TOP 5 MISS UNIVERSE WINNERS FROM THE AMERICAS

The Americas is one of the most competitive region when it comes to beauty pageants. Countries such as USA, Venezuela, Colombia and Puerto Rico are regarded as the powerhouses of pageantry. According to some previous records, in almost every five years, there is always some contestant that wins Miss Universe from this region. 

This gives us a general outlook upon the quality of women in this region, who are a symbol of beauty with brains. Besides perfect faces and photogenic physical feautures, women of this region are extremely intelligent and fiercely passionate about humanitarian causes. Women from the Americas have given Miss Universe some of the best catwalk performances and some of the most memorable answers. Let me share with you my top 5 Miss Universe winners, from the Americas, in random order.

5. Miss Universe 1998: Wendy Fitzwilliam (Trinidad & Tobago)

Wendy Fitzwilliam used to model for local agencies in her teen years. At the age of 25, she became successful in her endeavours to capture the Miss Universe crown in 1998. At the competition, there was a deadlock between Wendy and Veruska Ramirez, of Venezuela. Her queenly and regal aura alongwith a strikingly great personality helped her to eventually earn the title. She was indeed a breath of fresh air. During her reign, she was rewarded by the United Nations, for her contributions in HIV/AIDS awareness.

4. Miss Universe 2005: Natalie Glebova (Canada)

Natalie Glebova immigrated from Russia to Canada at the tender age of 13. Being an immigrant, she was not accepted by her peers. She started her pageant career with Miss Universe Canada 2004 where she placed as a runner up. Natalie returned the following year to not only win Miss Universe Canada but also got crowned as Miss Universe 2005. This sophisticated and intelligent blue-eyed beauty proved that nothing is impossible if one is equipped the right mindset, right preparation and is determined to win.

3. Miss Universe 2003: Ameila Vega (Dominican Republic)

On June 2003, Ameila Vega was crowned as the winner of Miss Universe, held in Panama. She subsequently became the first woman from Dominican Republic to win the title. At the age of 18, Ameila is the youngest ever Miss Universe winner since 1994 until 2006, when Zuleyka Rivera won the title. She also won the best National Costume award during the competition. Ameila featured on the cover page of  'Universal Beauty', the only book published by the Miss Universe organization.

2. Miss Universe 2014: Paulina Vega (Colombia)

Paulina Vega was crowned as Miss Universe 2013, in Florida on January 2015, besting the contestants from 87 other countries. She became the second Colombian in 56 years to win Miss Universe from her country since 1958. This woman has a bold personality and is a true embodiment of being 'confidently beautiful'. She looks completely regal and is fearlessly herself at all times. After her crowning, she travelled the world to raise awareness about certain humanitarian causes like HIV/AIDS.

  

1. Miss Universe 2008: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela)

Dayana Mendoza defeated 27 other contestants to win the Miss Venezuela title. Post her crowning, she gained rights to represent her nation at Miss Universe 2008, where she was declared the ultimate winner. In true sense of the term, Dayana is a complete package. Be it her wisdom, wits, effortless beauty, confidence, she is indeed a true queen. The green-eyed beauty was once kidnapped in Venezuela, and the psychological trauma acted as a catalyst to help her maintain her poise and grace under pressure. No wonder till date, she is quoted as one of the best Miss Universe winners.

HOW MANY TIMES HAS AFRICA WON MISS UNIVERSE ?

MISS UNIVERSE WINNERS FROM AFRICA

Africa has been the home to some of the most beautiful and diverse religions, races and cultures in the world. It has produced very credible and beautiful women, who not only inspire change, but also break stereotypes, and never let their inhibitions stifle them from progressing towards their goal. 

Here, I present before you the list of all the Miss Universe winners from Africa. These women are not only beautiful inside out, but also intelligent as well as driven by their missions and passions to work for the welfare of their community.

6. Miss Universe 1978: Margaret Gardiner (South Africa)

  

At the tender age of 18, Margaret Gardiner, became the first African woman to win Miss Universe. She perfectly epitomizes class, confidence, beauty and grace under pressure.

