Key Highlights
- Ignacia Fernández surprised judges and audience at Miss World Chile 2025 semifinal with a death metal performance.
- Fernández is the vocalist of the Chilean progressive death metal band DECESSUS, which has opened for international acts like INSOMNIUM and JINJER.
- The performance earned her a place among the top 20 favorites in the beauty pageant and a spot in the final on November 9, 2025.
- Fernández balances her modeling career with her passion for extreme music as DECESSUS’s vocalist.
The Unlikely Union of Metal and Beauty Pageantry
On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Ignacia Fernández, a 27-year-old model and the founder of Chilean progressive death metal band DECESSUS, took the stage at the Miss World Chile 2025 semifinal. What initially seemed like an ordinary performance quickly turned into a unique spectacle when she began singing one of her band’s original songs in the midst of a ball gown. This unexpected twist left both the audience and judges taken aback.
Breaking Barriers with Death Metal
Fernández’s decision to incorporate her metal passion into this traditional beauty pageant has sparked significant debate about cultural stereotypes within such events. According to an interview with Las Últimas Noticias, she expressed nervousness regarding public reaction but was determined to break down barriers. “Television lends itself to people making memes and making fun of you,” Fernández said. Nevertheless, her performance received a standing ovation from the judges.
A Vocalist’s Rigorous Preparation
The singer’s commitment to maintaining her vocal health is evident in her preparation process. As she explained in an interview with El Independiente, “I studied for more than two years, very focused. I have an ENT specialist and a speech therapist with whom I constantly make sure that everything is okay.” Fernández spends between 15 and 30 minutes warming up before each performance to ensure peak vocal performance.
DECESSUS: A Force in Progressive Metal
Fernández’s band DECESSUS, formed in 2020, has gained recognition for their progressive metal sound. The band features Martín Fénix on drums and Jaime Pepe as the bassist. They have toured internationally, opening for acts such as INSOMNIUM and JINJER. Additionally, they performed at music festivals in Finland and Germany before headlining a show for EPICA in Santiago in September 2024.
Metaphors of Strength through Extreme Music
Fernández has long viewed metal as “a fundamental part” of her identity. For her, it serves not only as a hobby but also as a refuge and source of strength. This performance at Miss World Chile is seen by many as an opportunity to challenge preconceived notions about who can participate in such prestigious events.
As the final of Miss World Chile 2025 approaches on November 9, Ignacia Fernández stands poised to represent her country with a unique blend of talent and determination. Her performance has undoubtedly raised questions about the traditional boundaries within beauty pageants and cultural representation in mainstream media.
