Philippines' Catriona Gray, of 'lava walk' fame, crowned Miss Universe-2018
It's that time of the year, when several beauties, from all across the world, come together to compete for the Miss World and Miss Universe titles. This year Miss World crown went to the stunning Miss Mexico Vanessa Ponce de Leon, who won it around a week ago. And just last night, Miss Philippines Catriona Gray won the coveted Miss Universe 2018 title. Congratulations!
Miss South Africa and Miss Venezuela were the runner-ups
The 24-year-old Filipina-Australian was crowned the most beautiful woman in the universe, at the event held at Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret, Thailand, yesterday. Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green bagged the second title and was followed by Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutiérrez. Catriona beat 93 contestants from across the world to win the title. She is also the fourth Filipino to win the Miss Universe.
Check out the palpitating moments before the announcement
Gray's final answer paved her way to the victory
It was Gray's answer in the final question-answer round that paved her way to victory. She was asked, "What's the most important lesson you've learned in your life and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?" Gray said her experience working in the slums of Tondo, Manila taught her to "look in the beauty of the children" and be grateful.
Watch how Gray's answer wins over the crowd and jury
Gray turned heads with her smooth 'lava walk'
Apart from Gray's inspiring answer, the other thing that caught everyone's attention was her stunning walk, whose clip went viral on the Internet. Her charm made her a favorite, but her walk drove the audience insane. The walk, now termed as the 'lava walk' on social media, shows Gray walking with grace with a sudden but smooth twirl. It has made me go WOW!
Watch out for the twirl, peeps!
Miss Universe 2018 contest also saw its first transgender contestant
This year's Miss Universe contest also saw the first transgender contestant in the competition's history- Miss Spain, Angela Ponce. Ponce's name broke the headlines as it was empowering for the transgender community. "I'm showing that trans women can be whatever they want to be: a teacher, a mother, and even Miss Universe," she said. Unfortunately, she failed to make it to top 20.