5. Miss Universe 1992: Michelle McLean (Namibia)

Michelle McLean was only 19 years old, when she became the first Namibian woman and the second African woman to win the Miss Universe title. During the competition, she maintained her poise and composure and was completely fluent in answering all the questions. 

4. Miss Universe 1999: Mpule Kwelagobe (Botswana)

Mpule Kwelagobe became the youngest women to win the Miss Botwswana title at only 17. She represented her nation in Miss World 1997, where she was unplaced. Two years down the lane, she not only became the first ever representative of Botswana at Miss Universe but also won the title. She is a symbol of resilience, eloquence, beauty, grace and raw talent winning the most coveted crown.

3. Miss Universe 2011: Leila Lopes (Angola)

Leila Lopes, defeated 20 other candidates, to win the Miss Angola title, giving her the rights to represent her country at Miss Universe. On September 12, 2011, Leila Lopes was crowned as the new Miss Universe in Brazil. She became the first woman from Angola, to win the title. She is certainly confidently beautiful.

  

2. Miss Universe 2017: Demi Leigh Nel Peters (South Africa)

Demi Leigh Nel Peters is the first South African woman to win the Miss Universe title, who was born in a free and democratic South Africa. During the entire competition, Demi was living every moment and was on point the whole time. She proved that with hardwork, focus and dedication, anybody can fulfill their dreams. This beautiful and elegant woman always strives to be the best version of herself.

 

1. Miss Universe 2019: Zozibini Tunzi (South Africa)

Zozibini Tunzi became the third South African woman to claim the Miss Universe title at the Tyler Perry Studios, in Atlanta, in the United States of America. She is also the first Miss Universe to be crowned in her Afro-textured short hair. This beautiful woman is a symbol of authenticity, wisdom, hard-work and persistence. She is a firm believer in equality of women and advocates on issues pertaining to gender-based violence and women empowerment.

Special Mention - Miss Universe 2018 1st Runner up:                                                   Tamaryn Green (South Africa) 

Tamaryn Green was crowned as Miss South Africa 2018 outperforming the top 12 finalists in the competition. Post her crowning, she became one of the heavy favourites to win the ultimate Miss Universe title. During the final night, Tamaryn gave us some of the best performances in the swimsuit round as well as the top 5- question and answer round. She looked confident, calm, poised and checked in all the boxes. Finally, she placed as the first runner-up, besting the contestants from 92 other nations, behind the eventual winner Catriona Gray, from the Philippines.

TOP 5 MISS UNIVERSE EVENING GOWNS

MISS UNIVERSE EVENING GOWNS COMPILATION

 

Miss Universe is the most popular pageant that not only portrays 

women who epitomize 'beauty with brains' but also enthralls the 

public worldwide with its glitz, glamour and the breathtaking 

gowns that leave everyone in awe. Let us take a ride through the 

memory lane of the top 5 most astounding Miss Universe gowns.

5. Miss Universe 2007: Riyo Mori (Japan)

The black Gucci evening gown embellished with vibrant floral 

ornamentation is a perfect ethnic Japanese costume. The purple and 

pink bands and the skirt imparting the gown a flowy drama are 

indeed a terrific combination. Riyo looked extremely regal and 

unique in this costume. Her runway twirl during the evening gown 

competition is what the pageant fans clearly remember.

4. Miss Universe 2002: Oxana Fedorova (Russia)

Oxana caught everyone's eye the moment she entered, in this 

beautiful white bridal Gucci gown, on the Miss Universe stage. The 

gown looked simple yet elegant, on her. It was a strapless, flowy 

costume with satin sash and ribbon detail on the bust. She looked 

like an angel gliding across the heavens. The long black hair

coupled with a courteous smile made her appear as an ethereal

deity.

3. Miss Universe 2016: Iris Mittenaere (France)

This see-through, semi-transparent, shimmering and smoking-gown 

looked extraordinary on this majestic stunning beauty. The queenly

gown featuring gold and silver sequins, in an exquisite design, based

on a nude tulle base with long sleeves took nearly four months to 

be manufactured. This gown fit her to a tee. The curly black hair 

flipped over to one side, with that beautiful smile rendered a royal 

look.

