Miss Philippines is the new Miss Universe! Catriona Gray earned the title on Saturday night’s pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, beating 93 other contestants from around the world, including the runner-ups Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green and Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez.
The 24-year-old winner was chosen by an all-female judges panel, which featured former Miss Universe winners Michelle McLean and Bui Simon. The pageant was hosted by Steve Harvey and Ashley Graham again, with a performance by Ne-Yo.
“In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work,” says the Philippines’ presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement. “Mr. Gray truly showcased the genuine qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges.”
