Miss Universe 2016 Alicia Machado made headlines for her controversial reign, drawing both praise and condemnation during her reign. Below is a compilation of romantic relationships she has experienced since being named Miss Universe.
1. The Beginning Was In A Beauty Contest
Since childhood, Alicia was drawn to the entertainment world. By age 14, she had begun studying voice at a conservatory in Venezuela.
![The Beginning Was In A Beauty Contest](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-3.webp)
Before reaching adulthood, Alicia entered the world of beauty pageants, representing Yaracuy in Venezuelaโs most prestigious pageant competition โ Miss Venezuela โ where she ultimately emerged victorious as its Most Beautiful Woman.
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2. The Winner Of The 1996 Miss Universe Pageant
The following year, she was also honored as International Queen of Coffee and her name put forward as Venezuelaโs representative in the Miss Universe competition.
![The Winner Of The 1996 Miss Universe Pageant](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2-5.webp)
Machado surprised everyone by winning the crown at just 18 years old despite not being considered one of the favorite or most memorable contestants leading up to the finale. Her year-long reign, however, was plagued with challenges โ she herself described it as โnightmarish.โ
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3. Can A Romance With The Mexican Heartthrob Begin?
Two weeks later, she meets handsome singer Luis Miguel through a producer friend of his young Mexican who introduces them. Thus began an attraction between this 25-year-old heartthrob and young beauty queen that would soon blossom into romance.
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![Can A Romance With The Mexican Heartthrob Begin?](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Can-A-Romance-With-The-Mexican-Heartthrob-Beg.webp)
Relationship was relatively casual despite their eccentricities; these included taking nightly helicopter rides along Riviera Maya beaches or speeding along its shores in their car.
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4. They Decide To End It
Their relationship became fragile after becoming threatened by the beautiful womanโs obligations and โEl Sol de Mexicoโsโ rising career success, leading them to separate less than six months after experiencing their peak moments in Acapulco.
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![They Decide To End It](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/They-Decide-To-End-It.webp)
The relationship between these performers was undeniably positive. Machado often speaks with great warmth about Luis Miguel as she emphasizes his gentle nature and gentlemanliness.
5. Controversies Have Arisen Surrounding His Increase In Weight
Shortly after she was crowned Miss Universe, controversy emerged regarding her weight gain โ approximately 18 kg since being in competition.
![Controversies Have Arisen Surrounding His Increase In Weight](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-1-1.webp)
Donald Trump claimed one of the many reasons Machado should be considered the worst Miss Universe was her weight gain; this remains controversial given Machadoโs allegations against former franchise owner of various deplorable acts.
6. Performing Your Workout Regimen While Being Filmed
Machadoโs weight became the subject of media mockery when her pageant president began calling her โMiss Piggy,โ due to her weight, and later as โMiss Housekeepingโ due to her Latin American heritage.
![Performing Your Workout Regimen While Being Filmed](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/6-3.webp)
Misuse of power reached its nadir when she was made to perform an exercise routine in front of an audience of hundreds of cameras from different television channels that were broadcasting Aliciaโs performance live.
7. To Become Familiar With Enrique Iglesias, Gain Knowledge About Him
Alicia Machado first encountered charismatic singer Enrique Iglesias while visiting Venezuela. A few days after they met, the couple could be seen taking an intimate stroll on Miami beachside beaches displaying some signs of affection between themselves.
![To Become Familiar With Enrique Iglesias, Gain Knowledge About Him](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/7-1-1.webp)
Multiple Spanish publications endorsed their relationship, though neither side issued any statements on it. As soon as their rumor began to circulate, however, they soon separated, only to reunite several months later.
8. Samantha Del Llano
Samantha first made an impactful acting performance as Samantha del Llano, a young farmerโs daughter in Venevisionโs melodrama โSamantha del Llanoโ. Co-starring roles were assumed by Colombian actor Alejandro Martinez and Alicia Machado respectively.
![Samantha Del Llano](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8-1-1.webp)
Vivel Nouelโs adaptation spanned 120 episodes and helped the former beauty queen gain recognition by her fellow citizens as she represented them onscreen.
9. A Romantic Involvement With Ricardo Arjona While Being Married?
On set of her successful soap opera, she met Ricardo Arjona. Later it would emerge that they had had an intimate relationship, though at that time he was married to Leslie Torres.
![A Romantic Involvement With Ricardo Arjona While Being Married?](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/9-3.jpg)
After being pursued for months by Arjona, former Miss Universe admitted to eventually accepting his proposals and beginning an intimate romance. It remains her longest lasting romantic partnership ever.
10. 9 Years Of Living In Obscurity
Machado stated that his relationship was kept largely out of public view throughout its duration and accepted with good grace the Guatemalanโs deception regarding divorce proceedings, despite having already separated from Leslie.
