Miss Universe conquers New York City

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Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, warmed up in the offices of the Miss Universe headquarters in New York City.

WITH A SMILE on her face and polished poise, Catriona Gray of the Philippines began Media Week for Miss Universe by moving into her New York City apartment and a round of television interviews.

Her first interview Monday (Dec. 7) was on Good Morning, America with ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee.

During her interview the Filipino Australian, who competed as Miss Philippines, was able to discuss her passions for her philanthropic work and music.

“In the Philippines, I work with an organization called Young Focus and what they do is they give access to quality education, which (is very important),” said Gray. “Without NGOs like (Young Focus), those kids might never realize the dream of having an education and developing a love for learning.”

Gray holds a master’s certificate in Music Theory, which she obtained from the Berklee College of Music, premier music college and performing arts conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. 

Zee asked the reigning Miss Universe, who turned 25 Sunday (Dec. 6), whether or not her fans will hear her sing soon. 

Gray enthusiastically responded, “Even as a Miss Universe, I would love to participate in a benefit concert or something like that to really merge my love for music and in giving back.”

Zee concluded by saying, “Well, obviously you’re perfect,” Zee told Gray. “And that’s why you won Miss Universe.”

After that interview, Gray moved to the next ABC studio to be interviewed by Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest on Live with Kelly and Ryan, where she seemed even more at home in front of the camera. She was animated and articulate and not afraid to laugh out loud. 

Watch Zee's interview with Gray on Good Morning America below:

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Christmas treat: 'O Holy Night' by Miss Universe

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE so here's a surprise treat: Miss Universe singing "O Holy Night."

It's been a week in her reign as Miss Universe began, so by now the world has discovered that Catriona Gray, Miss Philippines, is a singer as well as a black belt in karate and a beauty queen.

She was lead singer in a jazz band when she was studying at the Trinity Anglican School in Cairns and earned a master's certificate in music theater at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Before she was crowned Miss Universe last week, she taped her first single, "We're In This Together" last month.

When she was studying at the Trinity Anglican School in Cairns, she was the lead singer of the jazz band, and a member of the choir.

Later on, she went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she earned a master’s certificate in Music Theory.

Last month, before she was crowned Miss Universe, she released her first single, "We're In This Together," on behalf of Young Focus International, the organization she supports with her pro-education advocacy.

Miss Philippines wins Miss Universe crown

SCREEN CAPTURE

Catriona Gray was dubbed the Miss Universe Monday.

MISS PHILIPPINES, Catriona Gray, was named Miss Universe 2018 on Monday in Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries and delighting her home nation.

Gray and first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa held hands as they awaited Stevve Harvey's announcement of the winner. Lo and behold, Harvey got it right!

The last time Miss Philippines won the contest in 2015, he announced the wrong woman.

"My heart is filled with so much gratitude," Gray said. "There were moments of doubt where I felt overwhelmed and I felt the pressure."

Gray, 24,  impressed the judges with her response to the question: "What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life, and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?" She responded:

“I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is… it’s poor and very sad,” said Gray during the question and answer session. “And I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty of it, to look for beauty in the faces of the children and to be grateful. And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe, to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. If I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces. Thank you.”

Gray wore a sparkling red dress she said was inspired by a volcano in the Philippines as she was handed the crown to the delight of a roaring crowd in Bangkok.

Gray's father is Australian, and she was born and grew up in Cairns, Australia. She moved to the Philippines at age 18 to pursue a modeling career.

Catriona went to school at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. She received a degree in Music Theory and is also a singer.

In an Instagram post, 2015's Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach wrote a message to her fellow Filipina beauty queen for making the Philippines proud this year. Catriona is the fourth Filipina to be hailed as Miss Universe.

She said, "This girl is on fire! You started strong and captured our hearts with your grace, commitment and fearlessness! And that walk...how could anyone forget that walk? Now, you've conquered the Universe!"

Ahh, the walk! It got the attention of supermodel Tyra Banks, who retweeted the clip and added some America’s Next Top Model–esque commentary. “Pinoy power to the max!” tweeted Banks. “You did it! And that walk and confidence? I mean ... next-level fierce!”

The Philippines previously won Miss Universe titles in 2015, 1973 and 1969. Highlights of her performance is below:

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