Pageant fans were shocked when early favorites Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe Thailand 2023 Anna Sueangam-iam, Miss Universe Cambodia 2023 Manita Wang, and Miss Universe Mexico 2023 Irma Miranda failed to secure a spot in the Top 16.
Netizens were quick to express their disappointment online. One Twitter user said:
Another netizen wrote:
A third Twitter user penned:
Candidates who made it to the Miss Universe 2023 Top 16 are from Puerto Rico, Haiti, Australia, Dominican Republic, Laos, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao, India, Venezuela, Spain, USA, Columbia.