Miss USA takes home Miss Universe crown after pageant in New Orleans Saturday

BY KIMBERLEY SINGLETARY | CONTRIBUTING WRITER ! JAN 14, 2023 - 10:30 PM

Both age and beauty won out at the 71st annual Miss Universe competition as Miss USA took home the crown Saturday night.

At 28 years old, Texas native R’Bonney Gabriel is the oldest woman to win the title in the history of the competition, which is open to women age 18 to 28.

Approximately 6,000 people from around the world attended the event, which was held for the first time in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The tense final moments came down to Miss USA and Miss Venezuela after Miss Dominican Republic was declared the second runner up.

The finals were broadcast live on the Roku Channel to approximately 165 countries.

The final five contestants are announced during the final round of the 71st Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Left to right are Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez, Miss Curacao Gabriela Dos Santos, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel and Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel. AP PHOTO BY GERALD HERBERT

There were 84 delegates — the term the organization uses to refer to contestants — from countries around the world in this year's competition. The women competed in categories including evening gown and swimwear, presented personal statements and gave in-depth interviews.

Earlier in the evening, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the new owner of the Miss Universe Organization, presented the ImpactWayv Challenge Award to Miss Thailand, Anna Sueangam-iam.

Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, new owner of the Miss Universe Organization, presents the ImpactWayv Challenge Award to Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam during the final round of the 71st Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. AP PHOTO BY GERALD HERBERT

The pageant advocates for gender equity, inclusion and empowerment of women, the owner says.

According to her biographical information online, the new Miss Universe, Gabriel, graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in fashion design and a minor in fibers. She is a model and a designer of eco-friendly clothing.

https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/miss-usa-takes-home-miss-universe-crown-after-pageant-in-new-orleans-saturday/article_f21568f6-9398-11ed-b03a-03b7d92e7ce6.html