The 69th Miss Universe pageant concluded with Zozibini Tunzi handing down the crown to Miss Mexico, Andrea Meza.
Miss Universe: Natasha Joubert highlights
The runner-up queens were Brazil’s Julia Gama, Peru’s Janick Maceta del Castillo and Adline Castelino from India.
South Africa’s Natasha Joubert, despite her best efforts at the national costume show, as well as Friday’s preliminary rounds, never made it to the Top 21 of the pageant contest.
In Joubert’s own words, the experience alone was enough to make her late father proud:
“If I had one wish it would be to see your face in the crowd tonight. To see how proud you are and hear your cheers from the crowd, but I know you’ll have the best view with the angels as you watch me on that stage. No matter what happens, I know you’ll be there to help and guide me, the way you always have. Tonight, I dedicate to you!” Joubert wrote.
These were the 23-year-old’s highlights on the night:
Natasha Joubert, the Miss Universe that got away pic.twitter.com/9LYmelcoUw
— #NatashaForMissUniverse (@moe_suttle) May 17, 2021
Zozi Tunzi’s final walk
Despite Joubert’s upset, South Africa was at the centre stage of the global pageant contest. Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi got the opportunity to walk the runway one last time as the competition’s crown holder.
The guard of honour she received from this year’s hopefuls, matched with the enormity of this historic moment, weighed on Tunzi, who held her regal posture together for her bow out.
These were some of the reactions we sourced from social media on the Miss Universe trend:
No but Natasha not making it to the top 21 is an actual joke. She was robbed. BIG TIME.#MissUniverse
— Selena Gomez SA (@BRINGSELENA2SA) May 17, 2021
pic.twitter.com/0LsqCP3Tel
#MissUniverse My heart break for South Africa ( Natasha Joubert) but ke I'm proud of you Queen pic.twitter.com/jP02Pwp2Dk
— Jessica Khwezi Khan (@KHWEZZII) May 17, 2021
Girl glossed a head wrap on the biggest most critical and influential beauty stage ever in 2021. She is rewriting beauty standards. There's really hope for young black girls✨ #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/bqmlBuLaeK
— My_Precious_Self (@SekaoSarona) May 17, 2021
My reaction exactly ..worst Miss Universe ever #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/iGbmXOyM7i
— BRAND+ZA STAN ACCOUNT (@ThulieMcoli) May 17, 2021
