Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel Crowned Miss Universe 2020

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 14: Miss USA R'bonney Gabriel crowned Miss Universe 2022 onstage during The 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA JANUARY 14, 2018: Miss USA R’bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022 at the 71st Miss Universe Competition held at New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 14, 2023. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Jason Kempin/Getty

A new Miss Universe The winner has been announced!

After a grueling competition held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Louisiana, Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel was officially named Miss Universe 2022.

Gabriel, 28, beat out runner-up Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel and second runner-up Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez for the coveted prize. Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu Gabriel was presented with her crown when she handed the title of Miss Universe on to her successor.

The fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas is the first Miss USA to win Miss Universe in 10 years. Last Miss USA to win the crown was Olivia Culpo 2012

Officials in competition claimed that Gabriel was a former the first Filipino American to win the Miss USA pageant.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 14: Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Olivia Culpo host The 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA JANUARY 14: Jeannie Ma Jenkins and Olivia Culpo will host the 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center, January 14, 2023, New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images).

Jason Kempin/Getty

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Only 20 of the 84 delegated from around the globe were able to compete for Saturday’s crown. Culpo, 30 Jeannie Mai Jenkins Hosted and led three rounds of competition for the women: interview, evening gown, and swimsuit.

Gabriel was asked by the judges how she would demonstrate that Miss Universe is an “empowering and progressive organization” if she won.

She said “I would like it to be transformational leader” before talking about her use of recycled materials in fashion design and how she teaches sewing for victims of domestic violence.

Gabriel said, “It is important to invest in other people, invest in our communities and use my unique talent to make an impact.” “All of us have something special. When we give those seeds to others in our lives, we transform them and use them as a vehicle for positive change.”

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 14: Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel Miss USA R'bonney Gabriel and Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez speak during The 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 14: Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel Miss USA R’bonney Gabriel and Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez speak during The 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Jason Kempin/Getty

Gabriel also said during the competition that she hopes Miss Universe would allow women past the age of 28 to compete in the pageant.

She stated that she was 28 years old and that this is the oldest age at which to compete during the competition. “And that’s a beautiful thing.”

“If not now then when?” is my favorite quotation. ” Gabriel continued. “As a woman, I don’t believe that age defines us.”

She said, “It’s still not tomorrow.” It’s not yesterday. But it is now. You can now pursue your dreams.

Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel takes part of the 71st Miss Universe competition at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 14, 2023. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)

Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel participates in the 71st Miss Universe contest at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 14, 2023. (Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP).

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty

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This is the first Miss Universe pageant under the new ownership. JKN Global Group purchased Miss Universe Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip became the first woman CEO of the organization in its 71 year history, acquiring the $20 million.

According to a previous report, the Thai businesswoman and transgender rights advocate is also listed her plans for the organization in a press statement announcing the agreement. Variety report.

Jakrajutatip stated that they were looking to not only continue the legacy of offering a platform for passionate individuals from different backgrounds, cultures and traditions but also to develop the brand for the next generation.

It is also the first time this has happened. New Orleans has hosted According to NBC affiliate WDSU the Miss Universe pageant is in its seventh-decade history. LaToya Catrell, New Orleans mayor, said that the city “celebrates the inclusion, the culture and the empowerment women.”

Kelly Schultz, New Orleans and Company, stated that hosting the event in New Orleans can be “such a great voice” to the city, per WDSU. She said, “We are truly grateful to them for lending their voice.”

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