Gabriela Isler, a 25-year-old television presenter and accomplished flamenco dancer from Venezuela, has been crowned Miss Universe 2013 at a grand finale here after beating 85 contestants across the globe.
India’s Manasi Moghe, 23, could only make it to the top ten at the glittery event held late last night. The last time an Indian won the Miss Universe title was Bollywood actress Lara Dutta in 2000.
Isler, was so excited at being declared the winner that the tiara fell off her head when Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo of United States handed the tiara to her at the event watched by an audience of nearly 1 billion across the world.
This is the third win for Venezuela in the last six Miss Universe pageants. Dayana Mendoza and Stefania Fernandez won in 2008 and 2009 respectively.
Taking the runner-up positions this year is Miss Spain, Patricia Rodrigues, Constanza Baez from Ecuador, Ariella Arida from the Philippines, and Jakelyne Oliveira from Brazil respectively.
This year’s judging panel included Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, supermodel Anne Vyalitsyna, American model and actress Carol Alt, chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, Farouk Shami-founder of the hair-care and spa products company and American figure skater Tara Lipinski.
Contestants representing 86 countries competed in three categories — swimsuit, evening gown and interview.