The representative of the United States, R’Bonney Gabriel took the crown as Miss Universe held in New Orleans, on the night of Saturday, January 14.
The representative of Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, and the representative of the Dominican Republic, Andreína Martínez, were the first and second finalists respectively.
R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, is born to an American mother and a Filipino father.
After an opening ceremony in style and with the distinctive musical characteristic of the city of New Orleans, the great show opened at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, which highlighted not only the beauty of women but also their strength, determination and empowerment.
Of the total number of participants, which were more than 80 in this 71st contest, the first 16 finalists were selected, among which several of Latin American origin stood out, including the representatives of Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, among others.
One of the most emotional moments of the pageant was when the mother of former Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst, appeared on stage to thank the audience for the love shown to her daughter who passed away at the age of 30.
Cheslie Kryst reportedly committed suicide and her mother announced that in her daughter’s name they had created a foundation to raise awareness about mental health.
After hearing the names of the three finalists, the candidates answered the same question so that the selection committee could evaluate them and give their final score that would give Miss United States the winner.
Before the name of the winner was revealed, it was announced that the next venue for the beauty pageant would be El Salvador. It was the president himself, Nayib Bukele, who broke the news through a recorded video in which he sent a message “El Salvador is changing and I want you to come experience it.”
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel Youtube and activate notifications, or follow us on social networks: Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
