Otaola Weighs In on Lina Luaces and Miss Universe Cuba 2025: "The Only One Who Stood Out Was the Young Girl"

The Cuban host Alexander Otaola shared his unfiltered perspective on the outcome of the Miss Universe Cuba 2025 pageant, addressing some of the criticisms circulating on social media about the winner, Lina Luaces. Luaces is notably the niece of Emilio and Gloria Estefan and the daughter of presenter Lili Estefan. On his show, "El Mañanero," Otaola countered allegations that the Estefans had bought the competition. "What could they possibly buy? That mess, that disgusting swamp in Hialeah with four unattractive, tacky, and limping contestants, and the only one who stood out was the young girl," he remarked, referring to the overall quality of the participants.

Without declaring a personal preference for Luaces, Otaola emphasized that her performance outshone the rest. He also drew comparisons between the new queen and the former Cuban representative, Marianela Ancheta, offering criticism laced with insults. "Between Marianela Ancheta and Lina, who is better prepared, who has more potential, who will the press seek out more? Obviously, Lina," he asserted.

For Otaola, the mere association of the Estefan name with the pageant is a significant advantage. "Just having the Estefan name linked to the competition already gives more to the pageant than it can offer them," he stated. He also made it clear that Lina faced little real competition during the event. According to him, Mía Dio was the only contestant with genuine potential, but "she froze that night, became timid, the stage swallowed her up."

Addressing criticisms regarding Lina's lack of fluency in Spanish and her not having lived in Cuba, the presenter was straightforward: Even though she doesn't speak Spanish, the contest in Thailand will be in English, a language she masters. As for never having stood in line in Cuba, he considers it irrelevant, as questions about waiting in line for chicken won't be asked in Thailand.

Otaola concluded that strategically, Luaces has a competitive profile. "She’s a young girl who is well-prepared, accustomed to the entertainment world, familiar with cameras, and cameras are familiar with her. Most likely, don't be surprised, this young girl could make it to the top 5. Maybe she won't win, but she could be in the top 5," he predicted.