R'Bonney Gabriel has been crowned Miss Universe 2022 at the grand finale hosted at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, United States. Eighty-four delegates from across the globe participated in the prestigious international pageant hosted by Olivia Culpo and Jeannie Mai Jenkins.
R'Bonney was crowned by the outgoing queen, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu. The other two top honours went to Venezuela's Amanda Dudamel, who was declared the first runner-up, followed by Dominican Republic's AndreÃna MartÃnez, who was adjudged the second runner-up.
R'Bonney is also the first queen to be crowned by the recently launched Mouawad 'Force for Good' crown. A work of extraordinary craftsmanship featuring 110 carats of blue sapphires and 48 carats of white diamonds, the crown carries a powerful message that in change lies the 'Force for Good'.
The jury panel of the 71st Miss Universe pageant included Ximena Navarrete, Big Freedia, Mara Martin, Wendy Fitzwilliam, Emily Austin, Olivia Quido, Myrka Dellanos, Sweta Patel, Olivia Jordan, and Kathleen Ventrella. The extravaganza also featured an exceptional performance by Big Freedia, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Amanda Shaw, Tank and the Bangas, and Yolanda Adams.