REUTERS
A dental student from Paris was crowned Miss Universe on Monday, becoming the second Frenchwoman to win the title in the pageant's history and the first champion from Europe in more than a decade, Reuters reported.
Iris Mittenaere beat 85 other hopefuls in the finale in the Philippines in the 65th edition of the three-hour show that focused on diversity and empowering women to overcome the struggles of life, according to Reuters.
"I was very surprised I won, I feel blessed," said the 24-year-old, whose competition profile had described her goal as advocating for dental and oral hygiene if she won.
Haiti's Raquel Pelissier was the first runner-up, while Andrea Tovar of Colombia placed second runner-up.
"Miss Universe" is an annual beauty contest, which involves winners of national competitions. After the victory, the owner of the crown signs a one-year contract, after which she travels the world with the advertising purposes.