Miss Philippines Catriona Gray is crowned the Miss Universe 2018

Miss Universe winner is Catriona Gray, 24, from Philippines

Winning over the crown from 93 gorgeous other contestants, Miss Philippines Catriona Gray was crowned the 2018 Miss Universe. Dazzling in a glittering ceremony on Sunday, the 24 year old won the hearts of many in the ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Catriona Gray had also won praise from supermodel Tyra Banks for her signature slow-mo twirl during the swimsuit segment of the competition which included a flirty swing of the hip and twirl of hair, and succeeded last year's winner, the 2017 Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa. This year the pageant had the theme of "Empowered Women" and was judged by seven women including former pageant winners, businesswomen, and a fashion designer.

The host for the evening was Steve Harvey, who famously announced the wrong winner of the 2015 Miss Universe contest, and the event was humorously addressed by Miss Costa Rica when asked by the host if she had any professional advice for him. Top model Ashley Graham also co-hosted the event.

Catriona Gray mesmerized and allured in a plunging and strapless sequinned red dress that also showed off her legs with a daring slit up the thigh, and the brunette is a renowned TV host and model in her nation. She has a degree in Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, and she is an avid traveler.

Followed by Miss Philippines Catriona Gray, the first runner-up of the 2018 Miss Universe was Tamaryn Green of South Africa and the third-place finisher was Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela. The 2018 Miss World Pageant was also held earlier this month, and was won by Miss Mexico Vanessa Ponce De Leon.