In one of the most unexpected and electrifying cultural moments of the year, Ignacia Fernández, frontwoman of Chilean progressive death-metal band Decessus, has been crowned Miss World Chile 2025, following a viral performance that redefined what it means to take the stage at a national beauty pageant.
The story began last week during the Miss Mundo Chile semi-finals, when Fernández delivered a stunningly unorthodox performance: instead of a pop number or ballad, she unleashed her band’s original song with full-force death growls, backed by Decessus guitarist Carlos Palma.
Clad in an elegant gown under the bright lights of Chilevisión, Fernández’s gutturals roared across living rooms nationwide — a sound seldom, if ever, heard on mainstream television. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation, propelling her into the finals and sparking a wave of fascination across social media.
Last night (November 9), Fernández emerged victorious, besting nineteen other contestants to claim the Miss World Chile title. Her performance during the finals was more traditional, but her impact was already seismic, transforming what could have been a conventional competition into a celebration of individuality, artistic integrity, and defiance of expectation.
“I couldn’t be more happy and grateful,” Fernández shared on her socials after the win. “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 message resonated deeply among fans and musicians alike, not just for its sincerity, but for what it represents: a death-metal vocalist breaking barriers in one of the most traditional stages imaginable.
“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,” she wrote earlier in the week. “Being able to express it on stage at Chilevisión and Miss Mundo Chile was an opportunity I deeply value. It was a great experience to break down barriers, inspire, and show that you don’t have to fear the prejudices of others.”
Fernández founded Decessus in 2020, a band whose sound merges progressive intricacy with raw aggression. Since then, they’ve opened for Jinjer, Epica, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and more, while their latest single, “Dark Flames,” released in September, continues to build traction online.
With the Miss World Chile crown now on her head, Fernández prepares to represent her country on the global stage next year, not just as a model, but as a symbol of artistic authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.
Whether fronting Decessus with guttural ferocity or walking the runway in grace, Ignacia Fernández embodies both extremes, beauty and brutality, with the same fearless conviction.
Decessus‘ latest single: