The representative of the United States R’Bonney Gabriel became the new Miss Universe 2022 and with this triumph she achieved crown number 9 for the country of the stars and stripes, being the nation with the most Miss Universe crowns, followed by Venezuela.
Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel was the first runner-up and the representative of the Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez was the second runner-up in a competition where Latinas once again were among the favorites of the contest.
The sovereigns of Venezuela, the United States, Puerto Rico, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic had initially placed as the finalists of this edition, but then the sovereigns of the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and the United States became the last three finalists who would dream of winning the crown.
Moment in which the five finalists were announced during the final round of the 71 pageant. From left to right, Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martínez, Miss Curaçao Gabriela Dos Santos, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel and Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel.
(Gerald Herbert/AP)
The Miss Universe pageant, which in its 71st edition was held in New Orleans, finally crowned the US representative, becoming the successor to Indian Harnaaz Sandhu who was crowned Miss Universe 2021.
During the ceremony, tribute was paid to Cheslie Kryst, Miss Estados 2019, who ended his life in January 2022 after throwing himself into the void from the window of his apartment in Manhattan, New York. Her mother April Simpkins was called to speak about this young woman who suffered from depression and called on people to listen and help people suffering from mental disorders when they ask for help.
On the other hand, President El Salvador Nayib Bukele announced during the broadcast of Miss Universe, through a video, that the next edition of this pageant will take place in his country.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel reacts as she is crowned Miss Universe during the final round of the 71st Miss Universe pageant, held in New Orleans on Saturday, January 14, 2023.
(Gerald Herbert/AP)
More of the new Miss Universe
R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, is a model born in the city of San Antonio, Texas. She graduated in 2018 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Apparel Design from the University of North Texas.
The new Miss Universe is the daughter of an American and a Filipino, who came to this country in search of a new opportunity in life and did so with only $20 in her pocket. Her desire to get ahead led this Filipino immigrant to dream big and after turning those dreams into reality, managing to study psychology until obtaining a doctorate at the University of Houston.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe in the 71st edition that was held this Saturday in New Orleans.
(Gerald Herbert/AP)
R’Bonney created his own fashion label after graduating and called it R’Bonney Nola. She later became associated with Magpies & Peacocks, where she teaches sewing classes.
The slender R’Bonney was crowned Miss USA by winning the pageant that was held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, where she prevailed over the representatives of Nebraska, North Carolina, Illinois and Miss Ohio.