C'bean dominates Miss Universe Top 5
Published:Saturday | January 14, 2023 | 10:29 PMStephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer -
Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel, Miss United States R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss Curaçao Gabriela Dos Santos and Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez have made it to the Top 5 of the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Centre.
At the start of the show, 16 semi-finalists were named. To the disappointment of many Jamaicans, Miss Universe Jamaica Toshami Calvin was not selected to advance to the next round.
READ: Calvin ends Miss Universe journey; good showing for C'bean in Top 16
Judging was based on closed-door interviews and a preliminary competition held earlier this week which featured the contestants in an evening gown, swimsuit and national costume where Calvin exuded the boldness, confidence and fierceness of the island’s only national heroine, Nanny of the Maroons.
The 26-year-old behavioural therapist and children’s advocate saluted Queen Nanny as a strong Jamaican woman of substance, resilience, and courage on social media. She said that she aspired to pull on Nanny’s formidable character as she represented Jamaica in the Miss Universe finals – and that she did. Her national costume was a sparkling emerald green gown with foliage and feather details which was accessorised with a sequinned head wrap. As she strutted onto the stage, Calvin unveiled her abeng and sword, further commanding attention. She certainly made an impact, as several critics named her a favourite in the competition.
Representatives from over 80 countries participated in this year’s edition of Miss Universe. The winner of the pageant will be selected by an all-female judging panel which includes Miss Universe 1998, model and lawyer Wendy Fitzwilliam; entertainer Big Freedia; sports broadcaster and journalist Emily Austin; author, producer and Emmy Award-winning journalist Myrna Dellanos, Healveda’s founder and author Sweta Patel; Miss Universe 2010, actress and TV host Ximena Navarrete; co-founder of Vyral Media PR Mara Martin and O Skin Med Spa’s founder and CEO Olivia Quido.
Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam walked away with the ImpactWayv Challenge Award. The presentation was made by Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the new owner of the Miss Universe Organization.
Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan and marketing officer Kathleen Ventrella served as judges in the preliminaries. The pageant is being hosted by Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo and Jeannie Mai Jenkins.