Latest news with #beautypageant
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Miss Universe Canada contestant Lorraine Peters, 59, was in 'unrelenting' pain during history-making pageant: 'I was at the worst that I could possibly be'
Trailblazing beauty pageant contestant Lorraine Peters spoke to Yahoo Canada about confidence, fitness and more. (Photo by Sylvie Mazerolle/Yahoo Illustration) Lorraine Peters is a woman on a mission. In 2024, the Saint Stephen, N.B. native became the oldest woman to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant and finished in the top 15. Her trailblazing appearance earned headlines and assigned Peters as a beacon of inspiration to women who thought they had missed their chance at the spotlight. She began creating content online geared towards mature women, sharing encouraging words about fitness, style and even the challenges of menopause. Now, Peters has her sights set on the Mrs. Galaxy Canada pageant in October. "I'm going there to win," Peters said. "I want to amplify my message that no matter your age, you can find the courage to build the confidence to follow your dreams and passions." Advertisement Yahoo Canada recently spoke to Peters about the impact of her Miss Universe Canada appearance, competing in chronic pain and more. 'The gift that keeps on giving' When the competition launched in 1952, Miss Universe hopefuls were required to be women between the ages of 18 and 24. Over time, the age limit was raised to 28, but still excluded women who had been married or had children. When the Miss Universe international pageant system removed age and marital status restrictions for contestants in 2023, Peters knew that it was time to put her hat in the ring. She competed alongside 64 women in the multi-day event that concluded in Ashley Callingbull becoming the first-ever Indigenous woman to win the title. By the time Peters returned home from the pageant, she was overwhelmed by the number of messages she received from women all around the world. Advertisement "It's the gift that keeps on giving," Peters said. "Don't let what other people say to you or about you stop you. You owe it to yourself to pursue your goals, dreams, education, adventure — whatever it is, there's nothing standing in your way except you." Unfiltered conversations with the names you know: Unapologetically is a Yahoo Life series in which people get the chance to share how they live their best life — out loud and in colour. Every week, check back for a new feature. Courage and confidence Women often message Peters to tell her they admire her confidence, but she admitted she's not exempt from feeling "scared to death" when trying something new. In 2024, a then 58-year-old Peters became the oldest woman to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant. (Image courtesy of Lorraine Peters) "What comes before confidence is courage. You have to want something or want to do something bad enough that you're willing to walk through failure, ridicule or embarrassment…, " she explained. "That's the thing.... You have to go through things that are going to be uncomfortable before you can have no other way to do it. Success can't happen if you don't take that step into the unknown." What comes before confidence is courage. Lorraine Peters While some people might be afraid of being judgement, Peters doesn't pay attention to any naysayers. Advertisement 'Do you really want to say, 'I didn't do such and such a thing because of what Fred on Facebook was going to say about me?" She said. "It's so ludicrous to me. I struggle with the idea of people living less than what they're really meant to do." The painful cost of a history-making moment In 2007, Peters tore her hip flexors while training as a competitive body builder. She eventually developed arthritis and eventually, her doctor suggested a hip replacement. Peters was in "daily, unrelenting, chronic pain" but wanted to compete in Miss Universe Canada. She postponed the procedure. 'I made the choice to endure that so that I could be the history-making woman. That was really important to me," she said. Although she tried to continue exercising, her arthritis and declining mobility made it difficult. She was in a "vulnerable state physically" but says she could have made it into the top 10 if she competed at her best. Peters is set to compete in the Mrs. Galaxy Canada pageant in October 2025. (Images courtesy of Lorraine Peters/Photos by Sylvie Mazerolle) "I was at the worst that I could possibly be. I was on so many pain medications during that week," she said, adding that walking in six-inch heels didn't make things any easier. Advertisement In March of this year, Peters finally got her hip replaced. 