Jessica Lane of Australia crowned as Miss Earth 2024 at glittering event in the Philippines; home favourite Irha Alfecche in Top 12

New Miss Earth 2024 Jessica Lane, of Australia, waves during the Grand Coronation night at a hotel in Paranaque, Philippines on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024. - AP

MANILA: Jessica Lane from Australia was named Miss Earth 2024 during the coronation night in Paranaque, Philippines, on Saturday night (Nov 9).

Lane stood out among 76 contestants to take home the crown, marking her as a global environmental advocacy champion.

The event, held over three hours, concluded with Lane triumphing over candidates from around the world, a recognition of her beauty, poise, and commitment to environmental causes.

Lane’s victory was celebrated by a dazzling show and performances, setting a high bar for future Miss Earth hopefuls.

Australia's Jessica Lane was declared as Miss Earth 2024 during the coronation night held in Paranaque on Saturday.

Lane bested 75 other candidates after more than three hours of the competition.

New Miss Earth 2024 Jessica Lane (second from right) of Australia, poses with (from left) Miss Earth Fire 2024 Niva Antezana, of Peru, Miss Earth Air 2024 Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir, of Iceland, and Miss Earth Water 2024 Bea Millan-Windorski, of the United States, during the Grand Coronation night at a hotel in Paranaque, Philippines on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024. - AP

Among the other winners in the elemental court are Hrafnhildur Haraldsdóttir of Iceland (Miss Earth - Air), Bea Millan-Windorski of USA (Miss Earth - Water), and Niva Antezana of Peru (Miss Earth - Fire).

Meanwhile, the Philippines' bet Irha Mel Alfeche ended her journey in Miss Earth 2024 after failing to make the Top 8.

Last year's bet Yllana Aduana was declared as Miss Earth-Air 2023, runner-up to Miss Earth 2024 Drita Ziri of Albania.

Alfeche was aiming for the Philippines' fifth Miss Earth crown, after Karen Ibasco (2017), Angelia Ong (2015), Jamie Herrell (2014), and Karla Henry (2008). In last year's event, the Philippines’ representative, Yllana Aduana, was named Miss Earth-Air, the first runner-up position.

The coronation night of Miss Earth 2024 was held in Paranaque with Kapamilya star Robi Domingo as its host.

The competition’s Top 8 featured contestants from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cabo Verde, and Russia. Additionally, the Top 12 included candidates from Nigeria, Mauritius, and the Philippines. The USA was among the few nations to achieve both a Top 12 placement and an elemental court title.

The Top 20, recognised for their strong performances, included representatives from Wales, Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Thailand, New Zealand, Cuba, and Poland. Notably, Poland’s representative Julia Zawistowska was crowned Miss People’s Choice.

The worldwide-known event brought a night of glamour, talent, and advocacy, showcasing the dedication of women from across the globe to environmental causes.