2019
Miss Universe 2019 - Zozibini Tunzi
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ZOZIBINI TUNZI FROM SOUTH AFRICA CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE The special event trended worldwide on Twitter with millions of viewers across the globe tuning in to watch Atlanta, Georgia (December 8, 2019) – Today, Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa was crowned the new Miss Universe at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. The three-hour special programming event aired live on FOX and exclusively in Spanish on Telemundo. Zozibini Tunzi is a 26-year-old activist engaged in the fight against gender-based violence. She has been vocal in the #HeForShe campaign to change the narrative surrounding gender stereotypes. Tunzi holds a degree in public relations and is a proud advocate for natural beauty, encouraging women to love themselves the way they are. “Growing up, girls who looked like me weren’t considered beautiful,” said Tunzi. “I am so proud to be the first woman of color from South Africa to win the Miss Universe title for my country, and I hope every girl sees this and knows she is beautiful – no matter her skin color.” Tunzi was crowned in the new Miss Universe “Power of Unity” crown, which was crafted by international jeweler Mouawad and is worth $5 million. Now in its 68th year, MISS UNIVERSE® featured delegates from 90 countries. The top 20 finalists were selected from three regions of the world: Africa / Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, as well as a group who could come from any region. The semi-finalists each shared a personal statement summarizing what they wanted the world to know about them prior to the selection committee choosing ten finalists. For the second consecutive year, the selection committee was made up entirely of women, including business leaders, digital influencers and former Miss Universe titleholders. For the first time, The CHI Lounge featured a roundtable discussion for Facebook Live about female empowerment, some of which was featured during the live broadcast. The top five finalists were each asked a final question on a timely topic. The top three finalists (Miss Universe Mexico Sofía Aragón; Miss Universe South Africa Zozibini Tunzi and Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson) each delivered a final statement regarding the most important thing we should teach young girls today prior to Tunzi winning the new Miss Universe Power of Unity Crown, crafted by Mouawad. Five-time Emmy® Award winner Steve Harvey hosted the competition. Social media personality, model and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo alongside actress and Miss Teen USA 1998 Vanessa Lachey appeared as backstage hosts to take viewers behind-the-scenes with the women competing. Ally Brooke, former member of the multi-platinum pop group Fifth Harmony, performed. Final Results: First Runner-Up: Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson Second Runner-Up: Miss Universe Mexico Sofía Aragón Top Three: Miss Universe Mexico Sofía Aragón; Miss Universe South Africa Zozibini Tunzi; Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson Top Five: Miss Universe Mexico Sofía Aragón; Miss Universe Thailand Paweensuda Drouin; Miss Universe Colombia Gabriela Tafur Nader; Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson; Miss Universe South Africa Zozibini Tunzi. Top Ten: Miss USA Cheslie Kryst; Miss Universe Colombia Gabriela Tafur Nader; Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson; Miss Universe South Africa Zozibini Tunzi; Miss Universe Peru Kelin Rivera; Miss Universe Iceland Birta Abiba Þórhallsdóttir; Miss Universe France Maëva Coucke; Miss Universe Indonesia Frederika Cull; Miss Universe Thailand Paweensuda Drouin; Miss Universe Mexico Sofía Aragón. Top Twenty: Miss Universe South Africa Zozibini Tunzi; Miss Universe Indonesia Frederika Cull; Miss Universe Vietnam Thuy Hoang; Miss Universe Nigeria Olutosin Araromi; Miss Universe Thailand Paweensuda Drouin; Miss Universe Albania Cindy Marina; Miss Universe France Maëva Coucke; Miss Universe Iceland Birta Abiba Þórhallsdóttir; Miss Universe Croatia Mia Rkman; Miss Universe Portugal Sylvie Silva; Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson; Miss Universe Peru Kelin Rivera; Miss Universe Dominican Republic Clauvid Daly; Miss Universe Mexico Sofía Aragón; Miss USA Cheslie Kryst; Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados; Miss Universe Venezuela Thalia Olvino; Miss Universe India Vartika Singh; Miss Universe Brazil Julia Horta; Miss Universe Colombia Gabriela Tafur Nader. For more information, and to learn more about The Miss Universe Organization please visit: www.missuniverse.com. For photos from the competition and the contestant’s time in Atlanta, please go to press.missuniverse.com. # # # The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global community that empowers women to realize their goals through experiences that build self-confidence and create opportunities for success. MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® programs provide the 10,000 women who participate annually an international platform to affect positive change through influential humanitarian and professional efforts. The contestants and titleholders are leaders and role models in their communities, develop personal and professional goals, and inspire others to do the same. MUO is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports and content company. For more information, visit www.missuniverse.com. IMG IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports and content company. For Press Inquiries: Meg Omecene Miss Universe Organization (212) 373-4985 Momecene@endeavorco.com