Catriona Gray – a Manila-based television host, singer and model – of the Philippines has been named the winner of the Miss Universe pageant.
Flick through the photos below to see the moment she won, as well as the other finalists' reactions and contestants who took part, including Miss Spain, Angela Ponce, the first transgender woman to compete in the world-renowned beauty pageant.
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Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, December 17, 2018. Reuters -
The new Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from Philippines celebrates as she is crowned during the Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 December 2018. EPA -
Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela, Tamaryn Green of South Africa and Catriona Gray of the Philippines stand on stage after being selected as top three finalists. AFP -
Catriona Gray with runner-up Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green. EPA -
Miss Spain Angela Ponce, the first transgender woman to take part in the international beauty contest, thanks the crowds during the Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant. EPA -
Catriona Gray reacts after being selected as top five finalist while Natalia Carvajal of Costa Rica and Akisha Albert of Curacao applaud. AFP -
H'Hen Nie of Vietnam reacts after being selected as top five finalist. AFP -
Kiara Ortega of Puerto Rico reacts after being selected as top five finalist. AFP -
Sophida Kanchanarin of Thailand competes after being selected as top 10 finalists. AFP -
Miss Costa Rica Natalia Carvajal jokes with host Steve Harvey during the Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant. EPA -
Marta Stepien of Canada competes after being selected as top 10 finalists. AFP -
Akisha Albert of Curacao competes after being selected as top 10 finalist. AFP -
Catriona Gray poses in her dress by Mak Tumang, a Philippines designer. AFP -
Catriona Gray dons the 'Mayon' gown by designer Mak Tumang AFP / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA -
Miss Great Britain Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers sings a song next to host Steve Harvey during the beauty pageant. EPA -
Miss Puerto Rico Kiara Ortega competes in the 67th Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant in Bangkok. EPA -
The top 10 finalists. Tamaryn Green of South Africa, H'Hen Nie of Vietnam, Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela, Catriona Gray of the Philippines, Natalia Carvajal of Costa Rica, Akisha Albert of Curacao, Manita Devkota of Nepal, Marta Stepien of Canada, Sophida Kanchanarin of Thailand and Kiara Ortega of Puerto of Rico. AFP
Who is Catriona Gray?
The 24-year-old Australian-Filipina beat 92 other contestants from around the world to take the crown. The honour comes two years after she won the Miss World Philippines title.
According to organisers: "Catriona Elisa Gray is known to spontaneously burst into song, which is most likely due to her love of the arts and her Master Certificate in Music Theory.
"This model is openly passionate about her love for Filipino dishes, including abodo, balut, and the sweetest mangoes in the world."
Miss Universe 2018
The 2018 competition took place in the Thai capital Bangkok. South Africa's Tamaryn Green was the runner up, while third place went to Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela.
Gray succeeds the 2017 winner, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa. She is the fourth woman from the Philippines to win the prestigious title, the latest being model and actress Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach in 2015.
The theme of the 67th Miss Universe pageant was 'Empowered Women'. The contestants were judged by seven women, including former winners, businesswomen and a fashion designer.
'Pinoy Power'
People on Twitter were pleased to see Gray do well, including model Tyra Banks, who wrote "Pinoy Power to the Max!!!" in support.
Many fellow Filipinos also expressed their support and pride using the hashtag #CatrionaForMissUniverse.
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Australian tabloid claims Aussie 'ownership' of Filipina Miss Universe Catriona Gray
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