2. Miss Universe 2006: Zuleyka Rivera (Puerto Rico)

Zuleyka enthralled the audience when she entered the Miss Universe

stage in this Carlos Alberto gown. It was a chain mail gown with

a dramatic nude lining, deep V-shaped neckline and a high centre 

slit. The semi nude metallic dress embellished with magical chains 

gave the viewers a jaw-dropping look.  The lady styled the 

gown with clean, slicked black hair and long drooping earrings as 

accessories. This gown had almost cemented Puerto Rico's win in 

the competition.

1. Miss Universe 2018: Catriona Gray (Philippines)

This sparkling crimson-coloured Mayon gown resembled the 

swirling, fiery lava that slithers down the volcano. In short, this 

daring and different gown literally set the stage on fire. It was made 

of tulle encrusted with Swarovski crystals in 12-toned coloured 

palette that ranged from yellow to deep red. Its bare back design 

features a side cutout and a high slit that highlighted Catriona's 

smooth legs. She accessorized the look with a diamond-ruby  

earcuff , bold red lips and a broad beautiful smile. This iconic gown 

is by far the best gown in the history of the Miss Universe 

competition that is seared in the Filipino's collective consciousness.

TOP 5 BEST ANSWERS IN THE HISTORY OF MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT

Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant, which is owned by the US-based  Miss Universe Organization. It is the largest pageant in the world, in terms of media coverage and popularity. 

The final answer round of this pageant is one of the most intriguing rounds. It is when women from different backgrounds, nationalities and places get to voice their opinions and perspectives, which are remembered and quoted quite often. Let us look at the top 5 best answers in the history of the Miss Universe pageant.

5. Miss Universe 2015: Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Question:Why should you be the next Miss Universe ?

Answer: To be a Miss Universe is both an honour and a

               responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I would use 

               my voice to influence the youth and raise awareness 

               to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and  

               relevant to my country which is the Philippines. I want to 

               show the world, the universe rather that I am confidently

               beautiful with a heart. 

4. Miss Universe 1997: Brook Lee

Question: If there were no rules in your life for one day and you

                 could be outrageous, what would you do ?

Answer: I would eat - everything in the world. You do not               

               understand. I will eat everything twice.

3. Miss Universe 2008: Dayana Mendoza

Question: Do you believe that men or women have it easier in life

                 and why?

Answer: Actually God made us to share and to have differences but

               a big difference between men and women( irrespective of  

               the kind of life they lead) is that men think the faster way

               to go to a point is to go straight, but women know the 

               faster way to go to a point is through the curves and fixing

               every curve.

2.  Miss Universe 2019: Zozibini Tunzi

 Question: What is the most important thing we should be teaching 

                  young girls today?

Answer: I think the most important thing we should be teaching 

               young girls today is leadership. It is something that has 

               been lacking  in young girls and women for a very long 

               time not because we don't want to, but because of what 

               society has labelled women to be. I think we are the most 

               powerful beings in the world and we should be given

               every opportunity. And that is what we should be 

               teaching these young girls- to take up space. Nothing as 

               important as taking up space in society and cementing

               yourself.

1. Miss Universe 2000: Lara Dutta

Question: Right now there is a protest going on, right outside here

                (in Cyprus) calling the Miss Universe pageant

                 disrespectful of women. Convince them that they are

                 wrong.

Answer:   I think pageants like the Miss Universe pageant gives us 

                young women, a platform to foray in the fields that we    

                want to and forge ahead, be it entrepreneurship, be it   

                armed forces or be it politics. It gives us young women, a  

                platform to voice our choices and opinions. and makes us 

                strong and independent that we are today.

WHO IS THE NEW MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2020?

South Africa has recently emerged as a powerhouse in pageantry with the following contestants' placement at the Miss Universe  competition in just a matter of three years.

1.)Demi Leigh Nel Peters (Miss Universe 2017)

 

2.Tamaryn Green (Miss Universe 2018 1st Runner up) 

3. Zozibini Tunzi ( Miss Universe 2019)

South Africa has stepped up the game in 2020, as we find some of the contestants with the potential to not only win Miss South Africa, but also emerge as the finalists in the Miss Universe competition. Let me share with you my top 5 contestants' list who can possibly win the pageant.

