In a move that’s shaking up both the metal and pageant worlds, Ignacia Fernández — vocalist and founder of Chilean progressive death metal band DECESSUS — has been crowned Miss World Chile 2025. The 27-year-old model and musician claimed the title during last night’s (November 9) finals, outshining 19 other contestants to earn her spot at next year’s Miss World competition.

Fernández made international headlines earlier this year after performing a death metal song during the pageant’s semifinals, stunning judges and viewers alike. Representing the Las Condes district, she delivered an original DECESSUS track live on stage, wearing a gown and joined by guitarist Carlos Palma. What began as disbelief quickly turned into a standing ovation, with one judge calling the performance “something never before seen in a beauty pageant.”

On social media, Fernández expressed gratitude for the honor:

“Couldn’t be more happy and grateful. I take on this beautiful challenge with all the energy and heart to represent my country in the best way. Thank you for the worldwide recognition of my singing — a little piece of my soul that inspires me to keep growing and dreaming big.”

Founded in 2020, DECESSUS also features drummer Martín Fénix and bassist Jaime Pepe, and has shared stages with INSOMNIUM, JINJER, and EPICA, as well as appearing at festivals in Finland and Germany.

In a recent interview with Las Últimas Noticias, Fernández admitted she was nervous about bringing death metal to a televised pageant stage.

“Television lends itself to people making memes or fun of you,” she said. “But this is my band, my job, my life.”

Fernández, who’s been a professional model since 2013, continues to balance her career in fashion with her passion for extreme music. She’s also meticulous about vocal health, working closely with a speech therapist and ENT specialist to maintain her powerful growl.

Her win has sparked debate about stereotypes in beauty pageants, with Fernández embracing her platform to challenge expectations.

“Metal has always been a refuge, a source of strength and purpose,” she wrote online. “If I can show people that you can be both fierce and feminine — then that’s victory enough.”

Chile just might have the world’s first growling Miss World contender — and the metal community is here for it.