For my first Miss Universe-related blog entry this 2023, I thought it best to give the daily spotlight on Miss Universe Puerto Rico Ashley Ann Cariño Barreto who is being seen by many as the thoroughbred-to-beat in this month’s celebration of beauty in New Orleans, Louisiana. And I don’t see why not. She is setting the bar high enough for the majority not to hang on and keep up with her.

28 year-old Ashley is an alumna of Miss USA when she represented the state of Florida last year and landed 2nd Runner-Up to Elle Smith of Kentucky. Will the stars align in her favor as she represents Puerto Rico in the 71st Miss Universe? Watch her official 1-on-1 clip below.