Arzen Rose Dulzura

ON THIS DAY: Pia Wurtzbach becomes Miss Universe 2015 after controversial mix-up

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>On this day in December 2015, Filipina beauty queen Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach made history on the Miss Universe stage, claiming the crown in one of the most controversial coronations held in Las Vegas.</p><p>Her victory is now considered to be one of the most talked-about triumphs in the history of Miss Universe, ending a 42-year title drought for the Philippines and making a live television mistake into an internationally recognized moment.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766197431295OTD-Dec_20-PiaWurtzbach.png" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div><div><strong>The Road to Miss Universe</strong></div><p>Pia’s pageant journey was built on perseverance as she joined Binibining Pilipinas three times before finally winning the Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2015 title. Each attempt came with setbacks and public scrutiny, shaping the resilience and composure that would later define her performance on the world stage.</p><p>Representing the Philippines at Miss Universe 2015, Pia entered the competition prepared and focused. From preliminary interviews to the swimsuit and evening gown rounds, she steadily emerged as a strong contender</p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u62-YzKFxcA" title="Bandila: After 42 years, PH bet wins Miss Universe" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>The Night That Changed Everything</strong></div><p>On coronation night, Pia delivered a powerful show from the opening number to the swimsuit competition, before captivating audiences in the evening gown round wearing a Philippine sea-inspired creation by Filipino designer Albert Andrada.</p><p>With her commanding presence and confident answers, she made it to the final rounds. During the Top 5 Q&amp;A, Pia addressed a sensitive question about U.S. military presence in the Philippines, earning applause for her composed and diplomatic response.</p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RCsRIVCaz_M" title="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Show Moments" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>She further sealed her place in pageant history with her now-iconic answer to why she deserved to be Miss Universe:</p><p>“To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I would raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country, which is the Philippines. I want to show the world, the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart. Thank you.”</p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IeRIvogm2lc" title="FINAL QUESTION: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Even though Pia&#x27;s performance was great, nothing could compare to the unbelievable moment that happened when Steve Harvey mistakenly said Miss Colombia was the winner and then corrected himself, declaring Pia Wurtzbach as Miss Universe 2015.</p><p>Amid the confusion, Pia kept her poise and grace and accepted her title. The moment quickly went viral worldwide, earning her the distinction of becoming one of the most popular Miss Universe winners in history.</p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l9dsaa4Sv-8" title="Miss Universe Philippines Pia Wurtzbach is Crowned Miss Universe 2015" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Historic Crown for the Philippines </strong></div><p>Pia’s victory brought the Philippines its third Miss Universe title after 42 years. Filipinos across the globe celebrated a win that symbolized perseverance, patience, and national pride.</p><p>Her triumph also helped usher in a renewed golden era for Philippine pageantry, inspiring future queens and elevating the country’s presence on the international stage. Her win was eventually followed by another strong Filipina representative, Catriona Gray who also brought the Miss Universe title in 2018.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMissUniverse%2Fphotos%2Fa.10153891799049047%2F10153891799154047%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="497" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Life as Miss Universe</strong></div><p>During her reign, Pia fully embraced the responsibilities of the crown. She traveled extensively as a representative of the Miss Universe Organization around the globe and became a strong advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, cyberbullying prevention, and ending violence against women and children.</p><p>In a previous interview with Preview magazine, Pia described her reign as a “real job,” emphasizing the rigorous training and preparation behind her advocacy work.</p><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2jd5G4rfi1w" title="Pia Wurtzbach&#x27;s YEAR AS 64th MISS UNIVERSE! | Miss Universe" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>“Miss Universe gives you a lot of assignments and responsibilities that three advocacies is already too much,” Pia said.</p><p>“The training I received was rigid. They will not let you talk about your advocacies just like that. They will give you at least a month’s worth of preparation before they deem you prepared. For HIV/ AIDS, I learned statistics and visited health centers and laboratories before they entrusted me with a stage and microphone. I was not just given a cue card, spoonfed with information, and asked to speak right away,” she recalled.</p><p>Her reign was marked by purpose, professionalism, and authenticity, qualities that strengthened her influence beyond pageant circles.</p><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hNa70NoKA1I" title="UNIVERSAL TRAVELS: Miss Universe 2015  Pia Wurtzbach in Ecuador" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Life After the Crown</strong></div><p>After her reign, Pia was named a Miss Universe ambassador in recognition of her exemplary service. She later transitioned into a successful global career, returning to acting and hosting while building a strong presence in fashion and international brand campaigns. </p><p>Ten years on, Pia continues to inspire as a role model who turned challenges into triumphs and used her platform to create lasting impact.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPNNqRikrQx/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A7458811.399999976%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="847" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>10 years ago, Pia Wurtzbach brought pride to the Philippines as she took home the counrty's third Miss Universe title after 42 years.</p>

10 years ago, Pia Wurtzbach brought pride to the Philippines as she took home the counrty's third Miss Universe title after 42 years.