Presenting The Real Winners Of Miss Universe 2017
4 min readThe people (and well, the judges) have spoken. A new Miss Universe has just been crowned and the odds have been in Miss France’s favor. Iris Mittenaere succeeds the country’s pride, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
Though our bet didn’t snag a back-to-back victory this year, Miss Philippines-Universe Maxine Medina made it to the top six in the prestigious competition.

But while the truly deserving candidates garnered their rightful ranks and titles, you’ll agree with us when we say these people deserve an award too.
Mr. Universe: Luis “Chavit” Singson
You read that right. The former Ilocos Sur Governor literally received a “Mr. Universe†sash from the Miss Universe Organization as their token of appreciation. Chavit Singson, chairman of LCS Group of Companies who’s responsible for holding the tilt in Manila, told ABS-CBN that he was hoping to recuperate his investments in two to three years as mounting the pageant reportedly amounted to $14 million.
“Mr. Universe” sash given to Gov. Chavit Singson @gmanews pic.twitter.com/f1LhQs3lcE
— Bianca Rose Dabu (@biancadabu) January 30, 2017
Best in translation: Heussaff siblings
People around the world ranted on the inaccurate translation during the question and answer portion of the pageant. Not only for Miss Philippines Maxine Medina, but also regarding Miss France Iris Mittenaere’s answer. Fil-French personalities Solenn and Erwan shared on social media that the interpreter’s translation of Miss France’s answer was a bit erroneous and posted a more accurate version, much to the delight of mirons on the internet.
French translator said: when i missed my first casting.
But she really said 1st year of Medicine school— Solenn Heussaff (@solennheussaff) January 30, 2017
Since everyone is asking for the translation. #missfrance #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/co45BEBGT9
— Erwan Heussaff (@erwanheussaff) January 30, 2017
Best in Talent: Miss Netherlands Zoey Ivory van der Koelen
Though it took place behind the scenes, Miss Netherlands is going notoriously viral on social media for her adorable skillz. The clip shows the 23-year-old beauty queen channeling her inner Queen Bey and heartily dancing to the hit “Single Ladies†during the commercial break. “I did not win the crown, but hopefully I’ve won your hearts,†she captioned on her Instagram post.
Miss (Partly) Philippines: Tania Dawson and Raquel Pellisier
Miss New Zealand Tania Dawson and Miss Universe first runner-up Miss Haiti Raquel Pellisier both have Filipino roots. Dawson took the opportunity to visit her relatives from her mother’s side in Pangasinan, as seen on her Instagram posts. And although Maxine Medina did not make it to the Top 3, Filipinos can still take pride as first runner-up Raquel Pellisier has revealed on interviews she has Filipino blood.
A photo posted by MISS UNIVERSE NZ 2016, Tania (@tpdgurl) on
Best in Q&A: Ethel Booba
Myriads of opinions rained on Maxine Medina’s controversial Q&A in Miss U. While bashers spewed hateful comments, Ethel Booba clapped back with a wave of hilarious tweets for good vibes.
Hindi naman mali ang sagot ni Maxine siguro hindi lang ganon ka impressive. Kung ako tinanong biglaan baka nagplay dead na lang ako. Charot!
— Ethel Booba (@IamEthylGabison) January 30, 2017
Friend: Kung ako sumagot sa tanong kay Maxine baka sa runner up pasok
Ako: Kung kaw pinalit itsura mo palang bagsak na sa audition. Charot!
— Ethel Booba (@IamEthylGabison) January 30, 2017
Kaya di pumasok si Miss Philippines sa Top 3 kasi di sya sumunod sa kulay ng gown. Charot! #MissUniverse
— Ethel Booba (@IamEthylGabison) January 30, 2017
Best in Redemption: Steve Harvey
As the new Miss Universe was about to be announced, Pia Wurtzbach walked back in the scene and handed Steve Harvey a pair of spectacles as a comical reference to last year’s announcement mishap, where he mistakenly announced Miss Colombia as the winner. He thanked Pia for the gesture, saying, “A year late but thank you.â€
Miss Body Confident: Miss Canada Siera Bearchell
Despite all the bashing of her non-standard body type and size, she proved body shamers wrong when she made it to top 9. After the coronation, Bearchell wrote on her Instagram post: “This is the generation of body diversity. This is the time we start working together to redefine the global vision of beauty.â€
A photo posted by Siera Bearchell (@sierabearchell) on