Nico Rivera here, bringing you the latest buzz from the world of beauty queens and viral moments. Vanessa Pulgarín, Colombia’s newest Miss Universe representative, is gearing up for the big competition in Thailand. But before she hits that global stage, an old video of hers has suddenly captured everyone’s attention online.
The clip, which popped up on X, shows a much younger Pulgarín during a TV casting call. Her voice is sweet, and she doesn’t yet have the polished confidence we see today. She introduces herself simply: “My name is Vane Pulgarín, I am 21 years old, I am from Medellín, and I would love to be the new HTV presenter.” You can catch the throwback yourself right here: a video on social media.
A lot has changed since that audition. Now 34, Vanessa looks quite different and carries herself with more experience. This old footage has sparked a wave of reactions, both good and bad, across social media. It certainly puts Vanessa in the spotlight just weeks before Miss Universe, where Colombia hopes to win its third crown. The country has been a strong contender over the last ten years.
Why Vanessa Pulgarín’s Win Stirred Up Debate
Vanessa’s victory at Miss Universe Colombia raised some eyebrows, mainly because the contest was a reality show. This format meant candidates faced tougher challenges. They had to show off their communication skills, social leadership, language mastery, good manners, and physical fitness.
The competition aired on Canal RCN and was based on a format sold by Telemundo to the Colombian franchise. Twenty-eight candidates from different regions took part. Another big point of criticism was Vanessa’s age; many fans felt that, at 34, she was “too old.”
Some of the harshest comments included one user who said, “We are condemned to be second best,” also questioning her intelligence. Others called her “Miss Plastic,” referring to cosmetic changes. Still, many supporters believe Pulgarín is a smart and eye-catching candidate who could surprise everyone at Miss Universe.
Standing 1.78 meters (about 5 feet 10 inches) tall, with measurements of 84-67-100, Vanessa boasts an athletic build. She knows her way around the entertainment world. She studied Social Communication at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. She has also worked on projects focusing on mental health, sports, and female leadership.
This isn’t her first time in the pageant circuit. In 2017, she was Señorita Antioquia in the National Beauty Contest. There, she earned the title of National Runner-up. She then represented Colombia at Miss International in Tokyo. She has stayed busy as an international model and businesswoman ever since.
Colombia first won the Miss Universe crown in 1958 and then again in 2014. In the last decade alone, they’ve finished as first runner-up twice. That includes the memorable and controversial year 2015, when host Steve Harvey mistakenly announced Colombia as the winner, then famously corrected his error to name the Philippines as the true victor. All eyes are now on Vanessa, wondering if she can navigate the current buzz and bring home another crown for Colombia.