23-year-old Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica was crowned Miss World for 2019, winning the 69th edition of the beauty pageant. She beat 111 contestants from around the world to win the title held at the ExCel London.
She was crowned by the winner of last year’s Miss World title Vanessa Ponce de Leon of Mexico.
Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica is the 69th #Missworld pic.twitter.com/tgyTFFiuKU
— Miss World (@MissWorldLtd) December 14, 2019
Born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, Singh is a psychology and women studies graduate. She further plans to study medicine and become a doctor.
During the pageant, she delighted the judges and the audience by performing a stunning rendition of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing.’
Post winning the crown, she tweeted an inspiring message to her fans, saying “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/hV8L6x6Mhi
— Toni-Ann Singh (@toniannsingh) December 14, 2019
This is the fourth time in the history of the pageant that a Jamaican has won the crown. The island nation has previously won the titles in 1963, 1976, and 1993.
Miss France, Ophely Mezino and Miss India, Suman Rao were crowned the second and third runners up respectively.
This also marks the first time ever that all the top five beauty contests have black women as their winners – Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe and now, Miss World.
Earlier in the month, Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe in a ceremony held in Atlanta.
