MISS USA R’Bonney Nola Gabriel was crowned as the 71st Miss Universe in glittering ceremonies held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Photo from the Instagram account of Miss Universe
Gabriel, 28, topped the field of 83 delegates worldwide that included early favorite Celeste Cortesi of the Philippines who failed to enter the first cut of 16 semifinalists.
The new Miss Universe is from Friendswood, Texas. She is bi-racial. Her father, Remigio Bonzon “R-Bon” Gabriel, is a Filipino who migrated from Manila to the USA when he was only 16, while her mother is American Dana Gabriel from Beaumont, Texas.
Gabriel succeeded India’s Harnaaz Sandhu who placed the new $6-million Mouawad crown on her head before she took her victory walk as the ninth American woman to win the title in the competition’s 71-year history.
The USA scored victories in 1954, 1956, 1960, 1967, 1980, 1995, 1997 and in 2012 when Miss Universe host Olivia Culpo won.
Culpo co-hosted the on-stage proceedings, live streamed on Roku Channel, with Jeannie Mai, while the backstage commentaries were conducted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall.
Venezuela’s Amanda Dudamel was first runner-up, while the Dominican Republic’s Andreina Martinez was second runner-up.
The final competition started with 83 contestants that was narrowed down to 16 semifinalists who took to the stage in swimsuits and evening gowns in competitive conditions before all all-women selection committee that included, among others, former Miss Universe titlists Ximena Navarrete and Wendy Fitzwilliam, and Filipina skin care specialist and Miss Universe sponsor Olivia Quido.
The 16 semifinalists were trimmed down to 5 finalists that included Puerto Rico’s Ashley Cariño and Curacao’s Gabriela dos Santos.
When asked the top 3’s final question: “If you win Miss Universe, how would you demonstrate this as an empowering and progressive organization?,” Gabriel replied: “Well, I would use it to be a transformational leader. As a very passionate designer, I’ve been sewing for 13 years. I use fashion as a force for good. In my industry, I’ve been cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I choose sewing classes to women that have survived from human trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it is so important to invest in others invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference. 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.”
Gabriel graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design with a minor in fibers and works as a designer creating eco-friendly clothing.
New Miss Universe owner, billionaire transwoman Anne Jakrajutatip of the Thailamd-based media giant JKN Global Group, announced that the 72nd pageant will be held in El Salvador which hosted the tilt back in 1975.
