The Top 5 of Miss Universe 2025. Miss Universe/Facebook
In pageants, the question and answer round is often considered the most important part of the competition as this makes or breaks a candidate's chance to win the title.
During the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand on Friday, November 21, five delegates went through two Q&A rounds -- one where each of them was asked by a different judge, and another where they were given the same question.
In the end, Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025, succeeding Denmark's Victoria Theilvig.
Praveenar Singh of Thailand placed first runner-up, followed by Stephany Abasali of Venezuela, Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines, and Olivia Yacé of Cote d' Ivoire.
Here's a recap of their Miss Universe Q&A performance:
ROUND 1
Thailand: Praveenar Singh
Question from Louie Heredia: If you become Miss Universe, and you get the chance to speak in front of the United Nations Assembly, what global issue would you talk about and why?
"If I were to speak in front of the United Nations about the SDGs, I would choose women equality, because I believe that all of us deserve respect, kindness, and same equality as other genders. And we deserve the same respect in the workplace as well as the same home. And I encourage you all to speak for your voice, raise your voice for women equality."
Philippines: Ahtisa Manalo
Question from Minnie Baloyi: "As a global ambassador or citizen, what will be your contribution to humanity?"
"I want to be the hope of people. I come from a very poor background. I started pageants at 10 years old to put myself through school and to lift my family out of poverty. And if there's anything that I want to show the universe, I'm here right now. I'm standing as Miss Universe because I was able to get myself out of any situation because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want."
Venezuela: Stephany Abasali
Question from Andrea Meza: "In a world where cultural differences can separate people, how would you choose your platform to promote empathy and understanding between different cultures?"
"I thank God that I had been given the opportunity to live in different continents of this world. So I have a broad view of the different cultures and an understanding of how to have empathy with the people, how to communicate, and how to break those barriers of language. I believe that this platform gives us access to every corner of the world. And it teaches us that us as women with a voice and being a role model, it is our future, the children, the elder, the people that see us that hear us. And we depend on making the difference."
Mexico: Fatima Bosch
Question from Nok Chalida: "In your perspective, what are the challenges of being a woman in the year 2025? And how would you use the title of Miss Universe to create a safe space for women around the world?"
"As a woman, and as Miss Universe, I will put my voice and the power in the service of others. Because nowadays, we are here to speak up, to make change, and have everything with you. Because we are women, and the brave ones that stand up are the ones that will make history."
Cote d' Ivoire: Olivia Yacé
Question from Sharon Fonseca: "Education today focuses on knowledge, but not always on emotional skills. What emotional skill do you think should be taught to every child in school, and why?"
"Well, as a woman who has a foundation on education, I think it is important that we teach young girls to love themselves. That is why my slogan is assume your identity. Because if you love yourself, if you have confidence, you can walk into this world and you can shine. So I will urge every young man and every young woman to love yourself first, be who you want to be, and shine. Thank you so much."
ROUND 2
Question for all finalists: "If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?"
Thailand: Praveenar Singh
"I believe that everyone who has gone through struggles, anything in life, they can get back up. It's not about how you fail but how you rise up. I would encourage you all to be your own hero, to light that light within yourself and light it on others. And if we come together, lift each other up, the world will be a much better place. And I encourage you all to never fear. I am standing here as your next Miss Universe, and I hope to be."
Philippines: Ahtisa Manalo
"I work with an organization called Alon Akademie, where we work with young people to provide them opportunities to make them realize that it doesn't matter what your life circumstances are, it doesn't define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Alon Akademie in a bigger platform like Miss Universe to pursue... making sure that people who come from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities as everyone else."
Venezuela: Stephany Abasali
"I believe that education and communication go hand by hand to influence positive activity from the girls, from the children, for everyone that watches this platform. I'm standing here because with my life experiences, I've been able to become the person I wanted to be. And this is the representation of a woman that's determined and with her conviction she's reached her goal. And that is what I want all the girls to search for."
Mexico: Fatima Bosch
"As Miss Universe, I will say to them, believe in the power of your authenticity. Believe in yourself, your dreams matter, your heart matters, and never let anyone make you doubt about your worth, because you are worth everything. And you are powerful, and your voice needs to be heard."
Cote d' Ivoire: Olivia Yacé
"As an ambassador and as Miss Universe, I would want to be the face of representation of a new generation that mixes culture and mixes modern and traditional. I want to be the face of a new era of women that are bold, that are leaders, that are unapologetic about who they are. If I'm Miss Universe, I want to be a role model for all the young girls and let them know that you too can make it. Go in those rooms where you think you don't belong, shine, and make sure you assume your identity."