LIVE UPDATES: Miss Universe 2022 Coronation Night Highlights

This most-awaited Miss Universe 2022 grand coronation night is finally happening, and we can't wait to see the delegates showcase their beauty, personality, and wit at every stage of the competition. 

The 71st Miss Universe pageant is held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States on January 14, following the preliminary competition held on January 11. 

Tune in to Philippine representative Celeste Cortesi as she runs for Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu’s successor and competes for the coveted crown and title. A total of 83 delegates competed at the coronation night; Miss Universe Norway Ida Hauan didn't make it as she has fallen ill. 

Event hosts Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Olivia Culpo began the night by introducing an energetic number with a Mardi Gras vibe, featuring Big Freedia, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and Amanda Shaw. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also stepped in as a backstage commentator alongside entertainment reporter Zuri Hall.

The all-female selection committee, on the other hand, includes the following: Emily Austin (American actress and sports journalist), Wendy Fitzwilliam (Miss Universe 1998 from Trinidad and Tobago), Olivia Quido (Filipino-Chinese CEO and founder of O Skin Med Spa), Ximena Navarrete (Miss Universe 2010 from Mexico), Mara Martin (American model and co-founder of Vyral Media PR), Big Freedia (American rapper and performer), Myrka Dellanos (American television/radio host and journalist), Sweta Patel (Indian author, member of the Forbes council and founder of Healveda), and preliminary judges Kathleen Ventrella (Puerto Rican chief marketing officer of ImpactWayv) and Olivia Jordan (Miss USA 2015 from Oklahoma). 

After the opening number, the coronation night proceeded right away to the announcement of the Top 16, who impressed in the preliminary competition in their swimsuits, evening gowns, and national costumes. 

Top 16

1. Puerto Rico - Ashley Cariño

2. Haiti - Mideline Phelizor

3. Australia - Monique Riley

4 Dominican Republic - Andreína Martínez

5. Laos - Payengxa Lor (Trivia: Laos makes it to the semi-finals for the first time in Miss Universe history)

6. South Africa - Ndavi Nokeri

7. Portugal - Telma Madeira

8. Canada - Amelia Tu

9. Peru - Alessia Rovegno

10. Trinidad and Tobago - Tya Jané Ramey

11. Curaçao - Gabriëla Dos Santos

12. India - Divita Rai

13. Venezuela - Amanda Dudamel

14. Spain - Alicia Faubel

15. USA - R'Bonney Gabriel

16. Colombia - María Fernanda Aristizábal

The swimsuit round was up next with a twist, as the delegates' ensembles included artistic capes that have beautiful stories and meanings behind them. The delegates modeled their swimwear onstage, with music by Tank and The Bangas.

The new Miss Universe Organization (MUO) owner, Thai businesswoman and transgender rights advocate Jakapong ‘Anne’ Jakrajutatip, then took on the stage to talk about the purposes the organization will now serve and handed the ImpactWayv Award to Thailand's Anna Sueangam-iam whose parents worked as garbage collectors in Bangkok. As tribute to her parents, she wore an evening gown made from soda draught can pull-tabs for the preliminary competition.   

The evening gown segment followed, and as the delegates sashayed onstage, fiddler/songwriter Amanda Shaw performed.  

Top 5

Venezuela - Amanda Dudamel

USA - R'Bonney Gabriel

Puerto Rico - Ashley Cariño

Curaçao - Gabriëla Dos Santos

Dominican Republic - Andreína Martínez

The Q&A with the Top 5 delegates took place next.

After which, a tribute segment was dedicated for American television correspondent and Miss Universe 2019 delegate Cheslie Kryst who passed away on January 30, 2022 and whose death was ruled a suicide. Cheslie's mother, April Simpkins, then took the moment to talk about her daughter's legacy and battle with high-functioning depression. She also announced a partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) which established the Cheslie C. Kryst Memorial Fund for Mental Health. April said, "The fund will focus on mental health challenges, including high-functioning depression. I'm honored to be here tonight to share Cheslie's story, and I ask that you share it. Share it with others in hopes that together we can break the stigma and talk more about mental health. Be well."

Next up: The announcement of the Top 3. 

Top 3

Dominican Republic - Andreína Martínez

USA - R'Bonney Gabriel

Venezuela - Amanda Dudamel

Read the transcript of the Top 3 Q&A here.

American gospel singer Yolanda Adams performed at the final look part, where the Top 3 delegates were given an opportunity to make an impression on the selection committee for the last time. 

Before the final results were announced, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu had her final walk as the reigning queen and expressed gratitude for everyone who helped her in this pageant journey.

The final results are:

2nd Runner-Up: Dominican Republic - Andreína Martínez

1st Runner-Up: Venezuela - Amanda Dudamel

Miss Universe 2022: USA - R'Bonney Gabriel

Congratulations, Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel!

Lead photo by Benjamin Askinas courtesy of Miss Universe

ABS-CBN will air and stream the awaited pageant live on A2Z Channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC on January 15 (Sunday) at 9 AM (Philippine time).