Miss Universe 2016: Miss France Defied Odds, Crowd To Win Crown

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Miss France Iris Mittenaere defied the odds and overcame an overwhelming crowd support to win the 2016 Miss Universe Crown. The 23 year old dental surgery student was crowned the Universe's most beautiful after impressing the judges with her beauty and intelligence.

Going into the pageant, France was not even among the favorites to win this year's title. Among the favorites to win the Miss Universe 2016 crown were Thailand, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Philippines.

Hometown darling Miss Philippines Maxine Medina was able to reach the top six. Fan favorite Miss Thailand was also able to enter the top six but failed to get to the top 3.

Miss Thailand Chalita Suansane was the favorite to win this year's crown. Even during the competition, numerous beauty pageant experts believe that the crown was hers to lose.

Miss Philippines had the hometown support in this year's pageant. However, she wasn't able to impress the judges in the pageant's first question and answer portion.

Miss Kenya Mary Esther was also able to enter the pageant's top six. However, her controversial answer about US President Donald Trump failed to push her to the top three.

The three candidates who moved to the top three of the competition were Miss France, Miss Haiti and Miss Colombia. Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier was this year's first runner up while Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar placed second.

Miss France ended her country's 60 years Miss Universe drought. In an interview, Mittenaere said that her country and the rest of Europe really needs a Miss Universe.

Mittenaere also admitted that the pageant was not that popular in her country. But now that she has won the pageant, her countrymen might love the pageant and watch it every year.

The 2016 Miss Universe was held at Mall Of Asia Arena Philippines. Steve Harvey returned to host the pageant and Ashley Graham co-hosted.