Miss Universe 2017 Live Blog: Top 16 Finalists And Winner Announced

Ninety-two ladies from all over the world are on stage for Miss Universe 2017 at the Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France is set to pass on the crown in a few hours if not, minutes. Join us for a live blog of today’s pageant and get to know who wins the crown and the title this year.

Miss Universe 2017 is taking on a new way of announcing the Top 16 Finalists and the winners. There will be four contestants from the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, and then four Wild Cards. From there, the Top contestants will be chosen and then the winner.

Miss Universe 2017: Top 16 Finalists Announced

Before the announcement of the top 16, all the contestants took their walk down the stage. Contestants were grouped according to region, with Americas as one group, Europe as another and Africa and Asia-Pacific as another. After all the contestants were introduced, backstage hosts Carson and Ashley shared who their bets are. Carson was rooting for the new countries such as Nepal, while Ashley revealed that her favorite was the Philippines.

After the commercial break, host Steve Harvey began announcing the finalists by group. From the Africa-Asia group, the first name to be called is Thailand. Steve Harvey then called Sri Lanka. The first finalist from Africa is Ghana, after which South Africa was called as the final 4th finalist from the group.

The next group of 4 finalists will be coming from Europe. First to be called is Spain, and then Ireland. From East Europe, Croatia was called next. The final one to be called is Great Britain.

From the Americas group, the first to advance is Colombia, followed by USA, which elicited such a wild cheer from the audience. Brazil joins the top 16 as well, while Canada completes the 4 finalists for the group.

The final group will be the wild card group, which can come from any region or group. The Philippines is the first country called by Steve Harvey. Venezuela is the second country to be called, followed by Jamaica. The last country in the top 16 is China.

Miss Universe 2017: Swimsuit Competition And Top 10 Finalists

Host Ashley Graham took Miss Philippines aside before the swimsuit competition and asked her how she felt as the top 16 finalists were announced. Ms. Peters revealed how nervous she was but she also expressed her thanks for those who supported her especially her fellow Filipinos.

The next round is the swimsuit competition, where the finalists from the 3 regions and the wild card groups made their way across the stage in their swimsuits.

When the top 10 finalists were announced, Venezuela was first to be called. The United States followed suit. Third to be called is the Philippines. Miss Canada was the fourth to be called as part of the top 10, followed by South Africa. The next three who are called are Spain, Brazil and Colombia. The last two finalists are Thailand and Jamaica.

Miss Universe 2017: Evening Gown Competition And Top 5 Finalists

As Fergie performs one of her latest singles, each of the top 10 finalists grace the stage wearing their best evening gown. After another commercial break, it is time to announce the top 5.  And the top 5 finalists are South Africa, Venezuela, Thailand, Jamaica and Colombia.

Miss Universe 2017: Question And Answer Portion And Top 3 Finalists

Each of the top 5 finalists had a chance to answer a question on different social issues. Among the issues that took front stage were on the impact of social media, social movements, sexual harassment and terrorism.

After a break, then came the announcement for the top 3. Jamaica was first to be called, followed by Colombia and then finally South Africa.

The top 3 finalists were then asked the same question: What quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality to your time as Miss Universe. Miss Jamaica mentioned her advocacy for deaf-mute children through her own foundation. Miss Colombia talked about passion and how she will put this into her reign as Miss Universe. Miss South Africa spoke about being confident which she says she is and she will continue to be if chosen as Miss Universe.

Miss Universe 2017 Is South Africa

As the judges put in their votes and while the public make their final vote, Rachel Platten performed her song Broken Glass.

The show goes on one last commercial break as the votes are tallied. Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere will also make her farewell walk one last time.

First to be called is the second runner up and it is Miss Jamaica, leaving Miss South Africa and Miss Colombia in the running as Miss Universe. And the winner is South Africa.

PH Bet Rachel Peters On Miss Universe 2017, Live Blog