Catriona Gray of Philippines wins Miss Universe 2018 title

On Sunday, Catriona Gray was crowned as Miss Universe 2018 after a tough contest between 94 contestants in the 67th edition of the beauty pageant competition that was held in Bangkok this year.

24-year-old Catriona Gray is born in Australia and had entered her first pageant at the age of 5. She moved to the United States to pursue music at the Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts, according to a report in the Newsweek.

Catriona Gray is the fourth Filipino woman to win the crown. Apparently, the 24-year old received her crown from last year’s winner Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.

In a first, this year’s winner was chosen by an all-female panel of judges which included Colombian-American CEO Liliana Gil Valletta, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, Janaye Ingram, former Miss Universe winners Michelle McLean and Bui Simon, Iman Oubou, and Richelle Singson-Michael.

Miss Universe 2018 is… PHILIPPINES! pic.twitter.com/r2BkN8JpXh

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 17, 2018

Top 3 Final Word: Miss Universe Philippines#MissUniverse LIVE on @FOXtv. pic.twitter.com/W6Vwfy10k0

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 17, 2018

Just like last year, this year too the pageant was hosted by Steve Harvey for the third straight year and model Ashley Graham at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Other than that, the global event also featured Grammy-winning RnB artist Ne-Yo performance. This year’s pageant was also praised for its diversity and inclusivity. Angela Ponce from Spain made history as the pageant’s first openly transgender contestant, and Rosa Montezuma represented Panama as its first indigenous Miss Universe contestant.

 

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??????? how I’m feeling after last night’s @missuniverse Preliminary swimsuit and evening gown round. ?????????? Philippines, it brings me so much joy to carry you across my heart. Laban tayo!! ?

A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Dec 13, 2018 at 9:18pm PST

 

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Another one of my favourite outfits in my @missuniverse wardrobe from @jearsond in handmade burda callado Pinya silk top of LUMBAN LAGUNA, T’nalak belt and hand painted sampaguita skirt by Jeffrey Catuira ??? Styled by @justine.aliman19 wearing @jearsond @bragaisjojo @callihandbags ✨

A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Dec 11, 2018 at 1:41am PST

 

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Just fitted my Thai Silk dress for Thai night ? can’t wait for you all the see the beautiful pieces!!! Styled by @ton_lao @justine.aliman19 in a @ninofranco.ph skirt with T’boli embroidery ??

A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Nov 30, 2018 at 11:00pm PST

Notably, this year’s Top 5 who proceeded to the Q&A portion of the event included Catriona Gray (Miss Philippines), Kiara Ortega (Miss Puerto Rico), Tamaryn Green (Miss South Africa), Sthefany Gutierrez (Miss Venezuela) and H’Hen Nie (Miss Vietnam).

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