Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was already wearing the Miss Universe sash and crown, and was waving to the crowd at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, when host Steve Harvey, an American comedian, went back on stage and made an awkward announcement.
“OK folks, I have to apologize. The first runner up is Colombia.”
“Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines,” he added as the music began anew, with the Colombian contestant left like a deer in headlights and the actual winner, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, looking stunned and mouthing, “What?”
“Listen folks, let me just take control of this,” Harvey stammered as a perplexed audience held its breath, cheers mixing with boos. “This is exactly what’s on the card. I will take responsibility for this. It was my mistake, it was on the card,” he said.
“It was my mistake, still a great night,” added the talk show host.
“Please don’t hold it against the ladies, please don’t” he pleaded.
“We feel so badly but it’s still a great night. Thank you all.”
Awkward.
Pia Wurtzbach looked confused but kept her composure, as Miss USA beside her explained that it was she who won the competition.
Miss Philippines took her rightful place beside Miss Colombia, who was still wearing the crown. Miss Universe 2014, Paulina Vega who was previously Miss Colombia, positioned herself between Miss Philippines and Miss Colombia, trying to calm both ladies.
We will assume the final announcement is correct and happily report that yay! Philippines has won the Miss Universe crown a grand total of three times!
The last time Philippines won the Miss Universe crown was in 1973, when a 19-year-old Margarita Moran won.
Alonzo Wurtzbach told reporters after the ceremony that she wished the jilted winner well. “I’m very sorry, I did not take the crown from her and I wish her well in whatever she wants to pursue after this pageant,” she said. With an AFP report.
Reader Interactions