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The lead singer of a death metal band will represent her home country in the 2026 Miss World pageant.
Ignacia Fernández, the lead singer for the band 'Decessus,' won the Miss World Chile pageant after going viral in the preliminary round last week. Fernández, 27, was joined onstage by the band's guitarist, Carlos Palma, and unleashed growls and guttural screams while dressed in a gown and sash while representing the Las Condes region in Santiago, placing in the Top 20 finalists before being named Miss World Chile last Sunday (November 9).
"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," Fernandez wrote in a translated Instagram post that included a clip of her performance. "Being able to express it on stage at @chilevision and @misschilemundo was an opportunity I deeply value. 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.
"Thanks to my band @carlospalmaofficial and @decessus_official for accompanying me and to everyone who has shown their support 🤘❤️ horns up."
Fernández will represent Chile in the 73rd edition of the Miss World Pageant, which will take place at a date to be determined, with a target of early 2026, likely in February, according to social media posts.