'It's been life-changing for me to go from all that pain and restriction and no range of motion to having zero pain," she said. Building more than muscle As a professional stylist with a background as a personal trainer, Peters often shares her love of fashion, beauty and fitness with her audience — and doesn't believe in editing or filtering her photos. "I don't want women to just be inspired by me anymore. I want to mobilize them to do something for themselves. I think the more transparent and flawed I am, the more impact I can have," she said. Advertisement Peters has always considered the gym her "reset button." Now that she's pain-free she can return to her fighting form, but she's candid about the impact of menopause on the metabolism. She talks openly about the challenges of menopause with her audience and how important it is to be mindful of your diet and prioritize exercise. I don't want women to just be inspired by me anymore. I want to mobilize them to do something for themselves Lorraine Peters Peters is back in fighting form after undergoing hip replacement surgery earlier this year. (Image courtesy of Lorraine Peters/Photos by Sylvie Mazerolle). "I know that [fitness] makes you a better mother," she said. "It makes you more available, it makes you happier — a better wife. There's no area of your life that it doesn't touch when you take time to take care of yourself. Women talk about not taking care of themselves like it's something they should be proud of — it's really not." At almost 60, Peters has found herself in a new phase of life. The days of juggling work and motherhood are gone; she and her husband of 35 years have adult children and are now grandparents. It's a new era where she can focus on tackling her own list of dreams. "That's the reason why I'm so big on health, fitness and nutrition," she said. "If you are going to give the first part of your life to your education and your family, you have to have — as much as we can — some insurance that you're going to be mobile at 60, have energy and have a body that will will rise to the occasion." Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
AI clones of Miss England contestants enter pageant competition with eerie ‘digital twins'
AN EERIE new AI round for the Miss England pageant has been introduced with "digital twins" of real-life contestants. Hopefuls can now walk down a virtual catwalk and wear just about anything their heart desires all thanks to the power of AI. 5 5 The so-called "Miss England Avatar Round" give beauty queens the chance to step into the world of AI technology. Organisers behind the famed contest believe it's the first beauty pageant in the world to introduce such a round. Over the course of two-hours, each participant can develop a fully-animated digital clone of themselves, capable of delivering presentations and making virtual appearances. Afton McKeith, daughter of I'm A Celeb star Gillian McKeith, was the first Miss England semi finalist to complete the filming process this week. A sample video shows her virtual clone interacting, wearing an array of outfits and even speaking in different languages. "This is not actually me, I am Afton's digital twin," the avatar says. "I have no human needs, no sleep, no stress, no make-up disasters. "Just pure calculated perfection. "Very soon digital twins won't be a novelty, they will be attending meetings, handling interviews and running entire lives. "Lets face it, wouldn't you rather send your avatar to your 9am meeting if you could?" mum's an I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! legend. But Afton's more likely to be found backstage at a pageant than in the jungle Miss England has got tech firm MirrorMe on board to make the new round possible. Contestants need to record voiceovers and movements to bring their avatars to life, allowing them to explore how they might represent themselves in future digital interviews, business pitches, or public speaking engagements - with the ability to speak more than 140 languages too. The Miss England business avatar round will be one of ten rounds in the next Miss England semi final that contestants can opt to enter. A winner will be judged on the highest combined views for their AI video presentations on the MirrorMe website, Vimeo and YouTube. The real Afton, 25, said: "It's such an exciting honour to be the first Miss England contestant to experience the Avatar Round. "This initiative is a brilliant way to encourage more young women to step into the world of business and technology. "A digital twin can be a powerful asset as it allows you to create content that can be reused, save time on filming and even license your likeness to companies for campaigns or educational tools. "It's about working smarter and exploring new ways to build your brand, create income and stay present even when you're not physically available." Angie Beasley, who has run the Miss England competition for 23 years, added: 'Miss England has always been about more than just looks. "With the rise of remote working, AI and virtual platforms, I felt it was time to reflect the world our contestants are stepping into. "This round is about confidence, presence and impact — whether you're in the room or on a screen. "It's an empowering way to bridge beauty, brains and modern tech. "This innovative new round opens the door for contestants to embrace technology in a whole new way, highlighting their adaptability, creativity, and communication skills in the digital space." 5 5
News.com.au
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Miss Universe New Zealand winner's surprising job
