The United States will have the eyes of the world on this coming January 14 for one reason only: the Miss Universe 2022 pageant. As it was expected, the Peruvian Alessia Rovegno part as one of the great favorites to take the crown and represent all of Latin America with dignity. However, it is impossible not to compare it with Gladys Zenderour representative who managed to conquer the hearts of millions more than 50 years ago.
Talk about the hotly contested Miss Universe 2022 It is also referring to the most famous contest in the world of fashion. Catwalks, names, crowns, scepters, celebrities and more will be present in this 71st edition that will be held in New Orleans.
Although our country will place all its trust in Alessia Rovegno, we cannot forget past divas like Janick Maceta, who, in 2021, finished as second finalist and third place in the competition. Such a feat was celebrated by millions of Peruvians, but it failed to repeat the feat of Gladys Zender, the brand new Miss Universe of 1957.
Fans serenade Gladys Zender, Miss Universe 1957 (Photo: GEC Historical Archive)
WHO IS GLADYS ZENDER?
In addition to being crowned in 1957 and being designated the most beautiful woman on the planet, Gladys Zender managed to be the first Latin American, Spanish American, South American from a Spanish-speaking nation to win Miss Universe, being just 17 years old.
After winning the pageant on July 19, 1957, Zender immediately became a celebrity in Peru. After being crowned, it was learned that she was only 17 years old, a few months below the minimum age required by the organization (Photo: GEC)
In that occasion, the aforementioned contest was held at the Long Beach Municipal Auditoriumlocated in California, United States.
Of course, after reaching maximum glory in modeling on the catwalks, Gladys was called to be the main figure on the cover of Caretas, one of the most influential magazines in all of Peru. In fact, various Creole composers dedicated various musical themes to her as a thank you for her iconic representation.
The brand new 1957 Miss Universe appeared on the first color cover of Caretas magazine (Photo: LR File)
Among the songs performed for the model are the waltzes by Nicolás Wetzel and the polka by Alicia Maguiña, recorded in mid-1957.
WHAT WAS GLADYS ZENDER’S SPEECH LIKE?
Still a teenager, the gorgeous Gladys Zender had no difficulty giving one of the best speeches in the history of the Miss Universe pageant. Talent, beauty and a high capacity for persuasion made our compatriot emerge as the brand new winner of the 1957 contest.
“Gentlemen of the jury, ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate being together tonight with all of you in this great auditorium, where I have come with the sole purpose of establishing a frank friendship between all the nations of the world, which are here represented by such charming girls, for all these nations I bring an affectionate greeting from my homeland Peru.”argued Gladys Zender during the 1957 Miss Universe competition.
SHE IS THE MOTHER OF A FAMOUS PERUVIAN ACTOR
Years after being crowned the brand new Miss Universe, Gladys fell in love with Antonio Meier, getting married in 1965.
The renowned 52-year-old actor with his 83-year-old mother (Photo: Andina)
As a result of this relationship, Christian Meier was born, a renowned actor in soap operas and movies. There is no doubt that beauty is carried in the genes!
WHO ARE THE FAVORITE LATINAS FOR MISS UNIVERSE 2022?
On January 14, the 2022 edition of Miss Universe will take place and all the participants are already in New Orleans, the United States city that will host the event. Among them are the Latin American candidates. HERE We show you the favorite Latam participants who will seek to win the crown.
