Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel crowned new Miss Universe

WASHINGTON: Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel was on Sunday crowned the new Miss Universe at a dazzling and dizzying pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana.

She was one of 84 beauty queens competing for the hallowed crown in the fashion space.

Reigning Miss India-Universe Divita Rai, who represented the country at the 71st edition of the pageant, secured a berth in the top 16 but failed to make it to the top 5.

https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/1614472872382304256

According to Deadline, a US-based news outlet, Gabriel is a model, fashion designer, and sewing teacher. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and a minor in Fibers. Gabriel also runs her own eco-friendly clothing line.

The official Miss Universe is… USA pic.twitter.com/mBZvNTJN1m

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 15, 2023

The beauty queen is the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss USA, and her “mission is for women and young girls to see themselves in her and feel inspired to conquer their goals by owning who they are,” according to her official bio.

Andreina Martinez Founier from the Dominican Republic was adjudged as the second runner-up, while Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel was the first runner-up.

Venezuela’s Amanda Dudamel got up as first runner-up, and the Dominican Republic’s Andreina Martinez secured second place.

For the first time in 11 years, Miss USA was crowned Miss Universe.

Indian beauty queen Harnaaz Sandhu won the marquee pageant last year.

Meanwhile, Sofia Depassier of Chile won the Miss Congeniality title, Sofia Depassier of Chile won Social Impact Award, Anna Sueangam-iam of Thailand claimed Spirit of Carnival Award.

The pageant host revealed that the next edition of the pageant will be staged in El Salvador. (ANI)