Ms Kurrupu expressed her excitement to her followers and supporters. 

"Just touched down in Mexico," she shared on social media. "I'm ready to represent Samoa with pride on the Miss Universe stage. I'm already meeting these gorgeous queens and I am grateful to be surrounded by such beauty and inspiration." 

Her enthusiasm reflects not only her commitment to her role but also her pride in her Samoan heritage.

Notably, the Miss Universe official page has a following of 14 million. 

Crowned Miss Universe Samoa in September 2024, Ms Kurrupu has already made history for her country by becoming the first Samoan to hold five physical crowns and titles. 

Her impressive achievements began with her victory as Miss Samoa Melbourne in 2022, followed by her crowning as Miss Samoa later that same year. 

Her accolades continued with her title of Miss Global Samoa in 2023, where she achieved a notable second-place finish at the Miss Global pageant. She also earned the title of Miss Vice Global 2023 and was the first runner-up at the Miss Pacific Islands 2023 competition.

Leiataua Jerry Brunt, Director of Miss Universe Samoa, announced that this year's pageant has garnered a remarkable 130 entries, highlighting the global interest in the competition. 

Notably, the Miss Universe organisation has made significant changes to its format this year, lifting age, height, and weight restrictions. This move reinforces the competition's commitment to empowering women worldwide and promoting diversity.

The selection process will begin with a pool of contestants from which a top 30 will be chosen. From there, the field will narrow to a top 12, leading to the final announcement of the winner. This year marks a particularly significant re-entry for Samoa, as the nation has not participated in the Miss Universe pageant for over 30 years.

Ms. Kurrupu’s journey has also received backing from the Samoan government, with blessings from Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio and Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo. Both officials were present at the crowning of Miss Universe Samoa in September, underscoring the national pride associated with her participation.