LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Jimena Navarrete, a 22-year-old brunette from Mexico, was named Miss Universe in Las Vegas yesterday.
The first runner-up was Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps, while Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell, was second runner-up.
Navarrete, a nature enthusiast from Guadalajara, defeated favourites from Ireland, the Philippines and Venezuela to become the 59th winner of the crown in a show broadcast live around the world.
She received the crown from reigning Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, Venezuela’s second winner in as many years. In a major shock, this year’s Miss Venezuela failed to make it past the first cut, when the 83 contestants were whittled down to 15. Miss USA, another favored contender, was also eliminated at the outset.
