Ms. Universe winner robbed of her winning moment after a mix up

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015 on Sunday (December 21 PHT) in Las Vegas USA, but was apparently robbed of her shining moment after the pageant’s host initially announced the wrong winner.

Host Steve Harvey wrongfully announced Ms. Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as winner of the 64th Ms. Universe pageant and Ms. Philippines as first-runner up. He admitted on live television that he made a mistake and needed to correct it.

“OK folks … I have to apologize,” he told a confused crowd in Las Vegas while Ms. Colombia was still savoring her moment, and blowing kisses and waving to her adoring fans .

“First runner-up is Colombia,” Harvey continued.

Wurtzbach, who was already standing next to second runner-up, Ms. USA Olivia Jordan, was in shock and wide-eyed when she was commanded to walk back on stage to take her $30, 000 blue diamond and topaz crown from Gutierrez

“Folks let me take control of this,” Harvey told a sea of loud audience, then continued. “This is exactly what’s on the card. I will take full responsibility for this. it was my mistake. It was on the card.”

“I can show it to you right here, the first runner-up is Colombia. It’s my mistake, still a great night. Please don’t hold it against the ladies.”

Miss Colombia celebrated her victory for more than two minutes before the mistake was realised. Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega gave her fellow countrywoman a comforting pat on the back, CNN reported.

Despite the shock and embarassment, Gutierrez gave a brave face as her supposed crown was removed by Vega and placed it on Miss Philippines head instead.

The telecast then came to an abrupt stop, cutting without credits or allowing Miss Philippines to take her first walk as Miss Universe.

In a press conference following the pageant night, Gutierrez was quoted as saying, she is “happy and ‘everything happens for a reason,” the Daily Mail reported.

Wurtzbach meanwhile described her crowning moment “non-traditional” and “very 2015”, according to reports.