South Africa’s new export is Miss Universe

LAS VEGAS: Beauties from across the globe converged in Las Vegas on Sunday, where Miss South Africa was crowned Miss Universe.

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 22, edged out her rivals from Colombia and Jamaica to take the crown.

Nel-Peters, a graduate in business management, said her disabled half-sister has been among her great inspirations.

In the pageant’s 66th year, nearly 100 women worldwide, including first-timers from Cambodia, Laos and Nepal, took part.

The runner-up was actress Laura Gonzalez of Colombia, who was followed by Jamaica’s Davina Bennett.

The current Miss Universe, Iris Mittenaere from France, crowned her successor to a din of squeals and cheers.

Steve Harvey hosted the event for the third time, making several jokes at his own expense.

In 2015, he famously made a mistake heard round the world when he announced the wrong person as Miss Universe, resulting in an extremely uncomfortable, tense correction and a deluge of internet memes.

Grammy-winning singer Fergie and pop star Rachel Platten provided the musical entertainment for Sunday’s show.

In the “Final Word” portion of the competition, Nel-Peters said: “Miss Universe is a woman who has overcome many fears, and by that she is able to help many women overcome their fears.

“She is a woman that nothing is ever too much to ask for. And I think that is exactly who I am.” – AFP