Thirty-Six Finalists Chosen for 2026 Miss Universe Jamaica Crown

The AC Hotel in Kingston welcomed a large turnout of aspiring contestants on Sunday as they sought places in the national Miss Universe Jamaica beauty and wellness pageant.

Thirteen parish queens advanced automatically, leaving the judging panel to interview the remaining applicants and select the other delegates. Following a session lasting nearly three hours, 23 women were chosen to join the parish representatives, bringing the 2026 field to 36 contestants.

Medical doctor Tianna McDaniel was among the successful applicants after making a strong impression during her appearance. She told Observer Online that this was her first attempt at entering a beauty pageant. McDaniel said she joined after being approached and encouraged, and hopes the experience will help her learn and grow as a woman.

ZIP FM media practitioner Kwela Cole also earned a place in the final group. Cole reached the finals of the Miss Universe Jamaica East pageant two years ago, stepped away for one year and returned after spending the past year preparing. She said she feels ready to face what the competition brings.

Lisa Escalona, who was born in Jamaica and is of Jamaican and Venezuelan heritage, was another contestant selected. Surprised when her name was called, Escalona said she was happy and intended to give the competition her best effort.

The finalists will now begin preparations for the grand coronation, scheduled for August 23 at the AC Hotel. Their programme will feature workshops, voice and speech training, interview preparation, courtesy calls and rehearsals.

The 36 finalists are Tara-Gaye Evans, Aaliyah Innis, Daja-Nae McIntosh, Mickalia Suckie, Taniquia Francis, Suzan Dowdie, Marci-Lee Smith, Renieka Brown, Denaa Hydol, Hannah Collings-Myers, Regina McLean, Annalicia Russell, Celene Hall, Alyssa Francis, Alanda Newman, Roushanda Levy, Alexsia Brady, Thrisianna Coke, Claire Schwapp, Trudy-Ann Peart, Kadejah Anderson, Kwela Cole, Andrea Hill, Lisa Escalona, Racquel Chung, Tianna McDaniel, Antonni James, Jody Hilton, Rajeani Reid, Asheka Thomas, Sidayne Ferguson, Marsha Roberts, Shanika Scott, Channon Smith, Macaeda Sutherland and Latavia Mellish.