Daniela Reyes Nears Miss Universe Cuba Finale: "It's Time to Face the Judges"

Cuban model and influencer Daniela Reyes has reached a pivotal moment on her journey toward the crown, as she participated in a private interview with the judges of Miss Universe Cuba 2026 on Friday. This critical stage is designed to assess not only physical appearance but also intelligence, empathy, and personal growth.

Reyes shared her excitement on Instagram, where she boasts over a million followers: "The time has finally come to sit before the judges and reveal a bit more about myself, my story, and everything that has brought me to this point."

The post was adorned with a glamorous photoshoot featuring her in a sequined gold dress set against a colonial-style building, quickly gathering thousands of likes and hundreds of comments.

Her fans were effusive in their support on Friday. "Many will fall in love with you today, with your talent, your education, your natural charm and simplicity, and the special person you are. A Miss 24/7," one follower wrote. Another captured the general sentiment: "All the candidates have worked hard and are stunning, but Daniela has consistently provided the best content since the beginning of the competition. Your effort, dedication, and beauty are evident. You deserve that crown."

Anticipation Builds for the Final Showdown

The day before, Daniela had already hinted at the beginning of the final stretch with another flawless visual presentation— a multicolored dress against a tropical backdrop— along with a message reflecting her mood: "Ready, focused, and more excited than ever for the days that lie ahead... I want to savor every moment, enjoy the journey, and give it my all."

The grand finale is slated for August 20 at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay, south of Miami, preceded by a preliminary gala on August 18. The winner will go on to represent Cuba at Miss Universe 2026, with its final event scheduled for November 24 at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Daniela Reyes is entering this phase as a crowd favorite among the 20 candidates introduced at the Feather Fantasy Fashion Show, all vying for the title.

The competition began in April with more than 100 hopefuls attending an in-person casting in Miami. This year's selection process has been more rigorous than previous editions, featuring virtual auditions, in-person castings, and now the private interview with the judges as the final step before the grand finale.