When 19-year-old Leonora Lysglimt-Rødland strutted onto the Miss Universe stage in Thailand last week, nobody quite expected what was about to happen. The Miss Norway contestant appeared dressed head-to-toe as a giant Norwegian salmon, and honestly? The internet hasn’t been the same since.
The shimmering silver-and-pink costume featured scales, fins, and a perfectly sculpted fish head that left the audience at Impact Arena absolutely stunned. But here’s where things got even better. Midway through her walk, Lysglimt-Rødland peeled open the outer layer of her salmon costume to reveal a bodysuit underneath that mimicked the peachy-orange flesh of the fish. Talk about commitment to the bit.
As the Oslo native owned the runway, the show’s voiceover explained that the look represented both her skills as a baton twirler and Norway’s position as a leading salmon exporter. The costume was designed by 36-year-old Mayeth Sigue Codoy, who clearly understood the assignment when it came to honoring Norway’s maritime heritage and fishing traditions.
Social media immediately exploded with reactions. Memes, reaction videos, and playful captions flooded every platform imaginable, making the salmon costume one of the most viral moments of the entire Miss Universe competition. Some observers even noted that Miss Norway proved herself as the most theatrical contestant, while others admitted they were completely confused yet thoroughly entertained.
The costume sparked divided opinions across the internet. Some viewers applauded the creativity and humor behind the choice, celebrating it as a bold statement about Norwegian culture and trade. Meanwhile, others labeled it one of the most peculiar outfits in Miss Universe history. But let’s be real—that’s exactly what makes it brilliant.
Despite becoming a fan favorite and generating more buzz than almost anyone else at the pageant, Lysglimt-Rødland didn’t advance to the top 12. Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch ultimately took home the crown. Still, the salmon costume achieved something few contestants manage: it got absolutely everyone talking.
At the end of the day, whether you loved it or found it bewildering, Miss Norway’s salmon moment proved that sometimes the boldest choices make the biggest splash. And judging by how the internet reacted, this costume will be swimming through meme feeds for years to come.