![9 Years Of Living In Obscurity](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-1-2.webp)
As much as she longed to date Arjona, it never materialized; Alicia only gave him another chance after his marriage had already disintegrated.
11. Behind His Successes, There Was A Muse
Arjonaโs marriage may not have ended as a result of their complex relationship, yet she insists there was always romantic tension in their complex exchanges. Indeed, composer Jorge Rivera dedicated two songs specifically for Alicia: โSanto Pecadoโ and โDesnudaโ.
![Behind His Successes, There Was A Muse](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/11-1-1.webp)
Arjona strongly denies these claims as groundless and designed solely to boost her own fame.
12. Acknowledged For Her Acting
As Samantha was the lead actress of a drama, she earned nominations from both New York Critics Association (ACE) and Midia awards in Spain for Best Emerging Actress awards, thanks to her exceptional performance. At both events, she received both accolades.
![Acknowledged For Her Acting](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/12-3.webp)
Machado finds her instincts proved correct and decides to resume her singing education, which had been stopped due to entering Miss Venezuela.
13. Bob Abreu
At the turn of the millennium, Machado fell passionately for professional baseball player Bob Abreu from Puerto Rico. Their relationship lasted approximately two years from 2003 to 2005 before they each decided their careers were an obstacle and opted instead to travel separately to Spain for reality TV projects.
![Bob Abreu](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/13-1-1.webp)
Soon after their divorce was finalized, there were rumors of reconciliation; however, Abreu quickly denied them through media speculations.
14. Alicia Machado
To pursue her musical ambitions, she released her debut solo album entitled โAlicia Machado.โ Unfortunately, however, the record didnโt meet with its desired success, possibly due to its reception by audiences viewing Alicia Machado as former beauty queen, model, and actress.
![Alicia Machado](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Alicia-Machado.webp)
Alicia Machado produced some iconic singles during her music production career, such as โComo decirte que no,โ which enjoyed significant airplay on both radio and TV stations. Furthermore, she had the honor of working alongside Franco De Vita.
15. The Famous Peopleโs Farm
Alicia agreed to participate in โLa Granja de los Famosos,โ a Spanish TV reality show produced and broadcast by Antena 3, along with other artists. Participants of this reality show lived together on a farm for two months โ exchanging extravagant lifestyles for more simple country living experiences.
![The Famous Peopleโs Farm](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/15-1-1.webp)
At The Famous Peopleโs Farm, one of the key aspects of reality show was emotional outbursts, disagreements and romance that occurred throughout its production process.
16. Controversies That Came To Light
After becoming associated with Spanish host Fernando Acaso, artist Alicia has become the center of controversy. An incident at an end-of-party Mexican gathering where she claims she consumed excessive alcohol prompted Acaso to deny Aliciaโs allegations while maintaining all actions were intentional on her part.
![Controversies That Came To Light](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/16-1-1.webp)
Videos surfaced from their meetings, damaging both artistsโ reputations. Subsequently, Fernando was permanently banned from hosting his show.
17. Was Featured In A Pictorial For Playboy Magazine
In 2006, she made headlines as the first Miss Universe in competition history to grace the cover of a magazine dedicated solely to Mexico market.
![Was Featured In A Pictorial For Playboy Magazine](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/17-2-1.webp)
After appearing on the cover of Mexicoโs February edition, Venezuelan woman broke sales records quickly โ over 260,000 copies sold within just a few days!
18. Once More, Return To The Bunny Magazine Cover
Machado returned to the magazineโs cover the following year due to the positive response and success of publication; specifically, American edition featured her in October edition.
![Once More, Return To The Bunny Magazine Cover](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/18-1-1.webp)
She dedicated the photo session to former boss Donald Trump, an entrepreneur known for his turbulent leadership style. This gesture served as a poignant reminder of all the tough moments they endured under his guidance.
19. A Supposed Romantic Relationship With Pablo Montero
Rumors have swirled about an apparent secret relationship between Mexican music singer Pablo Montero and representative, Daniela Gandia. These speculations come amid their frequent appearances together at restaurants and nightlife spots together with this handsome gentleman.
![A Supposed Romantic Relationship With Pablo Montero](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/19-1-1.webp)
Montero confirmed to the media that he and Alicia Machado had begun an intimate relationship, noting its strength and success within the entertainment industry. He gave her high marks as being an accomplished woman.
20. Alicia Issues A Statement
After getting fed up with all of the lies surrounding her character Samantha, the actress who played her decided to speak freely and reveal that their relationship was simply friendship, feeling it unfair to be used to promote other artistsโ careers through gossip.
