from stage falls and contestants storming out, to judges quitting and allegations of vote rigging – which the organisers deny.

The pageant – styled as a celebration of women of all backgrounds and nationalities – has suffered waning international attention in recent years, with many questioning the ideals of femininity it seems to espouse.

Could the drama of this year’s competition get people watching again?

BBC journalist and Miss Universe expert, William Lee Adams, joins us to discuss.

The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Producers: Xandra Ellin and Hannah Moore

Executive producer: James Shield

Mix: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch is crowned as Miss Universe 2025. Rungroj Yongrit/EPA
30 Nov 9AM English United Kingdom News

Other recent episodes

Netflix blockbuster deal

Netflix to take over Warner Bros Discovery's film and streaming businesses in 72 billion dollar deal, giving it ownership of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones franchises. The acquisition could face resistance from regulators. Also: President Putin says Russia is ready to provide uninterrupted fuel supplies to India, which is…
5 Dec 11AM 29 min

Four countries boycott Eurovision over Israel's inclusion

The Eurovision Song Contest has been thrown into turmoil after four nations said they would boycott next year's event. Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia had wanted Israel to be excluded because of the war in Gaza, but a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union said it could take part…
5 Dec 12AM 32 min

Why is President Putin visiting India?

Russia's leader visits India for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. India's prime minister is under pressure to stop buying Russian oil over accusations the trade is financing the war. Also: The New York Times is suing the Pentagon over its attempt to make journalists sign a…
4 Dec 11AM 30 min

Ukraine and US negotiators to meet following Moscow talks

US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to meet Ukrainian negotiators in Florida following talks with President Putin in Moscow. Mr Putin - who's visiting India - has already said some of the proposals for peace in Ukraine are unacceptable. The war is also on the agenda in Beijing, where…
4 Dec 12AM 27 min

EU agrees to phase out Russian gas imports

Despite their support for Ukraine, European countries have been a significant market for Russian energy. But an agreement has now been reached between the European Council and the European Parliament to phase out imports of Russian gas. The announcement came as it emerged peace talks between the US and Russia…
3 Dec 11AM 26 min
All episodes