Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was hailed as the new Miss Universe.
No doubt about it, the Top 5 Miss Universe 2020 candidates went to the pageant fully prepared to win the crown.
Aside from wowing the audience with their jaw-dropping evening gown and swimsuit performances, they also slayed during the Q&A portion.
But it was Mexico's Andrea who aced it best with her answer to the question, "If you were the leader of your country, how would you have handled the COVID-19 pandemic?"
Her answer: "I believe there is not a perfect way to handle this hard situation such as COVID-19.
"However, I believe that what I would have done was create the lockdown before everything became that big.
"Because we lost so many lives and we cannot afford that. We would have to take care of our people. That's why I would have taken care of them since the beginning."
INDIA
With her country suffering from the worst pandemic scenario, Miss India Adline Castelino was asked: "Should countries lock down due to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies or should they open their borders and risk a potential increase in infection rates?"
Miss India's answer: "Witnessing what India is experiencing right now, I've realized something very important.
"That nothing is more important than the health of your loved ones. And you have to draw a balance between economy and health.
"And that can only be done when the government works with the people hand in hand and produces something that will work with the economy."
PERU
Miss Peru Janick Maceta proved herself a strong contender when she was asked: "What would you say to the woman watching tonight who are currently experiencing sexual or domestic abuse?
Miss Peru answered: "I will tell them that I admire their strength. That they're survivors.
"And I've been there too. I became a hero of my own story.
"That's why I advocate to save little girls from being victims. They are survivors. They are heroes. They have the power.
"And don't let ever, ever, make anyone silence your voice."
Brazil
Instead of a question, a challenge landed on first runner-up Miss Brazil Julia Gama during the Q&A portion: "In many countries, women are still considered incapable of being world leaders. Convince countries that they are wrong."
Rising to the occasion, Miss Brazil proposed: "Women are such an important part of this society.
"Just because we are not encouraged in the same way that men are, we have our potential wasted.
"The world need women's contribution because we came for some reason.
"And I invite women to understand that we are the leaders of our lives. And, yes, we can do a lot for our communities. So please, take your power!"
Dominican Republic
Miss Dominican Republic Kimberly Jiménez was asked: "The night she won miss universe, Zozibini Tunzi explained the importance of teaching leadership to young girls. How would you do that as Miss Universe?
Her answer in Dominican Spanish: "I come from a family completely filled with women, of which have helped me, propelled me, to help them today.
"Working with my non-profit, I understand I don't need title to help others and be able to support them."
FINAL STATEMENT
After the Q&A round, the Top 5 candidates faced an impromptu challenge—they were to make a final statement on a relevant social issue they each picked at random.
PERU
Miss Peru maintained grace under pressure as she spoke about climate change.
"It is our collective responsibility to start taking action by taking care of our planet. Just by little by little, they can start making a difference, little by little by recycling.
"By teaching young generations about taking care of our beautiful beautiful earth.
"We're just here one time, and this is the time that we have to start taking care of it."
INDIA
Miss India tackled free speech and the right to protest.
Her statement: "The right to protest... We've seen many protests in the recent days especially I want to point out the protests that women have made throughout the years with equal rights. Until today we lack in them.
"Because protests... It helps many minorities and many democracy to raise their voice so the protest is very important. But what's more important is when you use it. Because with every right comes a responsibility. So use it with power."
BRAZIL
Miss Brazil made a stand against stigmatizing mental issues.
"Mental health is a still a very stigmatized topic and it keeps us from giving the right assistance to those in need.
"So may we all tonight remember to normalize conversations about anxiety or depression.
"Because we all heard sometimes, but we don't need to face it alone. May we all come together.
"Because togetherness is our strength, and together we can overcome anything. So let's support the children. Let's share empathy."
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Miss Dominican Republic made a case for her country as she spoke about global poverty.
She said in Dominican Spanish: "During this pandemic, my country, Dominican Republic, has recent 23 percent poverty rate.
"For me, to be able to be in front of you guys representing Dominican Republic, that makes me incredibly proud that it will help our tourism and us as human beings.
"That we have to realize that there's so many people out there that need our help and that we can overcome anything."
MEXICO
And here was Miss Mexico's final statement, in Spanish, about changing beauty standards.
"We live in a society that is more and more is more advanced. And as we advance as a society, we also advance with stereotypes.
"Nowadays, beauty isn't only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirit but in our hearts and the way that we conduct ourselves.
"Never permit someone to tell you that you are not valuable."
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