History was made at the Miss World Chile 2025 pageant last night (November 9), as 27-year-old Ignacia Fernández was crowned the winner. Fernández is not only a professional model but also the founder and lead vocalist for the progressive death metal band Decessus. Having beaten 19 other finalists, she will now represent Chile in the upcoming global Miss World competition.
Fernández’s victory follows a stunning semi-final performance that went viral and captured international attention. In the talent segment, she chose to perform an original song from Decessus, accompanied by her bandmate, guitarist Carlos Palma. The decision to perform extreme metal vocals while wearing a ball gown initially shocked the audience but resulted in a standing ovation, with one judge noting he had never witnessed anything similar in a beauty pageant.
In a statement on social media following her win, Fernández expressed her gratitude and commitment to her new role.
“Couldn’t be more [happy] and grateful,” she wrote. “I take on this beautiful challenge with all the energy and heart put into representing my country in the best way. I promise to give it my all, with passion, labor and purpose. Thank you for the worldwide recognition of my singing, a little piece of my soul that inspires me to keep growing and dreaming big. Let’s go all the way Chile…. for that crown!”
Her decision to perform death metal was a significant risk, one she acknowledged in an interview with the Chilean newspaper Las Últimas Noticias.
“Television lends itself to people making memes and making fun of you,” she explained. “The song I sang is by my band. It’s my job, my life.”
Fernández’s band, Decessus, formed in 2020 and has already supported major international acts like Insomnium, Jinjer, and Epica in Santiago. She emphasized that her vocal style is a serious, well-honed skill that requires professional dedication.
“I studied for more than two years, very focused,” she said. “I have an ENT [ears, nose and throat] specialist and a speech therapist with whom I constantly make sure that everything is okay. I warm up during the day and before a show I take between 15 and 30 minutes to do several exercises calmly.”
Born and raised in Santiago, Fernández has balanced her modeling career (which began in 2013) with her passion for extreme music. She has often stated on social media that metal “has been a fundamental part” of her identity, calling it “a refuge, a source of strength and purpose.”
