Las Vegas: South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was crowned the new Miss Universe in a pageant held in Las Vegas.
Congratulations to Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, the winner of the 2017 #MissUniverse competition! pic.twitter.com/JYuQYc3Lvo
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017
Nel-Peters, who recently earned a business management degree, bested 91 other women competing for the crown in the decades-old pageant held at The Axis theater at Planet Hollywood casino-resort. This year's edition had the most contestants ever.
The runner-up was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez. The second runner-up was Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett.
In some places, women get paid 75 per cent of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours, and I do not believe that is right.”
- DEMI-LEIGH NEL-PETERS|Miss Universe 2017
The 22-year-old Nel-Peters has earned a yearlong salary, a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign and more prizes.
Last year, Iris Mittenaere from France was crowned when the pageant took place in the Philippines.
Steve Harvey returns as the show's host despite botching the 2015 Miss Universe crowning.
This year's judges include YouTube star Lele Pons and former judge on America's Next Top Model Jay Manuel.