A police officer has been crowned Miss Universe New Zealand, posing in her uniform with her sash to celebrate. Abby Sturgin, a Waitemata police constable, was took home the title across the ditch over the weekend. To mark her win, New Zealand Police posted a photo of the young cop to Instagram wearing her full uniform — complete with taser — in front of a patrol car while wearing her sash and crown. Hundreds of social media users rushed to the comments to wish the 28-year-old congratulations. 'Miss Congeniality,' one person commented. Another said: 'Slay queen.' 'Wow congrats – gotta frame this pic,' another person added. Another added: 'Absolutely wonderful I hope she wins.' 'So exciting! Good luck honey,' one person said. 'How inspiring! A police officer who is able to show her feminine side, to show that she can wear dresses, wear a crown and represent New Zealand on the world stage, along with balancing her other hat as a NZ police officer, upholding law and order/ and safety for the public,' one said. Another added: 'Model Role Model.' Constable Sturgin, who is of New Zealand and Laotian heritage, beat 11 other finalists to claim the title. She first began competing in beauty pageants at 18, saying at the time she was 'figuring herself out' and 'didn't think she was good enough'. Just two years after she started in her pageant career, she won the title of Miss Earth New Zealand. After her Miss Universe New Zealand win, she told Ten One magazine that society has 'built a perception that you can't be pretty, have brains and work hard'. 'I want to be able to show girls that you don't have to dumb down your achievements and your aspirations,' she said. Appearing on TVNZ's 7Sharp, Constable Sturgin said she always knew she wanted to be in a first responder job. She said she loved the fast pace and the fact she had to constantly think on her toes. 'I want young girls — or any women really — to look at me and go, 'She's really cool. She's got a really interesting job but she can also put on a pair of heels, have curly hair and a crown and talk about really important issues',' Constable Sturgin said. Constable Sturgin will attend the 74th Miss Universe competition — held in Thailand — in November.
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
In Senegal, luxury sheep shine at a beauty contest and fetch a high price
DAKAR: The regal creatures are led into the open arena, stamping their groomed hooves as if to acknowledge the cheers, music and fireworks from the crowd of spectators. Their majestic figures embody pride and status, their towering size, prominent muzzle, curved horns and polished skin on full display as night falls. Welcome to one of Senegal's most anticipated beauty pageants – not for humans but for the locally bred Ladoum, the equivalent of a Ferrari among the woolly creatures. The annual contest featured more than a dozen Ladoum, competing in three different categories as adult male, adult female and young/promising. As each sheep is led into the open arena, a panel of judges note down their points based on distinct features like beauty, size, height, horns and body texture for each round. Winners, announced at the end, are rewarded with food and cash prizes. This year's Best Male Adult sheep is Prive, 1 year and 7months old, whose breeder estimated him to be worth more than $100,000 in the market. 'It feels good to be here, I cherish him so much,' Isaiah Cisse, Prive's breeder said with a wide grin as he massaged the sheep for a successful outing. Unlike the more common sheep eaten and used as sacrifices during Muslim celebrations, the crossbreed Ladoum are mainly seen as a living, breathing symbol of social prestige and luxury bred for years before they are sold. Widely known as one of the world's most expensive sheep, the older ones usually fetch a price of $70,000, compared to $250 for a regular sheep, and attract buyers from around the world to this West African nation of 18 million people, where livestock is a key source of livelihood. Mostly weighing up to 400 pounds (181 kilograms) and up to 4 feet (1.21 meters) in height, the Ladoum are known for their physical grandeur with curling and symmetrical horns and lustrous sheen. As the contest unfolded in Senegal's capital, Dakar, each sheep is announced before it is led by the breeder onto an elevated stage where it is inspected by the judges, to the elation of the crowd. Each receives joyful chants from a band troupe, featuring the local Senegalese instrumental Assiko music with the sheep's praise names ringing out aloud. 'You can't see a sheep like this in Africa or even in the world,' said Elhadji Ndiaye, a member of the judging panel. 'Ladoum is special.' Many agree with him. Musa Faye, a 22-year-old breeder, said his 18-month-old sheep was named Diomaye, after Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to show the sheep's significance for him and his family. 'I spend a lot of time with him and play with him,' Faye said of his sheep. 'I am preparing him for the next competition because I know he will win (the trophy),' he added. The contest, which has been running for some years, took place alongside an exhibition that featured even young breeders like Ibrahim Diagne. At 12, he is anticipating bringing his Ladoum for the contest someday. 'My parents like this and have always done it, so I like it too,' Diagne said of his passion for the family's sheep rearing business. Such passion is common in Senegal where sheep rearing is an age-old tradition deeply woven into family life and culture. Even animal traditions are passed down through the generations. Maniane Ndaw's prized sheep Alou won this year's Best Junior Male, following in the footsteps of the sheep's father who won several titles. 'For me, it's a great, great pleasure,' Ndaw said. 'It shows that the lineage is a good one.'
