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Philippines beauty crowned Miss Universe after 'big mistake'

Las Vegas - Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines beat beauties from Colombia and the US.

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Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines was announced as the Miss Universe 2015, after the ceremony's host Steve Harvey admitted to making a big mistake by mixing up the names of the winners.
There were as many as 80 contestants vying for the coveted Miss Universe title here on Sunday.
After beating others in rounds like national costume, swimsuit and evening wear, beauties from the Philippines, Colombia and the US made it to the top three.

Earlier while announcing the results, Miss US Olivia Jordan was placed third and Wurtzbach was announced as the first runner-up.
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.

I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.
- Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

 

Secondly, I'd like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake.
- Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

 

I don't want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing.
- Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

 
"I will take the responsibility for this. It's on the card. Don't hold it against the ladies. Still a great night," Harvey told the audience.
Vega 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.

Steve Harvey waking up to the whole universe roasting him tomorrow pic.twitter.com/BYzq0v6R6L
- claybae (@clay_rehm) December 21, 2015

#SteveHarvey memes are out ... OUCH! Pic by: @showstopper120 #12Today pic.twitter.com/86IxMeXyOY
- Ozzy Mora (@ozzy_mora) December 21, 2015

Earlier during the pageant when she was asked about the US reopening a military base in the Philippines, she said the two nations have always shared a good relationship with each other and due to colonisation, the Philippines still has the US culture. She said she has no problem with it.
India's Urvashi Rautela was out of the race early. She could not manage to earn a spot in top 15.
Apart from the judging panel that included actress Niecy Nash, celebrity entertainment mogul Perez Hilton, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and football legend Emmitt Smith, this year fans across the globe had a say in who should be crowned the Miss Universe.
There was a surprise judge too -- the remaining 77 women, who could not make it to the top three, voted on the last answer.
Musicians like Charlie Puth, Seal and The Band Perry added entertainment via their performances at Planet Hollywood here.
Philippines at major beauty pageants

Year	Miss Universe	Miss World	Miss Earth
2015	Pia Wurtzbach WINNER	Hillarie Parungao Top 10	Angelia Gabrena Ong WINNER
2014	Mary Jean Lastimosa Top 10	Valerie Weigmann Top 25	Jamie Herrell WINNER
2013	Ariella Arida 3rd Runner-up	Megan Lynne Young WINNER	Angelee Claudette delos Reyes Top 8
2012	Janine Marie Tugonon 1st Runner-up	Queneerich Rehman Top 15	Stephany Dianne Stefanowitz 1st Runner-up
2011	Shamcey Supsup 3rd Runner-up	Gwendoline Gaelle Ruais 1st Runner-up	Athena Mae Imperial 2nd Runner-up

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