Every Question Asked at Miss Universe 2022 (with answers)

Being a pageant titleholder is more than just being a pretty face. The women we watch compete at Miss Universe are intelligent, talented, and articulate. These qualities are showcased each year during the Question and Answer and Final Statement segments. These are some of the final moments to impress the judges, so how did the contestants at Miss Universe 2022 do?

During the Top 5 Question and Answer competition, each contestant randomly selects a number that corresponds to a different member of the selection committee. The judge then gets to ask the contestant their question, allowing each contestant to answer a unique question. Let’s find out how each titleholder in the Top 5 answered!

Miss Universe Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel

Question: “Tell me about a time where you felt shame and how you turned that feeling into fuel.”
Answer: “I actually have a press conference which is called The Forbidden Dream, which talks about that forbidden dream when I wanted to become a fashion designer. I felt shame about it. I didn’t feel it was possible for me to sustain my life. But I pursued it, and I demonstrated myself, which is the most importantly. Following our dreams, our passions, we are able to leave an impact stamp in every single action we take.”

Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel

Question: “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?”
Answer: “For me, I would like to see an age increase. Because I am 28 years old, and that is the oldest age to compete. I think it’s a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is, “If not now, then when?” 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.”

Miss Universe Puerto Rico, Ashley Cariño

Question: “If you’re crowned Miss Universe, how would you represent all this year’s delegates through your reign?”
Answer: “I would represent all of this year’s delegates because I am a mirror of what a woman is. I believe in the dream and the power that we all hold to make our dreams a reality. That is why I am 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 in the chamber of time. Because this is the power we have. I will represent the women like that.”

Miss Univese Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos

Question: If you had the opportunity to speak with the leader of your country, what would you want to discuss?
Answer: I think there’s a lot to be discussed. 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. Thank you.

Miss Universe Dominican Republic, Andreina Founier

Question: “What is the most significant obstacle that women in your country face, and what should be done about it?”
Answer: “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 who cannot go to school, and have lack of access to go to them. I believe we have to do something about it now. We need to make sure that kids are able to be kids, that they are able to play, and educate themselves. Not be mothers, not be wives. It is the moment now to take action to make sure the Dominican Republic has education.”

Each contestant truly showcased that they are the perfect combination of brains and beauty. Although it was clear that every answer impressed the selection committee, only three contestants would make it to the Final Statement. After much deliberation, the Top 3 at Miss Universe 2022 would be Venezuela, USA, and Dominican Republic.

These contestants would now respond to the same question and deliver their final statement to the judges. This would be their last chance to showcase why they deserve to be the next Miss Universe. Talk about pressure!

During this final round of competition, each contestant was asked: “If you win Miss Universe, how would you work to demonstrate this as an empowering and progressive organization?” Here’s how they responded to the final question at Miss Universe 2022:

“I understand that the Miss Universe Organization was looking for an ambassador, somebody who is able to communicate a message. I have been working for women's rights for as long as I can remember. It's been my actual day every single day. I'm here to demonstrate, doesn't matter where you come from, your background does not define you, your courage and determination do. And I will show that by being working every single day showing my leadership and determination.”

“Well, I would use it to be a transformational leader. As a very passionate designer, I’ve been sewing for 13 years. I use fashion as a force for good. In my industry, I’ve been cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I choose sewing classes to women that have survived from human trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it is so important to invest in others invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference. We all have something special and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”

“If I get to win Miss Universe, I will follow the legacy that many women across the universe has shown to be part of the organization because Miss Universe has demonstrated that they choose women who inspire with their messages and transform with their actions. And that's precisely why I would like to do I'm a fashion designer by profession, but I'm a designer of dreams as a woman. Thank you so much.”

It’s clear that the selection committee at Miss Universe 2022 had an extremely tough job! Each final statement was personal, passionate, and powerful. Any one of these three women would make a phenomenal Miss Universe, but as we all know, only one can take home the coveted crown. When the crowning moment finally came, the audience erupted in applause and cheers as R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss USA, was announced as the new Miss Universe!