LIVE UPDATES: Miss Universe 2022

By: 2 years ago

Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel is Miss Universe 2022

January 15, 2023 – 11:59 AM

R’Bonney Gabriel. Image: Instagram/@rbonneynola

R’Bonney Gabriel from the United States was proclaimed 2022 Miss Universe at the culmination of the pageant’s 71st edition held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila).

Gabriel, who is part-Filipino and is a fashion designer by profession, bested 83 other aspirants to inherit the title from 2021 Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, the third winner from India who captured the title in the pageant’s 70th edition held in Israel in December 2021.

January 15, 2023 – 11:44 AM

Miss Universe Thailand 2022 Anna Sueangam-iam. Image: Instagram/@missuniverse.in.th

Despite not advancing to the Top 16, Anna Sueangam-iam of Thailand received the Impact WayV award at the 71st Miss Universe.

Sueangam-iam was recognized as the first Impact WayV awardee by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) owner Anne Jakrajutatip in New Orleans, Louisiana in the U.S. on Saturday, Jan. 14 (morning of Jan. 15 in the Philippines).

January 15, 2023 – 10:04 AM

Celeste Cortesi. Screenhrab from Miss Universe Philippines Instagram page

Philippines’ bet Celeste Cortesi has failed to advance the Top 16 of the Miss Universe 2022 pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana in the U.S. on Saturday, Jan. 14 (morning of Jan. 15 in the Philippines).

January 14, 2023 – 10:35 AM

Celeste Cortesi. Image: Instagram/@dion.trinidad via @themissuniverseph

Celeste Cortesi has indeed been making noise in the upcoming Miss Universe 2022 pageant as the beauty queen landed on the frontrunners’ list of two international publications.

Missosology, an established beauty pageant platform that specializes in analyzing contenders and contests, named Cortesi as its second pick for the title via its Instagram page on Saturday, Jan. 14.

January 13, 2023 – 03:11 PM

Miss Universe Bahrain 2022 Evlin Khalifa. Image: CS Toledo via Instagram/@missuniversebahrain

Days before the 71st Miss Universe coronation night, Bahraini beauty queen Evlin Khalifa has nothing but heartfelt gratitude to her all-Filipino pageant team who helped her throughout her journey.

The Miss Universe Bahrain titleholder took to her official Instagram account on Thursday, Jan. 12, to thank her Filipino pageant team. It can be recalled that Khalifa is the first cousin of Filipino basketball athlete Dwight Ramos, from her mother’s side.

January 13, 2023 – 1:10PM

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu. Image: Instagram/@fadilberishaphotography

Harnaaz Sandhu was a sight to behold in her final photoshoot as the reigning Miss Universe, as she is set to crown her successor in New Orleans in the US on Jan. 14 (morning of Jan. 15 in the Philippines).

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) shared glimpses of Sandhu’s final photoshoot with fashion photographer Fadil Berisha on its official YouTube channel on Friday, Jan. 13.

The Indian beauty queen was seen donning a variety of glamorous outfits, as she posted in several sets inspired by the culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, and her home country India.

LOOK: Catriona Gray arrives in New Orleans for 71st Miss Universe

January 13, 2023 – 10:47AM

Catriona Gray. Image: Instagram/@catriona_gray

Catriona Gray has set foot in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the US, ahead of the 71st Miss Universe, where she was tapped to be one of the backstage commentators.

The Miss Universe 2018 titleholder was appointed as a backstage commentator for the upcoming coronation night, alongside Emmy Award-winning host Zuri Hall, who is also an “Access Hollywood” correspondent. Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and celebrity stylist Jeannie Mai-Jenkins will be the hosts for the pageant.

Gray shared photos of herself at an airport in New Orleans on her personal Instagram page on Friday, Jan. 13.

Filipino designers take center stage at 71st Miss Universe preliminaries

January 12, 2023 – 07:18 PM

(From left) Miss USA 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. Images: Instagram/@rbonneynola, Screengrab from Facebook/Miss Universe

The 71st Miss Universe preliminary competition was not only a celebration of women empowerment but also an opportunity for Filipino designers to showcase their most spectacular creations to a global audience.

