• R’Bonney Gabriel is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA.
• Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez, came in second place.
• India’s Harnaaz Sandhu was the champion the previous year.

Miss Universe was announced on Saturday night. R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor from Texas, is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, according to competition authorities.

When the winner was finally revealed in a spectacular fashion, Gabriel closed her eyes and held hands with Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, and smiled when her name was called.

At the 71st Miss Universe Pageant in New Orleans, she was presented with a bunch of flowers, draped in the winner’s sash, and given a tiara as thundering music played in the background.

Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez, came in second place.

Gabriel was questioned on how, if she were to win, she would endeavour to show that Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organisation” during the Q&A session for the three finalists.

“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

“It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference,” Gabriel continued. “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”

Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and a University of North Texas alumnus, according to Miss Universe. She is the CEO of her own sustainable clothing business, according to a brief biography that was placed on the organization’s website.

According to the competition’s organisers, around 90 participants from all over the world competed in “personal statements, in-depth interviews, and numerous categories, including evening gown & swimwear.”

The last two finalists, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino and Miss Curacao Gabriela Dos Santos, completed the top five.

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu was the champion the previous year.

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