The new Miss World 2019 is from Jamaica!
Toni-Ann Singh was crowned Miss World on Saturday, becoming the fourth woman from the Caribbean island-nation to win the pageant. The 23-year-old psychology and women studies graduate of the Florida State University wowed the judges with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” during the competition.
“I think I represent something special, a generation of women that are pushing forward to change the world,” she said.
On Saturday night, Miss Guadeloupe, Clémence Botino, also took home the prestigious Miss France crown, becoming the third Guadeloupean to win the honor.
Jamaica previously won Miss World titles in 1963, 1976 and 1993.
“To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world – please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a PURPOSE,” Singh tweeted on Saturday.
Even more exciting was the reaction of Miss Nigeria upon the announcement of Singh as the winner. Nyekachi Douglas could be seen jumping up and down in glee, while hugging and celebrating a shocked Singh.
With Singh’s win, this is also the first time that all top beauty pageants — Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe and now, Miss World — have crowned black women as their winners.
Congrats!