Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu

Harnaaz Sandhu of India has been crowned the 70th Miss Universe at the pageant’s finals night held in Eilat, Israel on Sunday, December 12.

Sandhu is the third titleholder during the pandemic after Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa and Andrea Meza of Mexico. 

Her runners-up include Nadia Ferreira of Paraguay and Lalela Mswane of South Africa. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Beatrice Luigi Gomez finished in the pageant’s Top 5.

During the Final Statements the Top 3 candidates from India, Paraguay, and South Africa, were asked: "What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?"

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu answered: "I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves. To know that you are unique, that's what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let's talk about more important things that are happening worldwide. I think this is what you need to understand."

"Come out, speak for yourself, because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that's why I'm standing here today," Sandhu added.

It was up to a judging panel composed of eight inspiring, empowering women, including two previous titleholders, TV personalities, and actress Marian Rivera, to select the 70th Miss Universe. 

Beating out 80 other candidates in the competition, Sandhu is India’s third representative to win the title in its entire history, taking home the crown 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.