On Wednesday, June 19, 2025, Telemundo confirmed that Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020, assumed the role of new captain of Team Rubi on Miss Universe Latina, El Reality, following the surprise live resignation of Zuleyka Rivera, original captain of the same team.
During the June 16 broadcast, Rivera got into an intense altercation with one of the judges after a challenge, abruptly announcing, “I don’t have a job here anymore.”
What happened to Zuleyka Rivera?
The following day, host Jacqueline Bracamontes confirmed that Rivera would not be returning to the program and that the announcement of her replacement would be made official.
Jacqueline Bracamontes introduced Andrea Meza, born in Chihuahua in 1994, as the new captain.
As Miss Universe 2020, Meza has international experience that she will now share with the contestants of the Rubi team.
Andrea Meza’s first words as captain
Before the participants, Meza said: “My role is that they find authenticity… do not seek to be a copy of some Miss Universe… that will make them shine”.
Dressed in a strapless purple satin gown with a draped neckline, she highlighted her style on stage by stating: “It’s very difficult, but that’s Miss Universe. Life goes around… I come with commitment and joy”.
She also issued a warning to her counterpart: “We’re coming with everything, team Rubí! Alicia, watch out,” referring to Alicia Machado, captain of the Esmeralda team.
The show format and context
Miss Universe Latina, El Reality debuted on June 3, 2025 on Telemundo, hosted by Jacqueline Bracamontes and judged by Aracely Arámbula, Fabián Ríos and David Salomón.
The competition brings together 30 Latina contestants divided into two teams: Rubi (Zuleyka/Andrea) and Esmeralda (Alicia), living together in a mansion and facing weekly challenges; the audience and judges decide who advances.
Visibility of Mexican talent: Meza becomes a visible reference for young Latinas, showing that Mexicans and Latinas can lead in international spaces.
Spanish-language content: The program strengthens Spanish-language television offerings in the U.S., connecting with Hispanic cultural values, beauty and female empowerment.
Dynamism and authenticity: Meza emphasizes the value of authenticity in the face of pressures to copy styles, which can inspire Latinas to be true to their identity.
Resilience model: The rapid changeover maintains the fluidity of the program and demonstrates how beauty exponents can adapt to unexpected changes.
Las opiniones son divididas sobre la salida de Zuleyka Rivera del reality show de Telemundo: unos dicen que tiene poco profesionalismo y otros que los jurados no están a la altura del certamen
Little professionalism in “Miss Universe Latina: The Reality”?
Buzzy
Zuleyka Rivera left the program on June 16 after a confrontation with the jury.
Andrea Meza (Miss Universe 2020) was announced as her successor on June 19 and is already serving as captain of Team Ruby.
Its role is based on authenticity, Mexican style and international experience.
For the U.S. Hispanic audience, his arrival represents cultural leadership, empowerment and continuity in Spanish-language entertainment.
Here is Zuleyka Rivera’s altercation with the jury / Here is Andrea Meza’s presentation.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
