MISS UNIVERSE 2022

Miss Universe said hola to NOLA, as the 71st edition was held in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. A vibrant location with diverse culture and great historic importance, it was the perfect host for the competition. Just like the enthusiasm and colors in NOLA the opening was Mardi Gras style.

One of the greatest highlights of this show was that it was completely led by women. From owner Anne JKN, President Paula Shugart, CEO Amy Emmerich, an all women judging panel and even the hosts- Olivia Culpo, Jeannie Mai Jenkins and correspondents- Catriona Gray and Zuri Hall. The judges also include former titleholders Wendy Fitzwilliam and Ximena Navarrete and singer and rapper Big Freedia. Indian American author Sweta Patel was also a part of the jury. This was the first edition under the JKN era and it saw Seychelles participating after 27 years and Bhutan making its debut.

The top 16 had many surprises, the best one being Laos’ first ever placement at Miss Universe. Trinidad and Tobago also saw its first placement since 2006. India’s queen Divita Rai also secured a placement in the top 16 among the 84 contestants. After the deserving women made their place in the top 16, the new MUO owner Anne Jakrajutatip took to the stage and gave an absolutely moving and energetic speech. Her charisma on stage was truly divine. Anne JKN announced the winner for the IMPACT WAYV award- the inspiring and unstoppable Anna Sueangam-iam of Thailand. The congeniality awards were given to the gorgeous Miss Universe Malta- Maxine Formosa-Gruppetta and the stunning Miss Universe Chile- Sofia Depassier. The Spirit of Carnival award was given to the courageous and kind queen- Viktoria Apanasenko of Ukraine.

After an energetic swimsuit performance where the queens showcased their soulful capes and a glamourous, elegant and classy evening gown show, it was time to call the top 5.

A heartwarming tribute was also given to Miss USA 2019 and Miss Universe 2021 backstage correspondent- Cheslie Kryst who we lost last January. Cheslie’s mother April Simpkins opened the conversation about mental health and announced the Cheslie C. Kryst Memorial Fund in partnership with National Alliance for Mental Health Awareness. This fund is focusing on the importance of mental health, especially high functioning depression of which Cheslie was unfortunately a victim. The tribute showed the love and wishes that people all around the world have for our dear queen Cheslie.

The charming queens to be in the top 5 were- Venezuela, USA, Puerto Rico, Curacao and Dominican Republic. These ladies just shined bright on the stage and no one could ignore their strong presence on stage. The Dominican Republic caught everyone’s attention with her aura!

After the top 5 Q&A, the selection committee surely had a difficult time thinking about the top 3. Post the empowering and delightful answers by the top 5, the top 3 were announced by our hosts. The Dominican Republic, followed by the USA and later Venezuela were called forward as the top 3.

The final question asked to all three was “If you win Miss Universe how would you work to demonstrate this as an empowering and progressive organization?” The answers of our top 3 had the audience roaring with their cheers and applause. After the final look, it was even more nerve wracking as all three looked like divine goddesses and seemed as a difficult choice to choose one winner.

Before the crowning, we had our own sherni, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, the 70th Miss Universe having her final walk on the reigning queen. Harnaaz walked in a Saisha Shinde outfit which featured the crowning moments of Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta, former titleholders from India on a large bow like train attached to the dress. Harnaaz’s final walk made us all emotional, we are going to miss her rocking the stunning crown and empowering everyone as Miss Universe.

Finally, the gripping moment arrived, the new force for good crown was ready to sit on the head of a transformational leader. With Andreina Martinez from the Dominican Republic as 2nd Runner up and Amanda Dudamel from Venezuela as 1st Runner up, R’bonney Gabriel of the USA was announced as Miss Universe 2023.

R’bonney an eco-friendly fashion designer who is the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line- R’bonney Nola. This creative queen has created a few of her outfits for Miss Universe, highlight being her interview outfit. The beautifully confident queen also focuses on using fashion as a force for good by teaching sewing to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. R’bonney from Houston, Texas is the first Filipino-American to win the title. She proudly talks about her Pinoy roots that she has from her father’s side. Infact, her final gown is designed by the famous Filipino designer, Rian Fernandez. Our lovely new queen has proved why she is worthy of winning the crown. She is truly inspiring with a zestful spark and her presence is fabulously catching.

For the capes that the queens adorned during the swimsuit round, they came with various messages of empowerment, of saving the planet, and of stopping child trafficking, stopping acid attacks and more. Miss Vietnam is voted as the best swimsuit cape. Miss Spain’s cape featured Angela Ponce, the first transwoman to walk on the Miss Universe stage. Miss USA, now Miss Universe, designed her own cape and it featured a phoenix rising from the ashes and the cape had a quote, “If not now then when?”, which is one of R’bonney’s favorite quotes.

This addition of self designed capes is marvelous as this not only spreads an important message but also gives the girls an opportunity to present something unique on the platform.

In conclusion, the 71st Miss Universe was enchanting, fair and transformational! It is a day written on every page and now as the 72nd Miss Universe is set to be held in El Salvador, we cannot wait to see what our reigning queen and the organization brings to the table until Miss Universe 2023!