The finale of the much awaited Miss Universe Australia 2019 just concluded with the crowning of the 26-year-old Victoria's Priya Serrao as Miss Universe Australia 2019. The event, which was held tonight at Hotel Sofitel Melbourne on Collins in Melbourne and was hosted by comedian Ash Williams along with Miss Universe Australia 2013 Olivia Wells, witnessed twenty-eight candidates competing for the coveted title and the privilege to represent Australia internationally. The reigning queen Miss Universe Australia 2018 Francesca Hung crowned Priya as her successor at the conclusion of the event. Priya will now go on to represent Australia in Miss Universe 2019 international beauty pageant to be held later this year.
Australian-Ugandan beauty Isabel Stewart-Kasimba (aka Bella Kasimba) representing Western Australia was adjudged the first runner-up, while Marijana Radmanovic representing Victoria finished as the second runner-up.
Priya was born in India, but later spent most of her early childhood living in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. When she was 11, the family immigrated to Australia and settled in Melbourne. She has two university degrees - in arts as well as in law, and has been working as a policy adviser for the Government of Victoria. This was the first time Priya ever entered a beauty pageant, and ended up winning the national crown.
Priya was in shock when her name was announced as the winner, as she was not at all expecting to win. She said after winning the crown, “I honestly just entered, part of it was experience to see what it would be like. I didn’t even think … oh man I can’t believe I am here.”
“The fact that two women of colour were up here is incredible,” she said. “I just want to see more diversity and the fact someone that looks like me and has my background is here is amazing.”
Francesca, who represented Australia in Miss Universe 2018, went on to place in the top twenty at the finale of Miss Universe 2018 pageant held last year in Bangkok, Thailand. Australia has so far won two Miss Universe titles, the last win being in 2004 when gorgeous beauty Jennifer Hawkins won the Miss Universe 2004 crown.
Do you think Priya will be able to charm the audience and the jury in the Miss Universe 2019 competition?