Universe embraces Zozibini
The Philippines’ Gazini Ganados made it to the top 20 when her name was the first to be announced as one of the five wildcards
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on Sunday (Monday in Manila) crowned 26-year old South African model and public relations and image management degree holder Zozibini Tunzi as her successor.
Tunzi bested 89 ladies to become the 68th edition winner of the annual beauty pageant held at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.
She became the third winner of the prestigious contest from South Africa, joining the roster of Margaret Gardiner (1978) and Demi-Leigh Nel Peters (2017). Tunzi is also the first black woman winner since Angola’s Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes was crowned.
Steve Harvey returned as host for the fifth consecutive year along with Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and Filipino-American Miss
Teen USA 1998 Vanessa Lachey as backstage correspondents.
Lachey once hosted the pageant in 2007 opposite entertainment journalist Mario Lopez. She was married to American singer Nick Lachey of the defunct multi-platinum-selling boy band 98 Degrees.
Tunzi’s court included Puerto Rico’s Madison Anderson (1st runner-up) and Mexico’s Sofia Aragon.
The Philippines’ Gazini Ganados made it to the top 20 when her name was the first to be announced as one of the five wildcards. Ganados’ journey to the fifth crown ended shortly when she failed to enter the top 10 after she struggled during her opening statement, an important 15 seconds of extemporaneous speech in order to continue on the next round.
But she won the Best National Costume Award, despite another confusion that marred its announcement.
Harvey had declared the Philippines the winner and with a photograph of Ganados wearing a silver gown adorned with two Philippine eagles. Harvey, however, was made to interview Malaysian bet Shweta Sekhon, who won the hearts of pageant fans with her mixture of Malaca and Chinese wedding costume.
Malacañang lauded Ganados’ efforts, saying she represented the country well in the pageant.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Ganados still gave pride and glory to the Filipino nation by showcasing the unique beauty and talent of the Filipina.
“We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” Panelo said of Ganados.
The Mouawad Crown, or Power of Unity Crown, with an estimated value of $5,000,000 made its debut as the newest jeweler of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).
Pascal Mouawad disclosed that the crown is adorned with a rare 68.83 carat golden canary diamond which symbolizes ambition, diversity, community and beauty.
Over the course of its 67-year pageant history, the Miss Universe crown changed nine times. These were the Romanov Imperial nuptial crown (1952), Romanov Diadem/ Metal Bronze Crown (1953), The Star of the Universe (1954-1960), Rhinestone Crown/Coventry Crown (1961-2001), Mikimoto Crown (2002-2007 and 2017-2018), CAO Crown (2008), Diamond Nexus Crown (2009-2013) and DIC Crown (2014-2016).
This year’s edition also saw six delegates who were appointed to compete. They are Miss Belgium, Miss France, Miss India, Miss Poland, Miss Uruguay and Miss Vietnam, while the remainder of the candidates were selected after winning their national pageants.
Delegates of Bangladesh and Equatorial Guinea competed for the first time.
Lithuania, Romania, Sierra Leone and Tanzania returned, while Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Russia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and Zambia have withdrawn from this edition due to overlapping dates, for failing to hold national pageants and for not appointing a representative.
Just like last year, the selection committee which determined the new winner was composed of an all-female judge who, together with members of the MUO, selected the top 20 semifinalists during the preliminary competition.
They were Colombia’s Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, Miss America 2018 Cara Mund, Japan’s Miss Universe 2017 Riyo Mori, Miss USA 2008 and American actress Crystle Stewart, American businesswoman and social media personality Sazan Hendrix, American businesswoman and marketing executive Bozoma Saint John and Venezuelan actress Gaby Espino. Gray’s last time as Miss Universe became a testament of her character and a statement of fashion when she appeared for her final walk and wore two stunning gowns created by Mak Tumang — the LuzViMinda cape patterned gown and the blue reflection gown with intricate details.
Tunzi bested 89 ladies to become the 68th edition winner of the annual beauty pageant at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.
Pascal Mouawad disclosed that the crown is adorned with a rare 68.83 carat golden canary diamond which symbolizes ambition, diversity, community and beauty.