The lights have dimmed on the Miss Universe 2025 stage, and a new queen, Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, wears the crown. But in the quiet aftermath, amidst the confetti and the calibrated smiles, a raw, emotional narrative has emerged—one that speaks louder than any judge’s scorecard.
In a moment of profound sisterhood that transcends borders and sashes, Miss Universe Nigeria 2025 first runner-up, Damilola Bolarinde, has penned a heartbreakingly beautiful tribute to Miss Côte d’Ivoire, Olivia Yacé, the woman many around the globe are calling the pageant’s uncrowned queen.
The Pain of the Almost-Victory
Bolarinde’s words arrive in the wake of a finale that left large pockets of the audience stunned. Yacé, a beacon of regal composure and intellectual depth, finished as the 3rd Runner-Up (4th place), a placement that ignited a firestorm of disappointment online.
Addressing her West African sister directly, Bolarinde wrote: “Olivia, your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. You’ve not only represented Côte d’Ivoire and Africa with grace and strength, but you’ve also inspired countless young women to dream big and stay resilient. The world sees your brilliance, and we know this is just the beginning. Keep shining, keep inspiring, know that your impact is immeasurable, and continue to assume your identity.”
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These are not generic platitudes. They are a soothing balm on a fresh wound. Bolarinde’s emphasis on “the world sees your brilliance” is a direct acknowledgment of the collective heartbreak felt by millions who watched Yacé dominate every segment, only to fall short of the title. It is a validation that impact is not always measured in precious metals.
Why the World Wept for Olivia
The pain embedded in Bolarinde’s tribute reflects a broader sentiment: that Olivia Yacé offered something rare—a perfect synthesis of beauty and profound substance.
Throughout the night, Yacé was a force to be reckoned with. In the emotional skills round, when asked what every child should be taught, she didn’t offer a rehearsed soundbite. She delivered a sermon on self-love as the foundation of resilience, a message that resonated so deeply it went viral almost instantly. Fans dubbed it the “winning answer,” a moment where a contestant became a teacher.
Her performance in the second Q&A, discussing the empowerment of young girls, further solidified her status as a woman of deep intellect and purpose. To see such a complete performance rewarded with 4th place felt, to many, like a denial of excellence.
A Sisterhood Above Sashes
Bolarinde’s remarks are a powerful reminder of the unseen bonds forged in the fires of competition. By stepping forward to publicly crown Olivia with her words, Bolarinde has demonstrated the very grace and leadership that pageantry claims to celebrate.
Her charge to Olivia to “continue to assume your identity” is perhaps the most poignant line of all. It is a call to reject the validation of a judging panel and to rest in the knowledge of who she is: a queen who didn’t need a crown to rule the night.
In the end, Mexico may have taken the title, still thanks to tributes like Bolarinde’s, Yacé is leaving Bangkok with something far more enduring: the undisputed respect of her peers and the heart of the world.
