At the conclusion of the grand finale of Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2016 held on November 12’ 2016, Kristhielee Caride was crowned as the winner. Kristhielee will represent Puerto Rico at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant. She was crowned by the outgoing queen Catalina Morales, Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2015, who will compete in Miss Universe 2015 later in December in Las Vegas.

24 years old Kristhielee represented the province of Isabela and defeated 44 other finalists to clinch the title of Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2016. She also won the Special Award for Best Body. The grand slam pageant took place at the Centro de Bellas Artes de San Juan. Kristhielee finished a degree in Drama at the Universidad de Puerto Rico.

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Post her crowning, Caride said in an interview, “I always saw other girls who are much more prepared than me, with more potential. But my friends always motivated me.” At the same event, Brenda Azaria Jiménez Hernández from Aguadilla was adjudged as first runner-up who will represent Puerto Rico in Miss Intercontinental 2016. Heilymar Rosario Velázquez from San Juan was adjudged as second runner-up where as Laihany Pontón Ortíz from Bayamon was adjudged as third runner-up, Yamilette Rivera Ledee from Guayama was adjudged as fourth runner-up and Stephanie Román De León from Dorado was crowned as fifth runner-up.

Puerto Rico has maintained a decent record of winners at the Miss Universe pageant till date. The country can be termed as the powerhouse of beauties for the Miss Universe. It has five Miss Universe crowns under its belt, alongside various runner-up crowns.  Zuleyka Rivera was the last Puerto Rican to wear the Miss Universe crown in 2006 in Las Vegas, United States of America. Caride has a charming radiance to her beauty and has the potential to stand out at the finale.

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In addition to announcing the winner and the runners-up, a series of Special Awards were also awarded to the contestants under the following categories –

Bloom Beauty Award:  Aibonito – Adriana Cuesta

Bakers Best Legs Award: Guayama – Yamilette Rivera

Miss Degree Award: Guayama – Yamilette Rivera

Sears Best Catwalk Award:  Bayamón – Laihany Pontón

Best Body Award: Isabela – Kristhielee Caride

Best National Costume: San Juan- Heilymar Rosario Velásquez

Miss Photogenic: Bayamon- Laihany Pontón Ortíz

Coming back to the feedback, do you think Kristhielee Caride has what it takes to be the next Miss Universe??