Chilean contestant Ignacia Fernandez gained attention after showcasing her talent at the Miss World Chile competition, where she performed a death metal song last weekend.
The 27-year-old, who leads a progressive death metal band named Descessus, showcased her abilities with an original track, accompanied by guitarist Carlos Palma.
In a striking black ballgown and complete with makeup, she delivered powerful growls and screams, impressing the audience. Representing Santiago’s Las Condes region, she received a standing ovation and secured a spot among the top 20 finalists for the final event on November 9.
Miss World Chile is an event that chooses representatives not only for Miss World but also for Miss Universe, featuring traditional and talent segments.
As videos of her performance circulated online, many commended Fernandez for pushing the boundaries of conventional beauty pageants.
“Finally someone is breaking the stereotypes of femininity,” one viewer noted, while another expressed admiration for the presence of “metal girls in the pageant world.”
Another comment underlined the idea that it’s possible to embrace both beauty and a passion for metal music.
Other reactions included surprise and interest: “That’s amazing,” one person remarked, while another admitted, “This is the first time I’m interested in a beauty pageant.”
Chile boasts a robust heavy music scene, so Fernandez’s performance felt fitting, yet it still shocked some international viewers.
One comment encapsulated that disbelief: “I can’t believe this is real. I thought it was AI.” Others dubbed her the “perfect woman,” with fans expressing newfound obsession over her talent.
In response to the praise, Fernandez shared her deep connection to music on social media, stating, “Metal is a fundamental part of who I am, a source of strength and refuge.”
“Expressing this on the stages of Chile Vision and Miss Mundo Chile was invaluable for me. It’s a great experience to break barriers and inspire others,” she continued.
Since founding Descessus in 2020, Fernandez has made a name for herself in the metal community, even opening for bands like Jinjer, Epica, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.
It seems like the landscape of beauty competitions is evolving.
Earlier in the week, the current Miss Universe winner left a pre-event after the pageant’s director chastised Miss Mexico publicly for allegedly lacking respect.
Victoria Schielvig exited the Tasuki ceremony taking place in Bangkok, where the Miss Universe competition is currently held, after Nawat Isaragrisil rebuked Fatima Bosch in front of other contestants for not participating in a photoshoot.
He insisted the contestants must embrace everything the team suggests, asserting that Miss Mexico “doesn’t do anything it doesn’t like.”
In a live stream, Isaragrisil directed Bosch to face the camera and respond, leading to her discomfort as she expressed her dismay over being insulted publicly.
When security was called to escort Bosch out, many other contestants chose to leave alongside her, seemingly staging a walkout.
Isaragrisil can be heard urging them to stay put, even threatening disqualification for those who left, but it had little effect.
Teilvig, who joined the exit, remarked to an interviewer, “This is about women’s rights,” and expressed disappointment at the situation.
“We need to do something bigger,” said the reigning titleholder. “It’s unacceptable to demean others; I’ve never participated in that, so I’m leaving.”
Afterward, Miss Mexico voiced her feelings to Thai press, emphasizing her respect for the island and its people while rebuking the director’s conduct. “He called me stupid… I just want to be nice and do my best,” she conveyed, stressing the need for empowerment and the right to speak out. “No one should silence us.”
