R'Bonney Gabriel from the US was crowned Miss Universe this morning as India's Divita Rai, who had clinched a spot in top 16, missed out on the beauty pageant in New Orleans. Venezuela and the Dominican Republic were among the other contenders in the top 3.
India's Harnaaz Sandhu, the titleholder from last year, took to the stage and crowned Ms Gabriel.
Ms Rai, 25, had won the Miss Diva Universe pageant last year and finished third in 2021, losing to Ms Sandhu. Actors Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta (2000) are the only other Indians who have won the Miss Universe title.
Born in Karnataka's Mangaluru, Ms Rai's 'Sone ki Chidiya' costume was inspired by the "ethereal portrayal of India as the golden bird which is a symbol of wealth of our rich cultural heritage along with the spiritual essence of living in harmony with diversity".
