In PICS: Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel's crowning moment

R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas who competition officials said is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe.

The ones who made it to top 5 were, Venezuela - Amanda Dudamel Newman, USA - R’Bonney Gabriel, Puerto Rico - Ashley Cariño, Curacao - Gabriëla Dos Santos, Dominican Republic - Andreina Martínez. Of these, Dominican Republic, USA and Venezuela moved to the final top 3 round.

Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced.

Gabriel was crowned by India's Harnaaz Sandhu, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2021. The former winner of the beauty pageant became emotional as she took her last walk on the stage.

In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win. “I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

During the QnA rounf, Gabriel said, “It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference.” “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change,” she added.

R'Bonney Gabriel was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winner’s sash and crowned with a tiara onstage at the 71st Miss Universe Competition, held in New Orleans.

Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas. A short bio posted on the organization’s website said she is also CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.