Entertainment
PHOTOS: Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel Wins Miss Universe Competition
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas who competition officials said is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night.
Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced.
R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe USA 2022 is crowned Miss Universe at the conclusion of the 71st MISS UNIVERSE Competition® on January 14th, 2023 at the New Orleans Ernst N. Morial Convention Center airing LIVE on The Roku Channel in English and Telemundo in Spanish. Contestants from around the globe have spent the last few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the MISS UNIVERSE crown. Photo: Patience Eding for Florida National News.
Thumping music rang out, and she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winner’s sash and crowned with a tiara onstage at the 71st Miss Universe Competition, held in New Orleans.
The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.
In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win.
“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.”
According to Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas. A short bio posted on the organization’s website said she is also CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.
R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe USA 2022 on stage during the 71st MISS UNIVERSE® National Costume Show at the New Orleans Ernst N. Morial Convention Center on January 11th, 2023. The National Costume Show is an international tradition where delegates display an authentic costume of choice that best represents the culture of their home country. Photo: Patience Eding for Florida National News.
Nearly 90 contestants from around the world took part in the competition, organizers said, involving “personal statements, in depth interviews and various categories including evening gown & swimwear.”
R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe USA 2022 Contestant competes on stage as a Top 16 finalist in Jacqueline Aguilera swimwear during the 71st MISS UNIVERSE Competition® on January 14th, 2023 at the New Orleans Ernst N. Morial Convention Center airing LIVE on The Roku Channel in English and Telemundo in Spanish. Contestants from around the globe have spent the last few weeks touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the MISS UNIVERSE crown. Photo: Patience Eding for Florida National News.
R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe USA 2022 competes on stage in her evening gown of choice during the 71st MISS UNIVERSE® Preliminary Competition at the New Orleans Ernst N. Morial Convention Center on January 11th, 2023. Tune in to the LIVE telecast on The Roku Channel in English and Telemundo in Spanish on Saturday, January 14 at 7:00 PM CT to see who will become the next Miss Universe. Photo: Patience Eding for Florida National News.
Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the top five finalists.
Last year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India.
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