This 2025 was, without a doubt, one of the most important years for Lina Luaces, as she lived a completely unforgettable experience participating in Miss Universe. The model honored her roots by proudly representing Cuba, and although she did not take home the crown, her performance in the beauty pageant was widely praised.
After those memorable days, the young model visited her mother, Lili Estefan, at her show to talk about her decision to honor her by mentioning her surname in the competition.
On December 8, Lina stopped by the “El Gordo y La Flaca” (Univision) studio along with Itza Castillo, Miss Nicaragua, and Nadia Mejía, Miss Ecuador. The three were warmly welcomed not only by Lili, the show’s host, but also by the other presenters, who coincidentally had also shone as beauty queens: Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993, and Clarissa Molina, Miss Dominican Republic 2015.
At one point during the broadcast, Lili expressed sincere gratitude to her daughter. “Thank you, because you included my last name,” the host said, referring to Lina’s initial Miss Universe introduction when, instead of mentioning only her first surname like all the contestants, she proudly shouted her second one as well: Estefan. Lina, looking stunning in a seafoam green dress and wearing her sash, repeated her presentation at her mother’s request.
© Getty Images“For a long time I did feel embarrassed, because I didn’t want to cause controversy, but at the same time I said: ‘I am Luaces and Estefan,’” Lina shared. “You both made the sacrifice of coming here from Cuba and creating this life for me, for my brother, for my generation, so I want to honor that,” she continued. “And honoring that isn’t just honoring Luaces; it’s honoring Luaces Estefan,” she added, prompting spontaneous applause in the studio and a proud look from her mother.
“Thank you, thank you,” the host said while holding her daughter’s hand. After joking about the unique way contestants shout their names while introducing themselves, Lili invited Lina and the other beauties on set to walk the runway together, which resulted in an epic moment.
Lina feels she is no longer the same after Miss Universe
During her visit to “El Gordo y La Flaca,” Lina, just like Nadia and Itza, was asked about the positive things Miss Universe left her with, especially in an edition that many, including Lili, consider one of the most controversial in history.
© Getty Images“I’m happy because I’m not the same Lina who entered the competition in April. I’m completely different; I learned so much and I feel much more confident in myself,” the young woman confessed. “And I surprised myself, because I think many people didn’t believe I was going to do a good job, and I think I did spectacularly,” added the 23-year-old model. “I’m happy, and now we have friendships for life, and I think that with all the controversy, it brought all the women closer together,” she said.
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