Miss South Africa crowned 2019 Miss Universe

VALERIE MACON / AFP

South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi is Miss Universe 2019.

The 26-year-old beat Miss Puerto Rico Madison Anderson and Miss Mexico Sofia Aragon at a glittery ceremony in Atlanta's Tyler Perry Studios.

"I grew up in a world where women who look like me with my kind of skin or my kind of hair are not considered to be beautiful, I think that it is time that this stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face, then see their faces reflected in mine," Zozibini Tunzi said in her closing speech.

In fact, the closing statement is a new addition to this year’s competition, taking the place of the “final look” segment that had been used for multiple years. 

In videos posted on Twitter, Tunzi is seen celebrating with other contestants. 

 

More from Entertainment

  • Judge denies Alec Baldwin bid to dismiss 'Rust' charge

    A New Mexico judge rejected Alec Baldwin's bid to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge for the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, opening an unprecedented trial of a Hollywood actor for an on-set death.

  • Star of 'Dog on Trial' takes home Cannes' top dog prize

    There was lots of tail-wagging and face-licking as Kodi, this year's winner of the Palm Dog, the canine equivalent of the Cannes Film Festival's top prize, went up to receive his red collar for the French comedy "Dog on Trial".

  • Cops raid Sean Kingston home over TV payment

    Police in Florida have raided the home of Sean Kingston after the star was accused of failing to pay for a 232-inch TV that was installed in his home.

  • Train founder Charlie Colin dies

    Charlie Colin, the founding member of music group Train, has died aged 58, after slipping and falling in the shower.

  • LA police investigate Matthew Perry death

    Los Angeles homicide detectives and federal agents are investigating how "Friends" star Matthew Perry obtained the high dose of the powerful prescription drug ketamine that was found in his body and determined to have caused his death.