Miss Colombia Paulina Vega has been crowned as Miss Universe. More than 80 contestants from across the world showed off their beauty, talent and intelligence during the pageant held in Miami on Sunday night.
Paulina Vega was crowned by the 2014 pageant winner, Gabriela Isler of Venezuela. The new crown is valued at $300,000 and was designed to resemble the skyline of New York City. It is encrusted with 5 large blue topaz stones and 311 small polished diamonds. According to the Miss Universe Organization, the crown "symbolizes and expresses the beauty, stability, confidence and power of women around the world".
Above: Miss Colombia Paulina Vega (L) is crowned Miss Universe 2015 by Miss Universe 2014 Gabriela Isler (R) during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
Above: Miss Colombia Paulina Vega (L) is crowned Miss Universe 2015 by Miss Universe 2014 Gabriela Isler (R) during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
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Nia Sanchez of the US, Yasmin Verheijen of Netherlands, Diana Harkusha of Ukraine and Kaci Fennel of Jamaica were also among the top five.
The new Miss Universe celebrated her 22nd birthday on January 15. She comes from a large family which includes three brothers and four sisters. Her grandfather is legendary tenor Gaston Vega. She said she is a "dreamer" and likes dancing.
Above: Miss Colombia Paulina Vega is crowned Miss Universe 2015 during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
Above: Miss Colombia Paulina Vega is crowned Miss Universe 2015 during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
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Russia’s Yulia Alipova did not reach the final stage of the competition.
Above: Miss Russia, Yulia Alipova, poses for the judges.
Above: Miss Russia, Yulia Alipova, poses for the judges.
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© AP Photo / Wilfredo Lee
For the contestants, the coronation concluded three weeks of preparation for the pageant, participating in parades, attending photo shoots and visiting local attractions in Miami.
Above: The 15 top finalist contestants pose during the Miss Universe pageant in Miami.
Above: The 15 top finalist contestants pose during the Miss Universe pageant in Miami.
The Miss Universe pageant was set up after Yolande Betbeze, the winner of the 1951 Miss America contest, refused to pose in a swimsuit for its sponsor, Catalina Swimwear. The brand’s manufacturer Pacific Mills withdrew from the event and founded the Miss USA and Miss Universe events. The first Miss Universe Pageant was held in Long Beach, California in 1952.
Above: Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa (C) and other contestants participate in the swim suit competition during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
Above: Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa (C) and other contestants participate in the swim suit competition during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
Throughout the evening, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview.
Above: Migbelis Castellanos, Miss Venezuela 2014, debuts her national costume during the Miss Universe Preliminary Show in Miami.
Above: Migbelis Castellanos, Miss Venezuela 2014, debuts her national costume during the Miss Universe Preliminary Show in Miami.
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Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha was the second runner-up.
Above: Diana Harkusha, Miss Ukraine 2014 competes on stage in her evening gown during the Miss Universe Preliminary Show.
Above: Diana Harkusha, Miss Ukraine 2014 competes on stage in her evening gown during the Miss Universe Preliminary Show.
For the first time in pageant’s history, contestants were asked a question from Facebook users.
Above: Miss Colombia Paulina Vega, Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, and Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha are seen with headphones during the question phase of the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
Above: Miss Colombia Paulina Vega, Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, and Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha are seen with headphones during the question phase of the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
Nia Sanchez, the 24-year-old Miss USA, was named the first runner-up at the contest.
Above: Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014, debuts her national costume during the Miss Universe Preliminary Show in Miami.
Above: Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014, debuts her national costume during the Miss Universe Preliminary Show in Miami.
Kaci Fennell of Jamaica became the fourth runner-up.
Above: Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell participates in the swim suit competition during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
Above: Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell participates in the swim suit competition during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant.
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© AP Photo / Wilfredo Lee
Colombia’s win at the pageant did not come as a surprise. According to Vega’s bio, she earned "the highest score possible in every presentation, 9.9". Her crown is the second win for Colombia, who first won the title in 1958.
Above: Paulina Vega is congratulated by contestants after becoming Miss Universe at the Miss Universe Pageant.
Above: Paulina Vega is congratulated by contestants after becoming Miss Universe at the Miss Universe Pageant.
