MISS USA WINS MISS UNIVERSE

The 71st Miss Universe title has been handed to R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States.

The 28-year-old Texas native is the first Miss USA of Filipino descent and it also marks the United States’ first victory in a decade.

To date, the United States has won the title nine times, more than any other country.

The crowning took place in the US city of New Orleans where contestants from 84 countries competed. The year’s pageant also broke barriers for the first time in the pageant’s 70-year history that was hosted by an all-female presenting panel.

Jeannie Mai hosted the competition along with Olivia Culpo, a former Miss Universe. The backstage correspondents were Catriona Gray who wore the Miss Universe crown in 2018 and Zuri Hall.

Miss Universe 2021, Hamaaz Sandhu of India had the honour of crowning Gabriel as Miss Universe 2022.

According to Wikipedia, Gabriel graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in fashion design with a minor in fibres. She now works as a designer creating eco-friendly clothing, and as a model.

The first runner-up was Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel and the second runner-up was Andreina Martinez from the Dominican Republic.

Image credit: Marca