On Saturday night, Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned the 71st Miss Universe.
Gabriel, the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA last year, triumphed over Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and Andrena Martnez of the Dominican Republic.
The pageant took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, and 84 women from all over the world competed for the title.
Saturday night was the competition’s final day, with eliminations reducing the number of finalists to just two.
Gabriel was asked when she reached the Top 5: “This year, Miss Universe has made an inclusive change, allowing mothers and married women to compete. What other changes would you like to see, and why?”
Gabriel responded that she hoped the contest organizers would raise the age limit for candidates.
“Because I am 28 years old, I would like to see my age increase. That is also the oldest age to compete. And I think it’s a lovely thing. ‘If not now, when?’ is my favorite quote. Because I believe that age does not define us as women. It’s not tomorrow or yesterday – it’s right now. The time has come, “She stated.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel is crowned on January 14, 2023, at the Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans.
Gabriel is a model, fashion designer, and sewing instructor from Houston who puts the environment first in her work.
Gabriel had dyed herself a red-orange cape inspired by a rising phoenix with the maxim “if not now, then when” earlier in the pageant. The words are inspired by her father’s advice to pursue her goals, dreams, and desires.
The Top 3 contestants were asked in the competition’s final question and answer segment how they would work to demonstrate Miss Universe as an empowering and progressive organization if they won the title.