Moscow beauty pageant blunder: Wrong crown causes uproar

In 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine. Since then, bombs and rockets have killed innocent people who suddenly found themselves in the center of the war. However, this destruction has not stopped Russia from holding a beauty contest in its capital, Moscow. This year, during the ceremony, a significant blunder occurred.

The contest organizers awarded the crown and sash of "Grand Prix of Moscow Beauty" to Shniezana Niedilska. The model basked in the camera flashes for a few minutes before leaving the stage. Then, the hosts realized the terrible mistake: the trophy should have gone to Shniezana Wilkowa. The error might have been caused by the similarity between the two finalists' first names.

"This is a serious moment," said the host, previously asking for the music to be turned down. "Unplanned situations happen, and no one can prepare for them. We had a similar situation in 2022 during the Miss Moscow contest. Regardless, the title 'Grand Prix of Moscow Beauty 2024' goes to Shniezana Wilkowa."

Another awkward moment occurred when the organizers tried to bring Niedilska back on stage. This proved impossible because the model had left the hall with the trophy. The role of the mistakenly chosen Miss was then taken up by the winner of another award (since a total of three crowns were given out in different categories), who patiently handed it over to Shniezana Wilkowa.

Niedilska commented on the situation in a video posted on Instagram: "Today, only miracles happen. We have two nominations and two crowns. Dreams come true," the model said.

The Moscow beauty contest was held for the 29th time. Participants must be under 32 years old, measure more than 5 feet 7 inches, possess "enthusiasm and charm," and showcase some talent.

The title "Miss Moscow 2024" was awarded to 20-year-old Liliana Bulatova. The model is learning English and loves to dance. During the beauty contest, she danced the rumba with her partner.