Is it a bird? Is it a winged goddess? Is it a giant roulette wheel? At the Miss Universe national costume contest, it was all those things — and more.

The "national costume" part of the Miss Universe pageant has, and will always be, my favorite part of the Miss Universe pageant. The United States has had quite the history of some interesting costumes over the years, like this one from 2022: Yep, it moved. In 2001, Miss USA's national costume was a cowgirl.

Contestants show of their National Costumes and Swimwear at the Miss Universe Competition in Mexico City, November 14, 2024.

On Thursday night in Mexico City, the glamorous contestants put on an extravagant display at the 73rd Miss Universe preliminary and national costume competition.