Globe and Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
In Senegal, the world's most expensive sheep face off in a beauty contest
The regal creatures are led into the open arena, stamping their groomed hooves as if to acknowledge the cheers, music and fireworks from the crowd of spectators. Their majestic figures embody pride and status, their towering size, prominent muzzle, curved horns and polished skin on full display as night falls. Welcome to one of Senegal's most anticipated beauty pageants – not for humans but for the locally bred Ladoum, the equivalent of a Ferrari among the woolly creatures. The annual contest featured more than a dozen Ladoum, competing in three different categories as adult male, adult female and young/promising. As each sheep is led into the open arena, a panel of judges note down their points based on distinct features such as beauty, size, height, horns and body texture for each round. Winners, announced at the end, are rewarded with food and cash prizes. This year's Best Male Adult sheep is Prive, one year and seven months old, whose breeder estimated him to be worth more than US$100,000 in the market. 'It feels good to be here, I cherish him so much,' Isaiah Cisse, Prive's breeder, said with a wide grin as he massaged the sheep for a successful outing. Unlike the more common sheep eaten and used as sacrifices during Muslim celebrations, the crossbreed Ladoum are mainly seen as a living, breathing symbol of social prestige and luxury bred for years before they are sold. Widely known as one of the world's most expensive sheep, the older ones usually fetch a price of US$70,000, compared with US$250 for a regular sheep, and attract buyers from around the world to this West African nation of 18 million people, where livestock is a key source of livelihood. Mostly weighing up to 181 kilograms and up to 1.21 metres in height, the Ladoum are known for their physical grandeur with curling and symmetrical horns and lustrous sheen. As the contest unfolded in Senegal's capital, Dakar, each sheep is announced before it is led by the breeder onto an elevated stage where it is inspected by the judges, to the elation of the crowd. How do you wrangle wild sheep off a Nova Scotia island? With strategy, strength and a bit of sneakiness Each receives joyful chants from a band troupe, featuring the local Senegalese instrumental Assiko music with the sheep's praise names ringing out aloud. 'You can't see a sheep like this in Africa or even in the world,' said Elhadji Ndiaye, a member of the judging panel. 'Ladoum is special.' Many agree with him. Musa Faye, a 22-year-old breeder, said his 18-month-old sheep was named Diomaye, after Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to show the sheep's significance for him and his family. 'I spend a lot of time with him and play with him,' Mr. Faye said of his sheep. 'I am preparing him for the next competition because I know he will win [the trophy],' he added. The contest, which has been running for some years, took place alongside an exhibition that featured even young breeders like Ibrahim Diagne. At 12, he is anticipating bringing his Ladoum for the contest someday. 'My parents like this and have always done it, so I like it, too,' Ibrahim said of his passion for the family's sheep-rearing business. Such passion is common in Senegal where sheep rearing is an age-old tradition deeply woven into family life and culture. Even animal traditions are passed down through the generations. Maniane Ndaw's prized sheep Alou won this year's Best Junior Male, following in the footsteps of the sheep's father who won several titles. 'For me, it's a great, great pleasure,' Mr. Ndaw said. 'It shows that the lineage is a good one.'
