Ignacia Fernández, 27, model, vocalist, and founder of Chilean progressive death metal outfit Decessus, turned the Miss World Chile 2025 semifinal on its head last Sunday, November 2, by unleashing a death metal performance on the pageant stage.
Representing Las Condes in this year’s competition — and aiming ultimately for a place at Miss Universe — Fernández chose not to dilute who she is. For the talent segment, she appeared in an elegant ball gown and delivered an original Decessus track, joined onstage by guitarist Carlos Palma.
At first, both judges and attendees seemed stunned by the contrast between brutal vocals and pageant glamour. Within moments, shock gave way to enthusiasm, culminating in a standing ovation; one judge even remarked he had never witnessed anything like it in such a contest. The bold decision paid off: Fernández secured a spot among the top 20 contestants and advanced to the final, scheduled for Sunday, November 9.
Founded in 2020, Decessus — completed by drummer Martín Fénix and bassist Jaime Pepe — has steadily built its reputation. The band has supported international heavyweights such as Insomnium and Jinjer, appeared at festivals in Finland and Germany, and, in September 2024, opened for Epica in Santiago.
Speaking to Chilean newspaper Las Últimas Noticias, Fernández admitted she was anxious about how the stunt would be received. “Television lends itself to people making memes and making fun of you,” she explained. “The song I sang is by my band. It’s my job, my life.” The reaction, however, was overwhelmingly positive, with her collaboration with Palma earning widespread praise.
She also detailed the discipline behind her extreme vocal technique. Fernández said, “I studied for more than two years, very focused. 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.”
Born and raised in Santiago, Fernández has balanced modeling — a career she began in 2013 — with an unwavering commitment to extreme music. On social media, she has often emphasized that metal “has been a fundamental part” of her identity. For her, it is “a refuge, a source of strength and purpose.”
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