Entertainment
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from Philippines
Miss Universe 2018
The new Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, left, of the Philippines celebrates as she is crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa at Impact Arena in Bangkok beating contestants from 93 other countries. The 24-year-old Filipina-Australian pipped South African Demi Leigh Nel-Peters for the top spot, becoming the fourth Filipina to bring home the coveted title. Miss Venezuela, Sthefany Gutiérrez, rounded out the top three at the contest in Bangkok.
The 24-year-old singer and model said she wore red because “when I was 13 my mom said she had a dream that I would win Miss Universe in a red dress.” She said her mom cried when they saw each other after she won the competition.
Unlike in recent years, the contestants were trimmed down to 20 semifinalists, compared to 16 in 2017 and 13 in 2016. The initial semifinalists were selected through a closed-door interview and a preliminary competition held several days before the coronation night.
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Gray edged out first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa and third-place Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela. Ahead of Monday’s final, much attention was on Miss Spain, Angela Ponce, the first transgender contestant in the competition’s history. As she took a proud walk down the ramp, she won a standing ovation for representing diversity in its true sense at the competition. “I’m competing because it’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl,” Ponce told Time ahead of the competition. “I’m showing that trans women can be whatever they want to be: a teacher, a mother, a doctor, a politician and even Miss Universe.” Unfortunately for Ponce, however, she failed to make the top 20.
Ms Chudasama, 22, who is from Mumbai, was among the 94 contestants who competed for the crown at the 67th Miss Universe pageant at a glitzy finale on Sunday, but unfortunately failed to make it to the Top 20 shortlist.