Miss Colombia Paulina Vega crowned Miss Universe 2014

Paulina Vega, 22, has become the second Colombian to win the Miss Universe title in the beauty pageant which this year was held on Sunday in Miami.

It was the second time in the history of the competition that a Colombian has won, the last time being in 1958.

Miss Universe 2013, the Venezuelan Gabriela Isler, placed the crown on the new winner, who hugged her, giving free rein to her emotions after the careful restraint of so many days.

Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, and Miss Ukraine, Dian Harkhusa, were placed second and third, respectively, while Miss Holland, Yasmin Verkheijen, and Miss Jamaica, Kaci Fennell, grabbed the fourth and fifth spots.

Candidates from Colombia, Argentina, Spain and Venezuela who were among the ten finalists failed to make it to the final round.

After three hours in the packed venue, Miss Colombia triumphed over the American candidate of Hispanic origin, 24yearold Nia Sanchez.

The Miss Colombia reigned supreme among the 88 most beautiful women of the universe, where the Latinas dazzled yet again.

Vega, a stunning, doeeyed beauty with long chestnut locks, was among the promising candidates of the contest and managed early on to seduce the public and the jury with her poise and charm.

Moreover, she was well able to cope with one of the most difficult parts of the contest: the question.

When questioned by the judges on the contribution of her country to the world, Vega replied confidently in Spanish that Colombians are “persevering people “ and an “example” of the “fight” for a better world.

She was also asked about what women can learn from men, to which the model responded by saying that “there are men who still believe in the equality of men and women, and that is what women should learn from men.”

The daughter of a cardiologist and granddaughter of the legendary tenor Gaston Vega, her grandmother was Elvira Castillo, Miss Atlantic 1953.

Currently, Vega is studying business administration in Bogota.

The 63rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant took place before a 4,000strong, predominantly Hispanic audience which didn’t cease applauding and cheering for the IberoAmerican aspirants.

The contest, which has been held since 1952, has been won by the U.S. eight times, followed by Venezuela whhic has won it seven times and Puerto Rico, a fivetime winner.

In 2008, 2009 and 2013, the title went to Venezuela thanks to Dayana Mendoza, Stefania Fernandez and Gabriela Isler, whereas in 2012, it was claimed by Miss America Olivia Culpo.

The jury comprised of actor William Levy and the music producer and businessman Emilio Stefan, both of Cuban origin; Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao; the American professional baseball player of Puerto Rican origin, Giarcarlo Stanton, and the actress and restaurateur, Lisa Vanderpump, among others.

It was the first time that Florida hosted the Miss Universe beauty pageant which is owned by the American mogul Donald Trump and NBCUniversal.