Miss Universe 2019: Who Is Zozibini Tunzi? Everything to Know!
Miss South Africa is the new Miss Universe!
Ninety women from across the universe have gathered together on Sunday in hopes that they would be crowned as the Miss Universe 2019.
The coronation night was held at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The 68th annual Miss Universe competition was once again hosted by the iconic Steve Harvey. Alongside him are two backstage correspondents -- Ms. Olivia Culpo of "Paradise City" and Vanessa Lachey of "Beverly Hills 90210."
The initial 90 contestants were narrowed down to 20 semi-finalists during a closed-door competition. Prior to Sunday's three-hour live event, the contestants went through a series of traditional pageant-style events, including the swimsuit competition as well as the evening gown round.
From 20, only 10 contestants were picked. This year's top 10 finalists include France, Colombia, Iceland, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, South Africa, the United States and Thailand.
Only one of these lucky ladies would be taking home the crown passed on by the current Miss Universe from the Philippines -- Catriona Gray. She took the stage towards the end of the show for her final walk.
The New Ms. Universe
Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa is the new Miss Universe. Watch her special crowning moment here:
Though some say her beauty is quite unconventional, Tunzi stood out among the contestants particularly because of her answer during the Q&A part of the competition. She was asked what the best lesson the world needs to teach young girls.
With much conviction, she answered: "I think we need to teach young girls leadership."
Miss South Africa added that young girls and women fail to learn to become good leaders not because they do not want to, but because of how society dictates a woman's role and labeled them as such. The new Miss Universe emphasized that there is nothing more important than taking up space in society.
Tunzi believes that women are the most powerful beings in the world. She added that every woman deserves to be given every opportunity for growth.
The Miss Universe Pageant
The much-anticipated 2019 Miss Universe Preliminaries and National Costume Competition were live-streamed on December 7, 2019. Miss Universe organizers struggled to find a host city for this year's preliminaries, however.
What remained certain was that the 90 contestants from all over the world have prepared themselves for this beauty pageant. It has been one tough year, and this edition did end up with surprising results.
Each year, a woman is chosen from among 90 contestants competing for one crown. The Miss Universe pageant has always had its eyes on women to push forward the causes that will hopefully make the world a better place.
This Sunday's broadcast was not just about beauty and brains. It also featured a musical performance by Ally Brooke, one of the former members of Fifth Harmony who is currently trying to pursue a career singing solo.
Over the years, the audience as well as the judges have grown preference towards women empowerment and other advocacies that support the growth of women. Luckily for the Miss Universe Organization, they found a deserving candidate on Sunday night.
Everyone is keeping an eye on this beauty. To Miss South Africa, Congratulations! All hail the Queen!