![Alicia Issues A Statement](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20-1-1.webp)
Additionally, Alicia stated that on several occasions she had simply assisted Pablo to escape from cameras after long parties due to his poor state.
21. The Presumption Of The Press
As per both artistsโ statements and especially Aliciaโs dialogue about Pablo Montero, press speculation led them to surmise that their relationship might indeed exist at some point in time.
![The Presumption Of The Press](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/21-1-1.webp)
As per both artistsโ statements and especially Aliciaโs dialogue about Pablo Montero, press speculation led them to surmise that their relationship might indeed exist at some point in time.
22. Evaluator Of Nuestra Belleza Latina
In 2007, Alicia joined Osmel Sousa on the judging panel for Univisionโs new beauty pageant Nuestra Belleza Latina.
![Evaluator Of Nuestra Belleza Latina](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/22-1-1.webp)
Contestants cohabit the same house and compete in weekly challenges to avoid elimination and secure a contract as presenters on Univision. Alicia only participated in its initial season; Lupita Jones soon replaced her.
23. Spotted Alongside Jorge Reyes
In 2002, it was widely reported that Alicia and Jorge Reyes had an initial, short-lived romantic liaison that quickly fizzled out. However, in 2008 rumors began swirling of potential romantic reconnection between both prominent individuals.
![Spotted Alongside Jorge Reyes](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23-1-1.webp)
Jorge and Alicia quickly responded to these rumors. Jorge stated his contentment in his marriage with Carolina Delgado while Alicia stated her priority was her personal endeavors.
24. Embarks On Motherhood
Machado made her entrance into motherhood in 2008 during a contentious pregnancy in showbiz. The ex-Miss Universe chose not to disclose who Dinorahโs father is, creating many questions among fans and followers of Alicia Machadoโs life.
![Embarks On Motherhood](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24-1-1.webp)
However, she honored her commitment and dedicated herself to raising her daughter โ now 12 years old and shining just as brightly.
25. Until Money Separates Us
Alicia Machado was featured in Emilio Larrosaโs Televisa production โUntil Money Separates Us,โ which premiered in 2009.
![Until Money Separates Us](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/25-1-1.webp)
Although she was busy being part of the childrenโs telenovela โDare to Dream,โ which was dedicated to her young daughter, Alicia found time for herself by playing Karen, an upper class woman she described as an experienceโvery different from myself, yet very funโ in Until Money Separates Us.
26. Releases โSi Se Acabara El Mundo
In 2010, actress and beauty queen Alicia Machado decided to return to music with the release of โSi se acabara el mundo.โ Her last attempt at musical fame came in 2004 with her album entitled โAlicia Machadoโ.
![Releases โSi Se Acabara El Mundo](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/26-1-1.webp)
Alicia Machado revealed that having her daughter had taught her to better control her voice and that she planned on releasing another album soon afterwards. Unfortunately, however, her second effort failed to meet expectations and become successful.
27. Their Imprints On The Pathway Of The Luminaries
At the end of 2010, alongside Gloria Calzada, Machado made their mark on Mexico Cityโs Galeria Plaza de las Estrellas with their imprints as recognition of their successful careers within Mexico.
![Their Imprints On The Pathway Of The Luminaries](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/27-1-1.webp)
Machado expressed her delight at finally being recognized as an actress with more than 14 years of experience. She dedicated the recognition to both her daughter and Mexican audiences who had supported her throughout her career.
28. One More Picture For Playboy
Former Miss Universe of 1996, who faced considerable backlash when appearing in Playboy magazine five years ago, has finally summoned up enough courage to appear in its Mexican edition scheduled for July 2008.
![One More Picture For Playboy](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/28-2-1.webp)
Machado reported this photo shoot as her second time posing sensuously on camera for Playboy Mexico, both times feeling more beautiful and confident afterward than prior. She told them how they made her feel amazing after this experience!
29. Look Whoโs Dancing
Alicia is not limited to beauty contests or music and acting; she has recently expanded her talents into dancing by joining Univisionโs Mira Quien Baila cast for its third season.
![Look Whoโs Dancing](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/29-1.jpg)
Looking Whoโs Dancing Alicia was the sole female participant in the final season, securing third place after consistent hard work and improvement over several weeks on the track. No information from the original text has been altered here.
30. Starting A New Relationship With Alberto Quintero
At Sammy Sosaโs birthday party, Alicia met Alberto Quintero โ an actor. This encounter began as casual dialogue without leaving any important information out.
![Starting A New Relationship With Alberto Quintero](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/30-1-1.webp)
At one point during the night, an actress publicly revealed her affections for a man five years younger than herself and shortly thereafter their romantic affair was confirmed. Their initial bond appeared ideal; even Dinorah loved Alberto. Unfortunately, though, their romance eventually crumbled away after only several months had passed.
