Washington: R’Bonney Gabriel from USA is Miss Universe 2023. India’s Harnaaz Sandhu, who won the beauty pageant title in 2022, crowned the new Miss Universe in a grand event held on Sunday morning.
She was one of 84 beauty queens competing for the hallowed crown in the fashion space.
Reigning Miss India-Universe Divita Rai, who represented the country at the 71st edition of the pageant, secured a berth in the top 16 but failed to make it to the top 5.
The new Miss Universe is USA!!! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/7vryvLV92Y
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 15, 2023
According to Deadline, a US-based news outlet, Gabriel is a model, fashion designer, and sewing teacher.
She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and a minor in Fibers. Gabriel also runs her own eco-friendly clothing line.
Martinez Founier from the Dominican Republic was adjudged as the second runner-up, while Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel was the first runner-up.
For the first time in 11 years, Miss USA was crowned Miss Universe. Indian beauty queen Harnaaz Sandhu won the marquee pageant last year.
The official Miss Universe is… USA🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mBZvNTJN1m
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 15, 2023
Meanwhile, Sofia Depassier of Chile won the Miss Congeniality title, Sofia Depassier of Chile won Social Impact Award, Anna Sueangam-iam of Thailand claimed Spirit of Carnival Award.
The pageant host revealed that the next edition of the pageant will be staged in El. Salvador.