Armed with grace and poise, some of the delegates of the pageant donned creations from Filipino designers at the preliminary stage in New Orleans, Louisiana in the U.S. The pageant also witnessed candidates wearing two shoe designs that were crafted by Filipino shoemaker Jojo Bragais

January 12, 2023 – 06:27 PM

Celeste Cortesi in her swimsuit and cape. Image from Miss Universe Philippines / Instagram

A pageant’s swimsuit competition is one of the most awaited portions of the program, and it usually highlights the candidates’ physique. But the Miss Universe competition opted to use the segment this year to showcase another thing — the delegates’ advocacies.

What was usually reserved during the question-and-answer round or pre-taped interview segments was front-and-center in the delegates’ swimsuit parade at the preliminary competition held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States, on Jan. 11 (Jan. 12 in Manila).

January 12, 2023 – 05:28 PM

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. Image: Seven Barretto via Instagram/@themissuniverseph

Aiming for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown is a tough act for Celeste Cortesi to follow, but her journey has earned support from her fellow queens.

Some Filipina beauty queens who have walked in the same Miss Universe shoe have expressed their support for Cortesi’s journey as she competes at the pageant’s preliminary round on Thursday, Jan. 12 in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States.

January 12, 2023 – 03:00 PM

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. Image: Screengrabs from Facebook/Miss Universe

No less than “Darna” actress herself Jane de Leon and the family of Mars Ravelo gave their seal of approval to Celeste Cortesi as she paid homage to the Filipino super heroine at the 71st Miss Universe preliminary competition.

During the national costume competition, Cortesi stunned in a bright red bikini adorned with gold embellishments on each brassiere cup and medallion belt with gold-lined loincloth, finished with red gloves, knee-high boots, and a gold winged head piece. A dramatic back piece was likewise attached to her costume that is reminiscent of the sun on the Philippine flag.

January 12, 2023 – 1:26PM

Images: Facebook/Miss Universe, Instagram/@MissUniverse

Displaying her fiery spirit to win the Philippines’ 5th Miss Universe crown, Celeste Cortesi on Thursday sashayed with quiet confidence and grace at the pageant’s preliminary competition in New Orleans, Louisiana in the U.S.

Eighty-five candidates represented their respective countries at the Miss Universe pageant’s preliminaries on Thursday, Jan. 12. The pageant’s preliminary round includes the introduction, swimsuit, evening gown, and national costume competition.

Retracing the evolution of Miss Universe crowns through the years

January 11, 2023 – 8:17PM

Miss Universe titleholders (From left) Harnaaz Sandhu (2021), Armi Kuusela (1952), Catriona Gray (2018), Denise Quiñones (2001), Pia Wurtzbach (2015) Images: Facebook/Miss Universe

The queen who wears the Miss Universe crown shall bear its weight — especially its longstanding history when it comes to empowering women.

Since the pageant’s establishment in 1952, there have been 12 crowns that symbolize the essence of a woman at her rawest form. Each crown represents royalty that stood the test of time, as well as the representation of the winning delegate’s grace and beauty.

Olivia Quido to ‘look beyond the sash’ as Miss Universe judge

January 11, 2023 – 4:44PM

Olivia Quido/SCREENSHOT FROM ZOOM BY ARMIN P. ADINA

MANILA, Philippines — California-based Filipino entrepreneur Olivia Quido has been the official skincare provider of the Miss Universe pageant for years now. This time, she has a bigger role to play—as one of the judges in the final competition.

“In our hands lie the fate of whoever will win, we can change the life of a person,” Quido told a group of local scribes in a virtual meeting on Jan. 11 where she discussed her selection as one of the final night judges for the 71st Miss Universe pageant, which is technically the global tilt’s 2022 edition.