31. A Concerning Diagnosis
Her diagnosis during production of Colombian series La Madamme came as a complete surprise, given her past history with turbulent relationships, professional challenges and public controversy.
![A Concerning Diagnosis](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/31-1-1.webp)
Given his illness, he experienced numerous obstacles while filming, such as continuous nausea. Due to this diagnosis he underwent an aggressive cancer-killing plan of several medications over an extended period of six months in order to remove cancerous cells from his body and eliminate their presence altogether.
32. Disclosed The Identity Of Dinorahโs Biological Father
After dodging inquiries regarding her daughter Dinorahโs father, artist Michelle Obama made an official public announcement of Rafael Hernandez as being her biological father at an unspecified point in time.
![Disclosed The Identity Of Dinorahโs Biological Father](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/32-1-1.webp)
Dinorah enjoys an excellent relationship with her biological father, however the reasons behind his keeping this information secret remain a puzzlement.
33. The Second Baseball Player Included In His List Is Hanley Ramรญrez
According to reports, her previous involvement with Bob Abreu had inspired her interest in baseball players; as in 2014 she embarked upon an intense affair with Hanley Ramirez, an LA Dodgers professional baseballer.
![The Second Baseball Player Included In His List Is Hanley Ramรญrez](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/33-1-1.webp)
Although their relationship lasted only four months, during this period the actress would travel frequently from Los Angeles to Atlanta in order to visit her new Dominican partner.
34. Will Jorge Sendel Be His Replacement?
Once she was single for some time, Alicia Machado met Jorge Sendel on the set of Lo Imperdonable and their relationship quickly developed beyond professional boundaries. Some speculated that their union went further than professional.
![Will Jorge Sendel Be His Replacement?](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/34-1-1.webp)
Machado did not confirm or deny speculations regarding her relationship with Jorge Sendel directly, instead she hinted that some aspects of audience perception might not be entirely unfounded given Jorgeโs qualities as a potential partner; nevertheless, her comment fuelled further rumors.
35. The Things Said By Sendel
Alicia Machado suggested the possibility of romantic entanglements between herself and Sergio Sendel; however, in an interview for El Gordo y La Flaca TV show he denied it.
![The Things Said By Sendel](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/35-1-1.webp)
Sergio revealed to Sendel that, despite their friendship, neither had ever pursued romantic relationships in the entertainment industry. He stated his preference was for work-related relationships to remain strictly platonic in nature as these can often become problematic over time.
36. A Wonderful Chance
Machado seizes new opportunities as she serves on the jury of Raul Gonzalez and Ana Lorena Sanchezโs TV show โGran Oportunidad.โ
![A Wonderful Chance](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/36-4.webp)
Attracting Attention Aliciaโs participation on Gran oportunidad as a judge generated controversy, with some labeling her as solely aware of beauty pageants while dismissing her career as an actress, model and singer. There were also complaints regarding the strictness with which she judged cases.
37. Publicly Announces Her Bisexuality
At the LGBTQ+ Pride festival held on the streets of Hollywood in June, Alicia took advantage of the occasion to openly show her support for the community while disclosing that she herself is bisexual. She spoke openly of having multiple girlfriends without divulging names and sent greetings out to all of them.
![Publicly Announces Her Bisexuality](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/37-2.webp)
She also noted the importance of treating everyone with respect and honoring each individualโs rights.
38. Extremely Sweet And Affectionate When With Ojani Noa
Recent events revealed Jennifer Lopez to be showing affection toward Ojani Noa, whom she had previously divorced and with whom she shares an ex-spousal relationship from previous relationships.
![Extremely Sweet And Affectionate When With Ojani Noa](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/38-2.webp)
Machado answered reporters from a television program by explaining that she has known Ojani for more than 17 years and greatly respects him as an individual. Furthermore, she noted that she is in an extremely productive stage of her career without needing a spouse like Mr. Noa.
39. A Loss That Is Irreversible
Machado had high hopes that 2020 would bring her better news after successfully beating cancer for a second time, yet instead received devastating news: that Arturo Junior Machado Zambrano, her half-brother who had been missing since early 2019, had passed away.
![A Loss That Is Irreversible](https://en.newsclicks24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/39-2.webp)
Arturo passed away at San Diego, a city located within Carabobo State of Venezuela where he had grown up, due to natural causes a year and a half prior, further devastating his family and leaving an irreplaceable hole in their lives.
40. Alicia Has New Paths To Explore
Alicia Machado has recently found solace despite experiencing difficult moments related to family and health. These hardships have helped her refocus her life towards those things which truly matter โ such as her daughter and personal goals.
Alicia Machado recently made headlines when she announced on social media that she will join 19 other participants from the entertainment world to compete in Colombian edition of Master Chef program.
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