USA wins its 9th Miss Universe crown, while Venezuela places 2nd

Fashion designer and sewing instructor R'Bonney Gabriel, the third Filipino American to win Miss USA, and the first representing Texas, clinched another victory when she was crowned Miss Universe 2022 on January 14th, in New Orleans, USA. Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, considered by many pageant observers the favorite for the crown, placed 2nd. Miss Dominican Republic, AndreÍna MartÍnez, was named second runner-up.

In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, they were asked how they would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization”.

Miss USA answered:

“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

“It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference,” Gabriel continued. “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”

The new Miss Universe is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas. She is also the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.

84 contestants from around the world took part in the competition.

Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the top five finalists.

The candidates who placed among the Top 16 semi-finalists were Australia, Monique Riley; Canada, Amelia Tu; Colombia, María Fernanda Aristizábal; Haiti, Mideline Phelizor; India, Divita Rai; Laos, Payengxa Lor; Peru, Alessia Rovegno; Portugal, Telma Madeira; South Africa, Ndavi Nokeri; Spain, Alicia Faubel; and Trinidad and Tobago, Tya Jané Ramey.

Malta and Chile shared the Miss Congeniality award.

The big “surprises” on the list of semi-finalists were Misses Haiti, Canada, and Laos. Australia, Spain and Trinidad and Tobago were not among the main favorites to make the cut, but they were fair possibilities. Huge favorites such as the Philippines, Thailand and Italy, did not make the cut at all.

The winner, the 9th Miss USA to be crowned Miss Universe, was crowned by last year’s winner, Harnaaz Sandhu of India.

The production of the show did not showcase significant changes. El Salvador was announced as the host country for the 2023 edition of the pageant, to happen in November and December.