84 Miss Universe delegates to take part in crucial preliminary competition

January 11, 2023 – 2:21PM

Celeste Cortesi/MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The preliminary competition of the 71st Miss Universe pageant will be held on Jan. 11 (Jan. 12 in Manila) in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States with all 84 delegates taking part in one of the most crucial stages of the annual event.

Gabriela Dos Santos from Curacao has already tested negative for COVID-19 and was allowed to resume her quest for the coveted title. She was earlier put on isolation after testing positive for the novel coronavirus upon her arrival in the pageant’s host state.

71st Miss Universe selection panel to have all-female members

January 11, 2023 – 12:30PM

(From left) Ximena Navarrete, Olivia Jordan, Wendy Fitzwilliam. Images: Instagram/@missuniverse

The Miss Universe Organization (MOU) has formed an all-female selection committee to take on the hard task of choosing the semifinalists for the 71st Miss Universe.

In a post on the MOU’s official Instagram account on Wednesday, January 11, organizers announced that previous Miss Universe titleholders Ximena Navarrete (Miss Universe 2010) of Mexico and Wendy Fitzwilliam (Miss Universe 1998) of Trinidad and Tobago have been appointed to join the selection panel of the upcoming pageant, as well as Miss USA 2015 and Miss Universe 2015 second runner-up Olivia Jordan.

LOOK: Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe bets don striking costumes at Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans

January 10, 2023 – 5:46PM

(From left) Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe Aruba 2022 Kiara Arends, Miss Universe Italy 2022 Virginia Stablum, and Miss Universe Venezuela 2022 Diana Silva. Images: Instagram/@harnaazsandhu_03, Instagram/@missuniverse

Several Miss Universe candidates and reigning queen Harnaaz Sandhu showed up in their most striking costumes at the annual Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana in the U.S in honor of St. Joan of Arc.

The Joan of Arc parade, named after the patron saint of France, is a quasi-religious event that pays tribute to the heroine’s birthday and the French cultural heritage of New Orleans. According to its official website, the affair is held annually on January 6 and celebrates the saint’s legacy through a public procession, as well as cultural and educational events.

LOOK: Celeste Cortesi dazzles in show-stopping looks ahead of Miss Universe pageant

January 9, 2023 – 8:17PM

Celeste Cortesi. Images: Instagram/celeste_cortesi

Five days before the coronation night of Miss Universe, Celeste Cortesi has been serving stunning pre-pageant looks worthy of the crown.

As Miss Universe kicks off its pre-pageant activities in New Orleans, in the United States, the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 titleholder made sure to show up in style in various glamorous ensembles fit for a queen, as seen on the Instagram accounts of Cortesi and the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization.

Here are some of Cortesi’s pre-pageant looks so far:…

WATCH: Olivia Culpo jokes about getting some energy booster before Miss Universe hosting stint

January 9, 2023 – 4:20PM

Olivia Culpo. Images: Instagram/@oliviaculpo, Tiktok/@oliviadangerculpo

Following the announcement of Olivia Culpo returning as a co-host of Miss Universe 2022, the beauty queen-model seemed to take things in stride and even poke fun at her energy level for the task.

The Miss Universe Organization, led by the Thailand-based JKN Global Group, has tapped Culpo to host the coronation night, alongside fashion stylist Jeannie Mai Jenkins, with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Emmy Award-winning host Zuri Hall as backstage commentators.

MUO president says 71st Miss Universe pageant a ‘celebration of women’

January 7, 2023 – 3:54PM

(From left) Celeste Cortesi, Harnaaz Sandhu and Catriona Gray. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina

MANILA, Philippines—The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has just announced an all-female hosting team for the pageant’s 71st edition, which will also reportedly have a judging panel composed entirely of women. An official said these are intentional.

“From our two multi-hyphenate female hosts to our female producer and new female ownership, this year’s show will truly be a celebration of women, created by women,” MUP President Paula Shugart said in a statement released by the organization.

