In a world where beauty pageant talent shows often feature piano pieces, ballet routines, or pop songs, Ignacia Fernandez offered something entirely unexpected: the guttural, unrelenting sound of death metal. Her performance at the Miss Mundo Chile semi-finals did more than surprise the judges, it challenged expectations, captivated audiences, and ultimately secured her path to the global Miss World stage.At 27, Ignacia Fernandez is not only a model but also the lead vocalist of the death metal band Decessus, which she co-founded in 2020. During the semi-finals of Miss Mundo Chile, she took the stage alongside guitarist Carlos Palma Morán and performed a death metal track, showcasing the extreme vocal technique known as throat singing.Unlike conventional pageant entries, Fernandez’s choice was entirely self-taught initially. To refine her skill, she undertook two years of formal singing lessons and works closely with a speech therapist and an otolaryngologist. Before each performance, she dedicates up to 30 minutes to vocal warm-ups, demonstrating the meticulous preparation behind her seemingly effortless stage presence.
Breaking barriers on national television
Fernandez shared the personal significance of her performance on Instagram: “Metal has been a fundamental part of who I am as a person and in my life: a refuge, a source of strength and purpose. Being able to express it on stage at Chilevision and Miss Mundo Chile was an opportunity I deeply value.”Her appearance on open television was more than a showcase of technical skill; it was a statement against preconceived notions. She continued: “It was a great experience to break down barriers on open television, inspire, be real with it, and show that you don’t have to fear the prejudices of others.”The performance quickly went viral. A clip shared on TikTok amassed over one million likes within 24 hours, exposing Fernandez to a global audience and earning accolades such as “Death Metal Barbie” from astonished fans. Comments praised her ability to inhabit both ends of the spectrum: elegance and raw musical intensity.
From stage shock to pageant triumph
Fernandez’s boldness in the semi-finals paid off. Judges were stunned, the audience was enthralled, and she secured her spot in the Miss Mundo Chile grand finale, held on Sunday, November 9. Among twenty finalists vying for the coveted crown, she emerged victorious. Her win means she will now represent Chile in the Miss World competition next year.Celebrating her success on Instagram, Fernandez wrote: “I couldn’t be happier or more grateful! I’m taking on this beautiful challenge with all my energy and heart, ready to represent my country in the best way possible. I promise to give it my all, with passion, hard work, and purpose. Thank you for the worldwide recognition of my singing, a piece of my soul that inspires me to keep growing and dreaming big. Let’s go, Chile… for that crown!”
A voice beyond boundaries
Fernandez’s journey is a rare intersection of two worlds that seldom meet: death metal and beauty pageantry. She has shown that authenticity can resonate broadly, proving that passion and skill transcend expectation. With her place in the Miss World competition confirmed, Fernandez carries with her not only a crown but also a message: talent, however unconventional, deserves recognition.
