Paulina Vega, the favorite from Colombia is Miss Universe 2014

Colombia wins its second Miss Universe title after 57 years

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega Dieppa, Global Beauties’ favorite to win the crown, was crowned Miss Universe 2014 at the Florida International University Arena in Miami, USA, beating out contestants from 87 other countries.

Miss USA Nia Sanchez of Las Vegas, Nevada (2nd), Miss Ukraine, Diana Harkusha (3rd), Miss Netherlands, Yasmin Verheijen (4th), and Miss Jamaica, Kaci Fennell (5th), were the remaining finalists.

After the five finalists gave some of the poorest answers in Miss Universe history, Miss Jamaica got massive support from the local crowd. When she was called in 5th place, thousands of people – and even some of the contestants on stage – booed the judges’ decision.

Miss Netherlands was the positive surprise of the night, with a stunning face and powerful presentations. It’s the best Dutch performance in Miss Universe since 1991.

The non-inclusion of Miss Spain in the top 5 was shocking.

GB not only got the winner right, but also the 2nd runner-up and Miss Jamaica as a finalist. It also got 8 out of 10 semi-finalists right, and 11 out of 15 semi-finalists. Our experts rocked this year!

The Top 10 semi-finalists were Argentina – Valentina Ferrer, Australia – Tegan Martin, Philippines – Mary Jean Lastimosa, Spain – Desirée Cordero Ferrer, and Venezuela – Migbelis Castellanos.

The Top 15 quarter-finalists were  Brazil – Melissa Gurgel, France – Camille Cerf, India – Noyonita Lodh, Indonesia – Elvira Devinamira, and Italy – Valentina Bonariva.

We missed Mexico, Guyana, Slovak Republic, Dominican Republic, and a few others among the quarter-finalists, but overall, it was a fair list. No black African delegate made the cut for the third straight year.

Miss Puerto Rico Gabriela Berrios was named Miss Photogenic Universe

Miss Nigeria Queen Celestine was elected Miss Congeniality Universe by her fellow contestants

Miss Indonesia Elvira Devinamira won the ‘Best National Costume’ Award after beating four other finalists in a fierce battle over Twitter.

Vega, the new Miss Universe, is from Barranquilla, Colombia, and is studying business administration. She is her country’s second Miss Universe, being the first Luz Marina Zuluaga, elected back in 1958.

The 22-year-old is the granddaughter of a legendary tenor, Gastón Vega.

It’s party time for Colombia, congratulations!