Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe Monday night. She became her country’s 1st Miss Universe, and the 1st black woman to win the crown since 1999.
Lopes beat out 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of Miss Universe. She replaces last year’s winner, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.
After a successful 4th Runner Up Finish in 2010 by Vens Raj, The Philippine candidate, 25-year-old Shamcey Supsup, an architecture magna cum laude and native of General Santos City, finished third runner-up in the contest among 89 young women and watched by an estimated one billion people around the world
Miss Angola wore a glittery strapless gown with feathery fringe.
Asked in the final round by a Filipino judge, Broadway star Lea Salonga, what physical trait about herself she would change if given the opportunity, Lopes replied: “Nothing, I am satisfied with what God gave me,” and added that it was important to have “inner beauty.”
The first runner-up was 23-year-old Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil, and the fourth Miss China.
In the top 10, were the representatives of Australia, France, Costa Rica, Panama, and Portugal.
Completing the group of 15 quarter-finalists, we had the candidates of Puerto Rico, USA, Kosovo, Netherlands, Colombia and Venezuela.
Miss Panama was the winner of the Best National Costume Award; Miss Montenegro was voted Miss Congeniality; and Miss Sweden was elected Miss Photogenic.
The pageant was hosted by NBC “Today” anchor Natalie Morales and the Bravo network’s Andy Cohen.
Brazilian pop stars Claudia Leitte and Bebel Gilberto performed during the event.
Congratulations, Leila Lopes and our very own Shamcey Supsup!!!
LCD Manila 