The Miss Universe 2015 beauty pageant would go down in history for being one of the most controversial ever.
The host, Steve Harvey, probably made the biggest mistake in his career when he read the list of winners wrong.
But to his credit, he made a sincere apology and took responsibility for it in the end.
Steve announced that the Miss Universe 2015 is Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez-Arevalo, when in fact the results showed that Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won the crown.
This is how it went down in the final minutes of Miss Universe 2015.
After announcing the 2nd runner-up, Miss USA Olivia Jordan, Steve then said:
There are two women left, Colombia and Philippines. Join me over here. One of you is about to become our new Miss Universe. If for any reason she’s unable to fulfill her duties, the first runner-up will take her place. Good luck to both of you.
Steve Harvey started announcing the winner, he said, “Miss Universe 2015 is…”
He let that hang for about 15 seconds.
Then, Steve said “Colombia!”
Immediately after that announcement, Miss Philippines and Miss Colombia hugged each other.
Miss Colombia was wiping tears off her cheeks and then was waving and sending off flying kisses to the crowd like any winner in a pageant.
The whole victory celebration lasted for about two minutes for Miss Colombia.
Steve Harvey, looking forlorn and sad, started saying something that shocked the whole audience. He said:
Ok, folks, I have to apologize. The first runner-up is Colombia.
The crowd roared, as Miss Philippines looked to Miss USA, who was touching her forearm and congratulating her.
Pia Wurtzbach was in a shock as the rest of the live audience and probably the millions of viewers watching Miss Universe online and on TV.
Steve went on and said:
Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!
Miss Philippines was in a daze as she approached Miss Colombia.
Steve continued with:
Miss Philippines, take your first walk as Miss Universe.
As the crowd went into a frenzy, Steve Harvey explained:
Listen folks, let me just take control of this. This is exactly what’s on the card. I would take responsibility for this. It was my mistake. It was on the card. Horrible mistake. But the right thing, I can show it to you right here, the first runner up is Colombia.
It is my mistake. Please don’t hold it against the ladies. Please don’t. We feel so badly. But it’s still a great night. Thank you all.
After that, the crown was taken off Miss Colombia’s head and placed on the rightful winner, Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.
The cue card that had the list of winners was flashed on three screens onstage and the telecast ended there.
This is the third time that the Philippines won the title for Miss Universe.
Gloria Diaz took home the crown in 1969 while Margie Moran won the pageant in 1973.
