A year after the controversial Miss Universe 2015 coronation, American host Steve Harvey and outgoing titleholder Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach met again, this time at the beauty queen’s home country.
Harvey introduced Wurtzbach, dressed in fuchsia gown, during the opening of the 65th Miss Universe pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In jest, Wurtzbach thanked Harvey “for making me the most popular Miss Universe.”
Harvey responded: “Thank you for making me the most famous host of Miss Universe.”
In last year’s coronation, Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as winner and Wurtzbach as first runner-up.
Harvey also faced the representatives of the Philippines and Colombia in this year’s pageant, who both made it to the Top 13. Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar told the host: “You know I love you, Steve.”
“I can’t believe this is happening again,” Harvey said after announcing Colombia and Miss Philippines Maxine Media consecutively in the Top 13.
Harvey asked Medina what piece of advice her aunt, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1990 Gem Padilla, gave her.
“She just told me to be myself,” Medina said. CBB