Mariam Habach, 20, was expected to win the eighth crown for Venezuela. However, this did not win and her fans could not help but wish that Miss Universe 2016 host Steve Harvey were wrong yet again.
In 2015, Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the winner instead of Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. With a five-year contract with Miss Universe Organization, Harvey returned as the host of the 65th installment of the prestigious beauty pageant, which was held on Jan. 30, Monday, in Wurtzbach's home country Philippines.
At Miss Universe 2016, Harvey joked about feeling a déjà vu when he announced Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar and Miss Philippines Maxine Media consecutively in Top 13.
During Miss Universe 2016 rehearsals, Harvey and Tovar exchanged hugs. In 2015, Harvey mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the winner instead of Wurtzbach.
Previously, Tovar told ABS-CBN News Harvey's gaffe at Miss Universe 2015 was a simple error. She said, "It's just a mistake. Human mistake is normal."
Before the Miss Universe 2016 coronation night Habach won two special awards namely Miss Flawless of the Universe and Miss Phoenix Elegant while Medina won Miss Phoenix Jewel and Miss Indonesia Kezia Warouw won Miss Phoenix Smile. The awards were given on Jan. 17 in a preliminary event at the Flawless Face and Body Clinic in Cebu City, Philippines, Inquirer reported.
Despite Habach's loss, Venezuela is still the country with the second most Miss Universe winners with seven queens. They are Maritza Sayalero, Irene Saez Conde, Barbara Palacios Teyde, Alicia Machado, Dayana Mendoza, Stefania Hernandez and Gabriela Isler.
On Jan. 18, Wurtzbach participated in a dinner program in Baguio City, Philippines, which was hosted by Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup. Distinguished people of the city welcomed them along with Shugart, Miss Universe 2016 host committee chairman Chavit Singson, and some Miss Universe 2016 candidates including Tovar.
Have a glimpse of the Miss Universe 2016 event in Baguio here: