Miss Universe-Philippines Gazini Ganados: "The world is ageing and my grandparents raised me and I've worked in an organization that's supporting elderly care.
I feel like there is a stigma in ageism, poverty, exclusivity. It is rightful for us to remember they paved they were the ones who paved the way for us. We should celebrate that love and no one should have to be left behind."The Top 20 finalists make their personal statements. From this, the list will be trimmed down to 10 contestants.
This year’s competition began Friday night, with the preliminary swimsuit, evening gown, and interview portions, plus the showcase of National Costumes. The National Costume winner was determined by an online fan vote and announced during Sunday’s live broadcast.
The main pageant, which is being hosted by Steve Harvey for the fifth consecutive year, began with a rousing musical number led by singer Ally Brooke. Then the Top 20 were announced in regions — five from Africa/Asia Pacific, five from Europe, five from the Americas, and five other contestants who could be from any region.
After that, the Top 20 took part in the live segment called “opening statements,” where they each got an opportunity to introduce themselves to the world. It was after the opening statements that the judges narrowed the field to the Top 10.
After that, they will be narrowed down to the Top 6 and eventually, one deserving woman will be named Miss Universe 2019.
1. Cheslie Kryst - USA
Miss USA currently serves as a correspondent for an entertainment news outlet, ExtraTV, and also runs a fashion blog called White Collar Glam that focuses on professional attire for women. Cheslie is passionate about Dress for Success and is an Impact Ambassador to the organization. She has travelled across the United States to support a variety of local events and programs for Dress for Success.
2. Gabriela Tafur Nader - Colombia
Miss Colombia’s life purpose is to contribute to a more prosperous, humanitarian, and fair society by devotionally working for gender equality and driving change for children so that they can grow up in a safe environment.
3. Madison Anderson - Puerto Rico
Miss Puerto Rico has actively worked with several organizations dedicated to providing services to people who really need it in different areas. With her social cause, Madison helps women who are released from incarceration by providing orientation and motivation to face their new lives.
4. Zozibini Tunzi - South Africa
Miss South Africa is a passionate activist and engaged in the fight against gender-based violence. She has devoted her social media campaign to change the narrative around gender stereotypes.
5. Kelin Rivera - Peru
Miss Peru was recently named an ambassador for vicu–a wool by the Peruvian government where she works with communities that sell this wool to help boost their economy and promote sustainability.
6. Maëva Coucke - France
Miss France is passionate about music, movies, extreme sports, and Formula 1 racing. She is a member of the Association Les Bonnes FŽes, an organization whose mission is to aid those that are ill and cannot take care of themselves.
7. Frederika Alexis Cull - Indonesia
Miss Indonesia aspires to be the first Muslim Miss Universe. She is a dog lover who has saved over 100 dogs from the dog trade in Indonesia along with her mother.
8. Paweensuda Drouin - Thailand
Miss Thailand is a Canadian-Chinese Thai who defines herself as an ordinary woman who is down to earth, likes to use public transportations, and enjoys street food. Passionate to help people, she chose to study Kinesiology as a pre-medical degree where she graduated with Distinction from the University of Calgary in Canada.
Miss Thailand is a Canadian-Chinese Thai who defines herself as an ordinary woman who is down to earth, likes to use public transportations, and enjoys street food. Passionate to help people, she chose to study Kinesiology as a pre-medical degree where she graduated with Distinction from the University of Calgary in Canada.
9. Birta Abiba - Iceland
Miss Iceland has written a full-length novel and one day hopes to become a successful international author. Birta is an active volunteer with the Icelandic Red Cross Study Aid program as a tutor for children ages 6-16 who teaches English & Icelandic language comprehension, mathematics, and standardized testing prep.
10. SofÃa Aragón - Mexico
Miss Mexico is a writer who committed her life to helping others who suffer from depression. She became a speaker when she realized that by sharing her story, she can help people overcome the same struggles she experienced. She is passionate about the importance of mental and emotional health and will continue to fight for those who suffer from depression.