Catriona Gray From Philippines Wins Miss Universe 2018

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray from Philippines was crowned as Miss Universe 2018 in the 67th edition of the Miss Universe pageant which took place on December 16, 2018 at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. She becomes the fourth woman from Philippines to claim the Miss Universe title following Pia Wurtzbach‘s tumultuous footsteps after 3 years. As Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray succeeds Demi Leigh Nel Peters from South Africa.

Catriona Gray was a much acclaimed face in the pageant industry right since 2016 when she was crowned as Miss World Philippines 2016 and later went on to become a Top 5 finalist at Miss World 2016.

Meanwhile, Miss South Africa, Tamaryn Green, who was vying to retain the Miss Universe crown in South Africa for another consecutive year settled down for the first runner up position. Miss Venezuela, Sthefany Gutiérrez did complete justice to her strong sash as she ended as the second runner up in the coronation gala of Miss Universe 2018. Our predicted winner, Miss Puerto Rico, Kiara Ortega was adjudged as the Top 5 finalist along with Miss Vietnam, H’Hen Niê.

Unlike in recent years, the contestants were trimmed down to 20 semi-finalists. The initial semi-finalists were chosen through a closed-door interview and a preliminary competition held few days back. The continental format which was introduced in the 2017 competition sustained, with the top twenty consisting of five semi-finalists from Europe, five from the Americas, five from Africa and Asia-Pacific, and five wildcards which could come from any continental grouping. This was the first time in Miss Universe history when the initial semi-finalists did not all compete in the swimsuit competition, however, the Top 10 finalists did compete in both the swimsuit and evening gown, based on which the judges came up with a Top 5. The Top 5 competed in the Q&A portion, and were then cut down to a top three. The Top 3 then participated in the final word and final look portions, and the judges came up with their Miss Universe 2018 winner and her two runners-up.

This year seven judges, an all-female panel decided the fate of the Miss Universe contestants, which included- Liliana Gil Valletta (Colombian-American businesswoman and entrepreneur), Janaye Ingram (American political organizer and Miss New Jersey USA 2004), Monique Lhuillier (Filipino-American fashion designer), Michelle McLean (Miss Universe 1992 from Namibia), Iman Oubou (Moroccan-American scientist, entrepreneur, medical missionary, and former beauty pageant titleholder), Bui Simon (Miss Universe 1988 from Thailand) and Richelle Singson-Michael (Filipino businesswoman and architect).

Complete Results

Top 5 Finalists:

•  Puerto Rico — Kiara Ortega
•  Vietnam — H’Hen Niê

Top 10 Semi-Finalists:

•  Canada — Marta Stepien
•  Costa Rica — Natalia Carvajal
•  Curaçao — Akisha Albert
•    Nepal — Manita Devkota
•  Thailand — Sophida Kanchanarin

Top 20 Quarter-Finalists:

•  Australia — Francesca Hung
•  Belgium — Zoe Brunet
•  Brazil — Mayra Dias
•  Great Britain — Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers
•  Hungary — Enikő Kecskès
•  Indonesia — Sonia Fergina Citra
•  Ireland — Grainne Gallanagh
•  Jamaica — Emily Maddison
•  Poland — Magdalena Swat
•  United States — Sarah Rose Summers