South African contestant wins Miss Universe crown as host Steve Harvey returns to redeem himself after naming the wrong winner two years ago
- Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who recently earned a business management degree, was crowned Sunday
- Ninety-two women from around the world participated in the decades-old competition
- Steve Harvey returned to host despite flubbing the crowning ceremony at the 2015 competition
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The woman representing South Africa has won the Miss Universe crown.
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who recently earned a business management degree, was crowned Sunday during the event at the Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
The 22-year-old winner has earned a yearlong salary, a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign and more prizes.
The runner-up was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez, while the second runner-up was Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett.
Steve Harvey returned as the show's host despite botching the 2015 Miss Universe crowning, naming the wrong contestant as the winner.
Former Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere, right, crowns new Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters at the Miss Universe pageant Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is crowned the 2017 Miss Universe following the conclusion of the pageant at The Axis at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
Steve Harvey asks a question of Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. Harvey returned as the show's host despite botching the 2015 Miss Universe crowning, naming the wrong contestant as the winner
Ninety-two women from around the world participated in the decades-old competition. This year's edition had the most contestants ever, including the first ever representatives of Cambodia, Laos and Nepal.
Throughout Sunday's event, Harvey poked fun at his mishap in 2015, when he declared Miss Colombia the winner, though it was actually Miss Philippines who won.
Harvey told the audience he is 'grateful for the Oscars,' referring to the similar best-picture announcement flub at this year's Academy Awards.
Grammy-Award winner Fergie performed her new song 'A Little Work' while the contestants walked down the stage wearing evening gowns. This year's judges included YouTube star Lele Pons, former judge of 'America's Next Top Model' Jay Manuel and Wendy Fitzwilliam, the 1998 Miss Universe winner from Trinidad and Tobago.
President Donald Trump offended Hispanics when he made anti-immigrant remarks in announcing his bid for the White House in 2015.
At the time, he co-owned The Miss Universe Organization with NBCUniversal, but the network and the Spanish-language broadcaster Univision quickly cut ties with him, refusing to air the show. Trump sued both networks, eventually settling and selling off the entire pageant to talent management company WME/IMG.
Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (left) and runner up Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez (right) in the swimsuit portion
Other contestants congratulate Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (center) after she was named 2017 Miss Universe
Steve Harvey, center, takes the stage at the Miss Universe pageant Sunday in Las Vegas
From left, final five finalists Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez, Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett, Miss Thailand Maria Poonlertlarp, Miss Venezuela Keysi Sayago and Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters wait to hear the final winner
Contestants stand on stage at the Miss Universe pageant Sunday in Las Vegas
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5120055/Contestant-South-Africa-wins-Miss-Universe-crown.html#ixzz4zbOsOuxy
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