Miss Universe 2019 is South Africa!
Miss South Africa is the new Miss Universe. And what a Miss Universe she is!
Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe Sunday night after excelling through rounds of swimsuit and evening gown struts, questions on social issues and one final chance to explain why she was the right choice.
"I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — was never considered to be beautiful," she said in her last response. "I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine."
The two runners-up for the crown were Puerto Rico (2nd place) and Mexico (3rd).
"If you do not use your beauty for your life's mission, it's just an empty ornament," Sofía Aragón, representing Mexico, said earlier in the competition.
Madison Anderson represented Puerto Rico.
"Being on the Miss Universe stage is not just a dream" Anderson said. "I believe that I found my mission. It's a representation of dedication, resilience and perseverance. I do believe my mission is to show the world that magic happens when we refuse to give up because the universe always listens to a stubborn heart."
Steve Harvey hosted the pageant for the fifth time sporting a bedazzled green and gold suit jacket. The event happened at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
Last year's winner, Catriona Gray from the Philippines spoke during Sunday's pageant, saying the past year has been "unforgettable, life-changing and purposeful."
"We're getting this amazing platform to voice the things we're passionate about, the things we care about," she said in a video. "I always had a voice, but Miss Universe allowed me to amplify it."
Colombia, Gabriela Tafur, and Thailand, Paweensuda Drouin, rounded out the Top 5.
The other 5 semifinalists who made to the Top 10 were France, Maëva Coucke, Iceland, Birta Abiba Þórhallsdóttir, Indonesia, Frederika Alexis Cull, Peru, Kelin Rivera, and United States, Cheslie Kryst.
Quarter-finalists (Top 20) came from Albania, Cindy Marina, Brazil, Júlia Horta, Croatia, Mia Rkman, Dominican Republic, Clauvid Dály, India, Vartika Singh, Nigeria, Olutosin Araromi, Philippines, Gazini Ganados, Portugal, Sylvie Silva, Venezuela, Thalía Olvino, and Vietnam, Hoàng Thùy.
Philippines, Gazini Ganados, won the Best National Costume award, while Poland, Olga Buława, was voted Miss Congeniality.
If not as great in terms of production, as last year´s edition, in Thailand, it was a good show, with emphasis on interviews and the candidates´ thoughts and communication skills. The group of delegates this year was not only stronger in terms of looks, but in general terms, and had a lot more to say and positive messages to share.
The winner, who received a “crown alert” from GB after a flawless preliminary showing, absolutely deserved to win. Zonzibini Tunzi, 26, from Tsolo, is the first black woman from South Africa to win the Miss Universe or Miss World title. The other 5 winners (2 Misses World and 3 Misses World) were all white. Tunzi is a passionate activist and engaged in the fight against gender-based violence. She has devoted her social media campaign to change the narrative around gender stereotypes. The new Miss Universe is a proud advocate for natural beauty and encourages women to love themselves the way they are.
She got very positive reviews and remarks from the press all over the globe, something very rare when it comes to beauty pageants. It was a great accomplishment by the Miss Universe Organization.
Miss South Africa is one of the best national pageants today, served with a great team of coaches and people who actually empower young women to be the best that they can be.
Results were mostly fair, though we expected to see Spain and Tanzania in the Top 20, Albania, Brazil and India in the Top 10, and France and Iceland in the Top 5. It was a tough battle!
Congratulations to the new and AMAZING Miss Universe!!!
Photos: Miss Universe.