Nadia Ferreira, 22, of Villarrica, Paraguay almost won Miss Universe 2021. She is the first runner-up of the 70th edition of the international beauty pageant based in New York, United States.

Born in Villarica, Ferreira is a professional fashion model. She attended the Universidad Americana in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Ferreira was Miss Teen Universe 2015 third runner-up. On August 31, 2021, she a was appointed as Miss Universe Paraguay 2021.

Hosted by Steve Harvey, 64, the Miss Universe 2021 coronation night was held at the Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel. Carson Kressley, 52, and Cheslie Kryst, 30, served as commentators during the event, which featured performances by Joanna Noëlle “JoJo” Levesque, 30, and Noa Kirel, 20.

It was the first time Miss Universe was held in Israel. Including Ferreira, a total of 80 women competed for the crown.

It was Harnaaz Sandhu, 21, of India who won the Miss Universe 2021 crown. The judges were Rena Sofer, 53, of the U.S., Adamari Torres, 50, of Puerto Rico, Adriana Lima, 40, of Brazil, Marian Rivera, 37, of the Philippines, Iris Mittenaere, 28, of France, Urvashi Rautela, 27, of India and Lori Harvey, 24, of the U.S.

Lalela Mswane, 24, of South Africa was second runner-up. Valeria Ayos, 27, of Colombia and Beatrice Luigi Gomez, 26, of the Philippines finished in the Top 5.

Sandhu was crowned by Andrea Meza, 26, of Mexico. The latter reigned as Miss Universe 2020 from May 16, 2021 to December 12, 2021, making it the shortest completed Miss Universe reign.