The crowning moment that began with a mistake
In short: In 2015, the world watched in confusion as the wrong winner was announced for Miss Universe. But for Pia Wurtzbach, this televised error became the defining moment of a career built on persistence and three years of competition.
The coronation of Pia Wurtzbach is one of the most famous blunders in pageant history. During the 64th Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, host Steve Harvey initially announced Ariadna Gutiérrez of Colombia as the winner. Following the coronation of Gutiérrez, Harvey reappeared to rectify his mistake, admitting a misinterpretation of the scores and identifying Wurtzbach as the actual victor. The crown was then removed from Gutiérrez and placed on Wurtzbach. The transition of the crown was facilitated by Paulina Vega, the reigning Miss Universe 2014, who physically moved the headpiece from the Colombian contestant to the Filipino winner.
This victory was not an overnight success. Wurtzbach’s path to the title required three attempts at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She first competed in 2013, finishing as first runner-up, and placed in the top 15 in 2014. Her 2015 win made her the first Filipina to claim the Miss Universe title in four decades, following the previous wins of Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973. During her 2013 run, she earned various accolades, including the awards for Miss San Miguel Zero Fit and Sexy Body. This victory also marked her as the first biracial Filipina to hold the title.
Beyond the spectacle, Wurtzbach used her platform for significant advocacy. A UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific, she has worked to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS. Her career has spanned acting, modeling, and hosting, including walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week alongside stars like Kendall Jenner and Viola Davis. She has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality and LGBT rights in the Philippines. Her professional influence extends to the fashion industry, where she recently became the first Filipina celebrity to model for a beauty brand's runway show at Paris Fashion Week. Additionally, she has served as a special correspondent for Inside Edition during Super Bowl 50.
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