TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe 2022 Top 5 candidates' Q&A
The top 5 candidates of Miss Universe 2022 took the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center stage in Louisiana, USA on Sunday, January 15 during the Q&A portion of the coronation night.
The all-women selection committee asked the finalists questions about the Miss Universe pageant, obstacles women in their country face, and more. Read their answers below.
Tell me about that time you felt shame, and how you turned that feeling into fuel?
Venezuela: I actually have a press conference, which is called the forbidden dream which talks about that forbidden dream that I had when I wanted to become a fashion designer? Because I felt shame about it. I didn't feel it was possible for me to sustain my life. But I pursue it and I demonstrated myself which was the most important thing. That following our dreams, our passions, we are able to leave an impact stamp in every single action we take.
Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change allowing mothers and married women to compete this year. What's another change you'd like to see and why?
USA: "For me, I would like to see an age increase because I am 28 years old. And that is the oldest age to compete. And I think it's a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is 'If not now then when?' Because as a woman, I believe age does not define us. It's not tomorrow. It's not yesterday, but it's now the time is now that you can go after what you want."
If you are crowned Miss Universe, how would you represent all of this year delegates through your reign?
Puerto Rico: I would represent all of this year's delegates because I'm a mirror of what a woman is. I believe in the dream and the power that we all hold to make our dreams reality. That is why I'm standing here today. I know what it's like to not believe in your dream, but I also know what it's like to find a voice. We are the voice of tomorrow. So let your voice echo and the Chamber of time. Because this is a power that we have and I will represent the woman like that.
If you had the opportunity to speak with the leader of your country, what would you want to discuss?
Curacao: Hi, the New Orleans How are you guys doing today? I think there's a lot to be discussed and I believe that Curacao is a multicultural country. And I believe that we should embrace all different cultures and also discuss the fact that I feel like sometimes people feel excluded and we should not discriminate or have any type of bullying in the country.
What is the most significant obstacle that woman in your country face and what should we done about it?
Dominican Republic: I believe that the most significant obstacle women in my country face is access to education. There's a number of women and children in Dominican Republic that cannot go to school or don't have to have access to go to them. And I believe that we have to do something about it now. We need to make sure that kids are able to be kids. They're able to play, educate themselves. Now be mothers not be wise. It is the moment now to take action.