Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel has been crowned the new Miss Universe. This is the first time in ten years that Miss USA has been crowned Miss Universe. The first and second runners-up are Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel, followed by Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez. The event was held in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday night.
The last Miss USA to take the crown was Olivia Culpo in 2012. Miss India Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu won the title in 2021. in the final question round, Gabriel was asked how she would demonstrate this (Miss Universe) is an empowering and progressive organization?” and she replied, "Well, I would use it to be a transformational leader. As a very passionate designer, (having) been sewing for 13 years, I use fashion as a force for good. In my industry, I'm cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I teach sewing classes to women that have survived from human trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it is so important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference. We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds (in) other people in our life, we transform them, and we use that as a vehicle for change," was her answer.
Gabriel was crowned by Ms Sandhu. India's representative for the pageant Divita Rai did not make it to the top 5.