A NEW MISS UNIVERSE CROWNED BY: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: Associated Press
We have a new Miss Universe that has been crowned today on the 60th anniversary of the world’s biggest pageant. Her name is Leila Lopes and she is energetic and 25 years old from Angola; her cause is to focus on combatting HIV around the globe. She is one of the few black women ever gaining the coveted title and this is a first win for Angola. Leila beat out 88 other contestants. Leila is a shining example of an individual dedicated to helping her people and she actively works in many social areas such as helping poor children and protecting the elderly.
With a winning smile and that wholesome look, Lopes has some advice to girls striving to be in her shoes someday. Drink lots of water, get plenty of sleep and always wear sunblock.
She impressed the judges and the audience with the answer to her final question. What physical trait would you change if you could? Absolutely nothing she responded. She is happy with the way God created her and wouldn’t change a thing. She is endowed with inner beauty and wonderful principles acquired from her family which she intends to follow for the rest of her life.
First runner-up was 25-year-old Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine, second runner-up was Priscilla Machado of Brazil and 3rd runner-up was Miss Philippines and fourth runner-up was Miss China.
The pageant was held in steamy San Paulo, Brazil and one of the celebrity judges was U.S. broadcast journalist, Connie Chung who was joined by supermodel, Isabeli Fontana and Indy Race Car Driver, Helio Castroneves. The hosts were NBC “Today” anchor, Natalie Morales and Bravo Network’s Andy Cohen. The event was broadcast live on NBC.
Leila Lopes succeeds the outgoing Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.
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