Metal Crowned: Ignacia Fernández's Death Metal Performance Rocks Miss World Chile

Forget the usual ballads and tap dances! Ignacia Fernández, a 27-year-old model and lead singer of progressive death metal band Decessus, brought some serious growls to the Miss World Chile semifinals, utterly blowing away the judges and audience.

TL;DR:

Ignacia Fernández, a model and lead vocalist for the progressive death metal band Decessus, performed a powerful death metal song in her ball gown at the Miss World Chile semifinals on November 2, 2025.
Her unexpected performance earned a standing ovation, global viral attention, and secured her a spot in the pageant's Top 20 finalists, advancing to the final round on November 9.
Fernández actively challenges traditional beauty stereotypes, using her platform to show that passion and authenticity can break down barriers in unexpected places, inspiring countless fans worldwide.

The Unexpected Roar That Shook the Pageant World

Imagine this: a contestant glides onto a brightly lit stage, draped in a stunning black ball gown, her hair and makeup perfectly sculpted for the Miss World Chile semifinals. The crowd expects a classical piece, a delicate dance, maybe a pop song. What they got instead? A guttural, earth-shaking scream that ripped through the air, courtesy of Ignacia Fernández, lead singer of the progressive death metal band Decessus.

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Fernández, representing the Las Condes district of Santiago, unleashed a live rendition of an original song from her band's upcoming album. Backed by her bandmate, guitarist Carlos Palma, she didn't just sing; she performed with the raw power and intensity characteristic of her genre. It was a spectacle that immediately went viral, captivating audiences far beyond the pageant hall. Source: Multiple news reports, November 6-7, 2025.

A Dual Life: From Runway to Roaring Stage

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Ignacia Fernández, at 27, isn't just a beauty queen candidate; she's a seasoned model who began her career in 2013 and a passionate musician. In 2020, she co-founded Decessus, her progressive death metal band, alongside Carlos Palma, drummer Martín Fénix, and bassist Jaime Pepe. They describe their sound as exploring "complex rhythmic structures and aggressive melodic passages," a far cry from typical pageant fare.

The band isn't new to the heavy music scene in Chile. They've built a solid reputation, opening for major international acts like Jinjer, Epica, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Insomnium. Their latest single, "Dark Flames," released in September, showcases their distinctive style. So, while her pageant appearance might have surprised many, her vocal prowess comes from years of dedication to a demanding genre.

More Than a Performance: Breaking Down Barriers with Brutality

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For Fernández, this wasn't just a talent segment; it was a deeply personal statement. She shared her motivation on Instagram, saying, "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. Being able to express it on stage at @chilevision and @misschilemundo was an opportunity I deeply value." Source: Ignacia Fernández via Instagram.

She emphasized her desire to inspire and be authentic: "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." In a world often pushing for conformity, Fernández stood firm in her individuality, proving that being "real" can resonate profoundly.

"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. Being able to express it on stage at Chilevision and Miss Mundo Chile was an opportunity I deeply value."

— Ignacia Fernández

The Rigorous Training Behind the Growl

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You might wonder how someone maintains such a powerful, yet taxing, vocal style, especially while competing in a pageant. Fernández revealed the serious dedication behind her growls in an interview with Chilean newspaper Las Últimas Noticias.

"I studied for more than two years, very focused," she explained. "I have an ENT [ears, nose, and throat] specialist and a speech therapist with whom I constantly make sure that everything is okay. I warm up during the day and, before a show, I take between 15 and 30 minutes to do several exercises calmly." This isn't just screaming; it's a finely tuned, athletic endeavor, ensuring her voice remains healthy for both her metal career and, apparently, national television. Source: Las Últimas Noticias (via Blabbermouth).

Facing Doubts and Earning a Standing Ovation

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Despite her confidence in her craft, Fernández admitted to some pre-performance jitters about public perception. "Television lends itself to people making memes and making fun of you," she told Las Últimas Noticias. The idea of her "job, her life" being trivialized was a real concern. This perfectly highlights the tradeoff: taking a huge risk for authenticity can also open you up to ridicule.

However, her bravery was met with overwhelming approval. The judges and audience, initially taken aback, quickly gave her a standing ovation. Social media exploded with praise, labeling her "Death Metal Barbie" and celebrating her for shattering stereotypes. Comments ranged from "Finally someone breaks down stereotypes about what is feminine" to "Very inspiring seeing a metal girl in the pageant world," proving her gamble paid off in spades. Her performance amassed over 1 million likes on TikTok within 24 hours, showing just how widely her message resonated. Source: Multiple news outlets, social media comments.

Example of Impact: Picture a teenager, let's call her Sofia, who loves metal but feels she has to hide it from her classmates who are obsessed with pop culture. She sees Ignacia, in a glamorous gown, unleashing powerful growls on national TV, and realizes that her diverse interests aren't a contradiction but a strength. This moment empowers Sofia to embrace her full self, maybe even wear her band T-shirt to school tomorrow. That's the ripple effect of genuine self-expression.

A Changing Landscape: Pageantry Embraces Authenticity

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Fernández's stunning performance isn't an isolated incident but part of a larger, evolving narrative within the world of beauty pageants. These competitions, long criticized for their rigid standards, are slowly but surely beginning to reflect a broader understanding of beauty, talent, and empowerment. Chile, known for its strong heavy music scene, perhaps made Fernández's act a "natural fit" locally, but its global impact surprised many who "thought it was AI."

Consider a parallel event just recently: the 2024 Miss Universe winner, Victoria Theilvig, led a walkout at a pre-event in Bangkok. This happened after a pageant boss publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, in front of other contestants. Theilvig articulated the sentiment, stating, "This is about women’s rights." Bosch, in turn, emphasized, "No one can shut-out our voice." These moments, from a death metal roar to a collective walkout, signal a powerful shift. Contestants are increasingly asserting their individuality and demanding respect, actively reshaping what it means to be a "beauty queen" in the 21st century.

As Fernández herself stated, "I’m not trying to fit in. I’m trying to show myself as I am." This philosophy is becoming a guiding star for many, pushing pageants to recognize and celebrate the multifaceted nature of modern women. It’s a powerful message: authenticity, even when it involves death metal growls in a ball gown, can be a winning strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Groundbreaking Performance

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When did Ignacia Fernández perform at Miss World Chile? She performed during the semifinals on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Did she win Miss World Chile? Her performance earned her a spot in the Top 20 finalists, and she was set to compete in the final round on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The final results are pending from the reference articles. What kind of music does her band Decessus play? Decessus is a progressive death metal band, known for its complex rhythmic structures and aggressive melodic passages. What was the general reaction to her performance? She received a standing ovation from the judges and audience. Her performance went viral on social media, earning widespread praise for breaking stereotypes and inspiring authenticity. Practical Takeaways for Embracing Your Unique Style

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Embrace Your Whole Self: Don't feel pressured to compartmentalize your passions. Ignacia showed you can be glamorous and metal at the same time.
Authenticity Resonates: Being true to who you are, even when it's unexpected, often connects with people more deeply than trying to fit in.
Preparation is Key: Whether it's vocal training or any other skill, dedication and professional guidance are crucial for excelling and protecting your craft.
Challenge Norms Fearlessly: If you believe in something, don't be afraid to push boundaries. Sometimes, the most unexpected acts create the biggest impact.
Support Diverse Voices: The overwhelming positive reaction to Ignacia's performance highlights the public's appetite for diverse talent and perspectives, encouraging us all to celebrate individuality.