Model, content creator and 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo will return to host from her debut stint in the pageant’s 69th edition in May 2021 and will be joined by Daytime Emmy winner Jeannie Mai-Jenkins. Providing backstage commentaries will be 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray and Emmy Award-winning host Zuri Hall.

Celeste Cortesi not lone ‘veteran’ in Miss Universe pageant

January 5, 2023 – 5:43PM

Celeste Cortesi. Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph

MANILA, Philippines — When the delegates of the Miss Universe pageant gather together for their orientation scheduled on Jan. 6, the Philippines’ representative Celeste Cortesi will find a familiar face among the sea of international beauties, Telma Madeira from Portugal.

The two ladies participated in the 2018 Miss Earth pageant held in the Philippines, where they also both finished in the Top 8. Another Miss Earth alumna is Fernanda Rodriguez from Costa Rica who competed in 2017.

But they are not the only ones with international experience among the roster of Miss Universe delegates. Three more contenders have participated in the Miss Supranational pageant, 2022 Top 12 finalist Alexandrine Belle from Mauritius, 2021 Top 12 finalist Swelia Antonio from Angola, and 2019 Top 10 finalist Ngyuenthi Ngocchau from Vietnam.

Catriona Gray will be backstage commentator for Miss Universe; Olivia Culpo back as host

January 5, 2023 – 3:25PM

Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Olivia Culpo, Catriona Gray, and Zuri Hall. Images from Miss Universe / Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — When the Miss Universe Organization’s (MUO) new owner, Thai media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip, said several weeks ago that a woman will host the global tilt’s 71st edition, the Filipino pageant circle and netizens speculated that it will be 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

That speculation turned out to be propitious as Filipino-Australian beauty queen has just been tapped anew to be the backstage commentator for the pageant. She will be joined by Emmy Award-winning host and “American Ninja Warrior” presenter Zuri Hall, who is also a correspondent for “Access Hollywood.”

Filipino shoemaker Jojo Bragais being part of the 71st Miss Universe pageant ‘not a quick yes’

January 4, 2023 – 4:37PM

Jojo Bragais/ARMIN P. ADINA

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pageant shoe emperor Jojo Bragais will release a video narrating the story behind the “Maureen” shoe which will be used for the 71st Miss Universe pageant. But little does the public know that it took him months before deciding to get on board the international competition.

This is not his first venture with the global pageant, yet he said he spent more time for introspection for his latest partnership compared to his first collaboration with the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) for the 69th edition in 2021.

New Miss Universe owner says women are ‘not sex symbols’ as pageant retains swimsuit round

January 4, 2023 – 11:45AM

MUO owner Anne Jakrajutatip/ANNE JAKRAJUTATIP FACEBOOK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — While the Miss World and Miss America pageants already did away with the swimsuit round for several years now, the Miss Universe competition remains to be one of the many beauty contests that continues to parade their candidates in swimwear before the audience. For the global tilt’s 71st edition taking place in the United States this month, the segment’s focus will be fitness.

For many spectators, the swimsuit competition is one of the most awaited events of the pageant. And the new Miss Universe owner wants to take advantage of this portion’s popularity by using it as another platform to introduce her “transformational leadership” in the beloved brand.

Media mogul Anne Jakrajutatip of Bangkok-based JKN Global Group, who acquired full ownership of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) in October last year, shared in a recent interview with Thai media that the global tilt will not allow beauty queens to do sexy dances wearing only swimsuits. “Stop using women as sex symbols,” she said.

LOOK: Celeste Cortesi heads to New Orleans for 71st Miss Universe pageant

January 4, 2023 – 10:31AM

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph

Celeste Cortesi is on her way to New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States to represent the Philippines at the 71st Miss Universe pageant on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15, 9 a.m. in Manila).

The Miss Universe Philippines 2022 titleholder looked stunning in a fiery red trench coat and red high-heeled boots, as seen in the official Instagram account of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Her pre-arrival look was put together by stylist Perry Tabora, hairstylist Renz Pangilinan, and makeup artist Mickey See.