Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Miss Universe 2015

Pia Alonzo WurtzbachPia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines was crowned Miss Universe 2015, but only after some stage drama. The ceremony’s host Steve Harvey mistakenly mixed up the winners’ names at the event, where India failed to clinch the title for the 15th straight year. The top three contestants included beauties from the Philippines, Colombia and the US, who beat others in rounds like national costume, swimsuit and evening wear.

Earlier while announcing the results, Miss US Olivia Jordan was placed third and Wurtzbach was announced as the first runner-up. As a result, there was a mix up in the crowning ceremony too. Miss Colombia Ariadna Guiterrez jumped with joy after the host took her country’s name as the winner. She was crowned by another Colombian beauty — Paulina Vega, who had clinched the crown in 2014.

It could have been two Miss Universe titles in a row for Colombia but soon after Guiterrez took her first walk as the winner, the host admitted to have made a mistake in announcing the winners. Vega then returned to the stage, took away the crown from Guiterrez and placed it on the head of Wurtzbach, who looked equally shocked as the others.

Wurtzbach, who believes that she is “confidently beautiful with a heart”, thinks that the title is an honour with responsibilities. She wants to create awareness about HIV. India last won the Miss Universe title in 2000. Lara Dutta, now an actress-producer, had brought the crown home.