TOP 5  MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2020

5. Natasha Joubert 

Natasha Joubert, 22 years old, has a B.Com in Marketing

 Management from Boston City Campus. She describes her 

personality as tomboyish, beacuse she would more often play

outdoor with boys than girls, when young. Not being a novice at 

pageantry, she competed before at Miss Globe 2016 and managed 

to do a successful stint at the pageant with utmost sincerity and 

passion.

She looks very natural and has a good command over her 

communication skills. Natasha is definitely a strong competitor.

4. Karishma Ramdev

Karishma Ramdev, 25-year-old, is a qualified medical doctor, who

is working selflessly on the frontlines of the COVID19 pandemic.

She has participated in the Miss South Africa 2018 pageant and 

with her sheer determination, talent and hardwork, was able to

secure aspot in the top 5. If she happens to win the crown she would 

love to meet Queen Elizabeth II and learn how to keep the crown 

shiny.

Karishma has a gorgeous look and an engaging personality. She is 

ready to fight against all odds and claim the ultimate title.

3. Busisiwe Mmotla

Busisiwe Mmotla, 27-year-old, holds a Bachelor in Education 

from the University of Johannesburg. She was crowned Miss 

Soweto 2017 and won the USN Face of Fitness 2019 title. Busisiwe

 is determined to work for the welfare of her society, employing 

education as a tool to illuminate the minds of her people. 

This girl has literally come to serve. Her headshot features a unique 

look. She definitely has that "it factor"  and comes off as a sweet, 

enthusiastic and fun-loving woman. Being brought up in the slums, 

she is aware of the harsh realities of  life. Hence, she is determined

to win the title and use it as a platform for emancipating the

impoverished citizens of South Africa.

2. Jordan van der Vyer

Jordan van der Vyer, 24-year-old, hailing from Greenpoint in Cape

Town, is an international beauty model. From her experience, she 

wishes to instill self-confidence and empower women of South 

Africa to rise above their fears and inhibitions.She is passionate to 

become a proponent of effective social change and break 

stereotypes.

Jordan comes off as a soft, compassionate and natural woman. She 

is extremely confident, even when she makes an eye contact with

the camera. One can't help but notice the intensity in that stare, in

her headshot photograph. She can prove to be a tough competitor,

who can win the pageant.

1.Melissa Nayimuli

Melissa Nayimuli, 24-year-old, hails from Butterworth in the 

Eastern Cape.She has majored in television writing and obtained a

Bachelor's degree in Motion Picture Medium from AFDA.She is 

currently working as an Accountant Manager, in Johannesburg.

Melissa entered the Miss South Africa pageant in 2016 and 2018, 

but could not make it into the finals. She is a firm believer in 

education and is passionate about equality of women and strongly

opposes gender-based violence.

Being brought up in a multicultural family, she hopes to bring

unity among various African countries and eradicate xenophobia

from her community. 

The  photogenic face, poise and the halo effect of her

 Afro-textured hair make a perfect headshot. This is the competitor

to watch out for. She is indeed a complete package for Miss 

Universe. She comes off as an intelligent, passionate, relatable and 

confident speaker, who has the potential to accomplish a back-to-

back victory for South Africa at the Miss Universe Competition.

Now let me answer some FAQs related to the Miss South Africa.

1) Is Miss South Africa 2020 cancelled?

 => The 62nd edition of Miss South Africa, will host its annual 

       pageant virtually in the month of August where the 

       representatives for Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss

       Supranational will be crowned.

2) Who is the current Miss South Africa?

=>  Sasha Lee Olivier is the current Miss South Africa, who was 

      designated with the title, after the reigning Miss South Africa,

      Zozibini Tunzi was crowned as the new Miss Universe at the 

      Tyler Perry Studios, in Atlanta.

3) Who is the first black Miss South Africa?

=>  Jacqui Mofokeng became the first black Miss South Africa, to 

       be crowned in 1993. She is currently based in USA with her 

       husband and children.

      

.