French Dental surgery student is 2016 Miss Universe

January 30, 2017

France ended a 64 year old drought when Iris Mittenaere won the 2016 Miss Universe beauty title Monday.

The 23-year-old French stunner from Lille, who is studying dental surgery, will succeed Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines.

Long-legged Racquel Pellisier of Haiti, an online favorite, finished first runner-up. Andrea Tovar of Columbia ended up second runner-up.

In her first press conference as Miss Universe, Mittenaere said: “I think France and Europe really, really missed (a) Miss Universe ( winner) because it’s been a long time that we don’t have a Miss Universe. And I think they need a miss universe because French love beauty pageants.”

She said touching the Miss Universe crown was a magical moment. “Oh my God ,I have the crown on my head I couldn’t’ believe it.  It was a big surprise. Every step forward is a surprise and I wanted to cry at every step and I feel proud and I feel blessed. I really feel blessed.”

Her advocacy is good hygiene and educating children. “I really want to meet every children at school this is way of my charity and I feel this the most important:  education for every children especially  for young women.”

She said in the Q and A portion that the most important thing is not to lose hope.  "I've failed several times in my life. I thought I failed the first time I went out on a casting because my name wasn't on the list, and the very next day I found that I was in a new book. So, I think that when you fail, you have to be elevated, and you have to try again and keep going. If tonight, I'm not one of the winners, I would still have had the great honour of being one of the three finalists. So, I think that I have failed before, but for me this is a great first opportunity."

"Congratulations to the new Miss Universe, Iris Mittenaere of France . People of France are rejoicing. Truly, this is a proud moment for their country," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

"Iris brought tremendous joy to her people by representing France well on the international stage with her winning grace, regal bearing and inspiring answer. She has won not only the nod of the judges but the affection of the entire world as well," he added.

Maxine Medina of the Philippines finished in the top 6.

"She represented the Philippines well in the international scene," he said. Ella Dionisio, Celerina Monte/DMS