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Miss Universe 2017 crowned

South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been crowned Miss Universe for 2017, beating almost 100 other women from across the globe for the coveted title.

The annual pageant held in Las Vegas this week saw Demi-Leigh edge out 21-year-old Davina Bennett from Jamaica and actress Laura Gonzalez for Colombia for the title.

South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is crowned Miss Universe 2017. Photo: Getty
South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is crowned Miss Universe 2017. Photo: Getty

Australia was represented in the decades-old competition by 25-year-old Adelaide speech pathologist Olivia Rogers, however she failed to make it to the top 16.

Demi-Leigh, who is a graduate in business management, received her crown from the current Miss Universe, Iris Mittenaere from France.

She was one of 92 contestants from around the world. Photo: Getty
She was one of 92 contestants from around the world. Photo: Getty

The 22-year-old had said her disabled half-sister has been among her great inspirations and cried as she took her victory walk down the stage.

In the Final Word round she was asked "What quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality to your time as Miss Universe?"

Contestants competed in three rounds as well as answering questions. Photo: Getty
Contestants competed in three rounds as well as answering questions. Photo: Getty

"As Miss Universe you have to be confident in who you are as an individual," she replied.

"And Miss Universe is a woman that has overcome many fears and by that she is able to help other women to overcome their fears. She is a woman that nothing is ever too much to ask for and I think that is exactly who I am."

Despite completely botching the 2015 Miss Universe announcement, Steve Harvey returned as host and even joked before reading the results.

Miss Universe South Africa answers her final question. Photo: Getty
Miss Universe South Africa answers her final question. Photo: Getty

This year’s judges included YouTube star Lele Pons and former judge on “America’s Next Top Model” Jay Manuel.

The contest was a little different this year with the 92 contestants divided into three regions: Americas, Europe, and Africa and Asian Pacific.

Miss Jamaica and Miss Colombia were runners up. Photo: Getty
Miss Jamaica and Miss Colombia were runners up. Photo: Getty

Four contestants from each region were guaranteed to advance to the finals, while four other women also moved forward in the competition in a wild-card style move.

The winner received a year-long salary and a luxury apartment in New York City for that time, as well as other prizes.

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