Catriona Gray, 24, a model, singer and beauty queen from the Philippines emerged ahead of her 92 rivals to be crowned Miss Universe 2018 yesterday morning by 2017 title-holder Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa.
The globally-televised event was held at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi with Steve Harvey serving as host and Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo performing.
The final day of this world-renowned beauty pageant saw the contestants parading in their gorgeous evening gowns, as well as colourful swimsuits from Sirivannavari, which were provided by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.
The contestants this year were judged by an all-female committee led by Porntip "Bui" Simon, formerly known as Porntip "Bui" Nakhirunkanok, Thailand's own Miss Universe 1988.
The newly crowned Gray was a crowd favourite from the beginning. Her performance and impressive runway walk in the preliminary round were widely shared and appreciated on social media.
In the final round of the competition, the top three contestants -- from the Philippines, South Africa and Venezuela -- were asked their most important life lessons and how they would apply them in their role as Miss Universe.
Gray replied without missing a beat that she strives to find beauty even in the worst conditions and wants people to be grateful for what they have so everyone can enjoy an amazing world without room for negativity.
Gray graduated with a master's degree in music theory. She advocates for HIV/Aids prevention, with the Love Yourself PH organisation, and serves as a volunteer for Young Focus, an NGO which supports underprivileged children in the slums of Manila. As a veteran beauty queen, she was previously placed in the Top 5 of the Miss World beauty pageant in 2016.
Miss Universe 2018 marks the fourth time a Filipina woman has won this coveted title. Following her win, Gray plans to expand a platform for education in impoverished areas and continue her HIV/Aids awareness advocacy. She says this is a cause close to her heart after having lost a friend to HIV-related complications.
Tamaryn Green, 23, a medical student from South Africa, came second, with Sthefany Gutierrez, 19, a Venezuelan model, in third.
Thailand's representative, investment banker Sophida Kanchanarin, 23, finished in the top 10.
On-anong Homsombath, 23, from Laos won Best National Costume award for her golden mythical creature ensemble.
Angela Ponce, who is the first transgender woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe, didn't make it into the top 20. Nevertheless, a special video of Ponce was shown at the event, with the Spanish beauty queen herself also making a solo appearance onstage to the audience's cheers. In the touching video, she spoke about her experiences as a transgender woman and her desire for inclusiveness, which earned a standing ovation from the crowd inside the hall.
