Miss Universe 2019 crowns South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi
Miss Universe crowned South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi as the winner last December 9. She reigned supreme among 94 candidates. Meanwhile, outgoing queen Catriona Gray crowned her at Tyler Perry’s new studio.
South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi is Miss Universe 2019
The selection committee includes Gaby Espino, Bozoma Saint John, Cara Mund, Sazan Hendrix, Crystle Stewart, Paulina Vega, and Riyo Mari. In fact, this would be the second time that the judges panel comprised entirely of female judges. The first would be last year for the 2018 pageant held in Thailand. Philippine representative Gazini Ganados finishes as one of the Top 20 finalists of the competition.
Full list of winners:
Second Runner-up – Sofia Aragon, MEXICO
Sofia Aragon competed for the title of Mexicana Universal Jalisco. She aimed to represent her state at Mexicana Universal 2019. However, she didn’t win and Dorothy Sutherland came home with the crown. Sutherland, then, came in breach of her contract for not appearing at required events. This led to her dethroning and Aragon taking her place.
Days after her appointment, Aragon competed in the Mexicana Universal 2019 in Mexico City. During the June 23 airing, she bested other representatives as they crown her Mexicana Universal 2019. She became the second runner up, the highest placement for Mexico since Ximena Navarrete who won Miss Universe 2010.
First Runner-up – Madison Anderson, PUERTO RICO
After Miss Grand International, Madison Anderson went on a brief hiatus from pageantry. She, then, competed in Miss Florida USA 2019. Placing as the 1st Runner-Up, she later entered Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2019. She represented the municipality of Toa Baja and went on to win the competition. She finished 1st Runner-Up at the Miss Universe 2019. Of course, this became the country’s highest non-winning placement. Cynthia Olavarria also finished 1st Runner-Up at the 2005 competition.
Miss Universe 2019 – Zozibini Tunzi, SOUTH AFRICA
Zozibini Tunzi competed in Miss South Africa 2019. Among the initial applications, she became the best out of the 35 semifinalists. She progressed through the stages of the final, receiving the crown from her predecessor Tamary Green. This became South Africa’s third Miss Universe crown. She makes history as she became the first black woman with afro-textured hair to win the title.
2019 also made history as it became the first year that all four major United States-based pageants had block women as their queens. Nia Franklin held the title of Miss America 2019. Meanwhile, Kaliegh Garris became Miss Teen USA. Then, Miss USA 2019 crowned Cheslie Kryst. Additionally, this became the first year that black women won two of the most prestigious international pageants.
