DEMI-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa has been crowned most beautiful woman in the universe.
The 22-year-old Business management graduate received her Miss Universe 2017 crown from Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France during finals night at the Planet Hollywood Casino Resort in Las Vegas Nevada, USA yesterday.
The top three candidates — Miss South Africa, Miss Colombia 2017 Laura Gonzalez and Miss Jamaica 2017 Davina Bennett — were given the same question which was read by pageant host, Steve Harvey.
The final question was, “What quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality in your time as Miss Universe?” Nel-Peters slew the final question and answer portion who promoted the confidence and overcoming of fears especially for women.
“As Miss Universe, you have to be confident in who you are as an individual. A Miss Universe is a woman that has overcome many fears and by that she is able to help other women overcome their fears. She is a woman that nothing is ever too much is asked for and that’s exactly who I am,” Nel-Peters said.
(AP Photo/John Locher)
Nel-Peters is the second South African beauty queen to win the Miss Universe crown after Margaret Gardiner in 1978.
Winning first runner-up was Colombian actress Laura Gonzales Ospina. Her answer to the final question was:
“I’m incredibly passionate in everything I do. With compassion, I have discipline. With compassion I put my whole self in every situation that I work at. I’ve done this as an actress. I’ve done this a Colombian and I do not doubt that I will do this as Miss Universe.”
Davina Bennet from Jamaica finished second runner-up. Her answer to the final question was:
“I’m most appreciative of is my drive, my determination. I am the owner of a foundation that spread awareness for the deaf community. And this platform is a great platform great to let persons know that these persons need opportunities and need equal opportunities as those in society. And so Miss Universe competition will be the platform for me to use this foundation to spread awareness for all the deaf and mute around. Thank you.”
Miss Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters
PETERS IN TOP 10
The Philippines’ Rachel Peters made it to the top 16 for the swimsuit competition after she became part of the four wild card candidates.
A new format was followed in the selection of top 16 during the Miss Universe 2017 coronation night.
The top 16 was composed of four girls from the continents of America, four from Europe, and four from Asia, Africa, and Pacific, plus four “wild cards.”
Peters then advanced to the top 10 and competed for the evening gown competition.
But she failed to make it to top five where candidates were asked a question to determine the top three.
Even if Peters failed to bring home the crown, Stella Marquez Araneta, chair for Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) congratulated Peters through Binibining Pilipinas’ Facebook page for a phenomenal representation of the country in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.
“The Universe is not livelier with you as a shining star. More than your poise and beauty, you are a cut above the rest with your grace and elegance that exemplifies a true woman of substance and an inspiring Filipina. We are proud to be a part of your journey,” Araneta said.
Miss Universe 2017 Top 5 (AP Photo/John Locher)
Celebrities, including Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis-Smith congratulated Peters. “Madlang People let’s all give Rachel Peters a big round of applause,” Vice said.
“Making it to the top 10 is such a feat! You were gorgeous @rachelpetersx. Congratulations to our #MissUniverse #Philippines,” Smith said.
Beauty queens who congratulated Peters included Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2017 Katarina Rodriguez.
“Still proud of you Rachel! #Philippines #MissUniverse,” Raj said. “Nevertheless, Rachel was perfection,” Rodriguez tweeted.
