Miss Universe Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach Crowned Miss Universe 2015

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In front of a global audience, Miss Universe Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, was crowned Miss Universe 2015 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The telecast aired live on FOX for the first time ever.

Miss Universe Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is a Filipino-German actress and model. Pia was born in Stuttgart, Germany and grew up in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Pia finished her secondary education with the ABS-CBN Distance Learning Center and studied culinary arts at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in Metro Manila, Philippines.  Pia is currently a stylist and writer for the lifestyle section of Philippine Daily Inquirer, a leading newspaper in her country.

Emmy Award winner Steve Harvey hosted the three-hour event with live reporting from Roselyn Sanchez. Grammy Award-winning, multi-Platinum singer and songwriter SEAL, Grammy Award-winning sibling trio The Band Perry, and Golden Globe and Grammy Award-nominated Charlie Puth took the MISS UNIVERSE® stage as performances throughout the night.

Emmy Award nominee Niecy Nash, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, football legend Emmitt Smith, and celebrity entertainment mogul Perez Hilton made up the judging panel. Additionally, for the first time ever, fans worldwide had a say in who was crowned Miss Universe. With a virtual seat at the judging table, more than 10 million votes were tabulated from fans around the world.

Throughout the MISS UNIVERSE® telecast, contestants representing 80 countries competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The telecast concluded with Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega from Colombia crowning her successor.

The Miss Universe 2015 prize package includes: a year-long salary as Miss Universe; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a one-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy College of Visual Performing Arts; a one-year supply of haircare products and tools from CHI Haircare; a new custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by D.I.C.; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes; swimwear by Yamamay; a year's worth of skincare products from Image Skincare; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness @ Le Parker Meridien Hotel and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; professional representation by The Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including casting opportunities, movie premiers, screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; and personal appearance wardrobe and styling by the official Miss Universe Organization fashion stylist.    

About Miss Universe   
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be self-confident and strive to be their personal best.  MUO believes that every woman should be "Confidently Beautiful." The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® pageants provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities, sponsors, and brands around the world. During their reign, the titleholders are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by providing humanitarian efforts to affect positive change, all while developing their personal career goals. For more information, and to learn more about Miss Universe's official cause to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS education and prevention around the world, please visit: www.missuniverse.com.  

About IMG  
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world's largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world's leading entertainment agency.

For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissUniverse; Twitter and Instagram: @MissUniverse #MissUniverse; YouTube: www.youtube.com/missuniverse

SOURCE The Miss Universe Organization

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