One of the favorites at the competition, the 24-year-old television host and singer follows the footsteps of previous Miss Universe winners from Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach, Margie Moran and Gloria Diaz.
- Dec 17, 2018
AceShowbiz - Meet the new Miss Universe! Catriona Gray won the 67th annual pageant show which was held in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday, December 17 local time. She edged out other contestants from 93 countries and territories.
The 24-year-old beauty queen, who was previously crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2018 and Miss World Philippines 2016, is the fourth Miss Universe winner from Philippines after Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973) and Gloria Diaz (1969).
Earlier in the show, Gray made it into the top three after answering the top five question, "What is your opinion on the legalization of marijuana?" She said, "I'm for medical use but not so for recreational use." She further explained, "Because I think if people were to argue, what about alcohol and cigarettes? Well everything is good, but in moderation."
Here's Catriona Gray's answer to "What is your opinion on the legalization of marijuana?" #MissUniverse
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) December 17, 2018
VIDEO CREDIT: Under License from Miss Universe, LLP pic.twitter.com/B2R4aJq3Zh
Gray then advanced to the top three along with Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez and Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green. In the final portion of the competition, the three finalists were asked the "Final Word" question, "What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?"
Being the first to answer the question, she shared, "I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is... it's poor and very sad. And I've always taught myself to look for the beauty of it, to look for beauty in the faces of the children and to be grateful."
"And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe, to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson," she elaborated her plan. "If I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces. Thank you."
This is Catriona Gray's final word. #MissUniverse
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) December 17, 2018
VIDEO CREDIT: Under License from Miss Universe, LLP pic.twitter.com/HvsgEqkUKO
Gray also sashayed the runway in her red gown which featured revealing cut-outs during the evening gown competition. She described her dress as "daring and different." She gained attention for showing her signature "lava walk" on the stage.
Before the winner announcement, last year's winner Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters walked the stage one-last time as Miss Universe. "Miss Universe gave me a global platform and a global voice," she said of the competition. She vowed to continue her advocacy even after her reign, adding, "No woman deserves to be a victim of violence and crime."
Gray was eventually named Miss Universe 2018, taking over the crown from Nel-Peters. Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green is the first runner-up, while Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez is the second runner-up. Miss Puerto Rico Kiara Ortega and Miss Vietnam H'Hen Nie were in the top 5.
Miss Universe 2018 is... PHILIPPINES! pic.twitter.com/r2BkN8JpXh
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 17, 2018
Steve Harvey, who hosted the show for the fourth year in a row, said at the top of the broadcast, "This is about love and forgiveness. What this world needs is more love and forgiveness. That's what this show is about tonight."
The show made history by having its first transgender contestant, Angela Ponce from Spain. She got a special video tribute on the show which highlighted struggles from childhood and her journey to make it to Miss Universe. "I don't need to win Miss Universe. I only need to be here," the 2018 Miss Spain said in the video.
