After a gloomy stretch of rain, wind and cold, the sun came out the morning after the coronation of the new “MISS WORLD” – 23-year-old TONI-ANN SINGH, representing the island of Jamaica. It all happened this past weekend at the ExCel Auditorium in London, Toni-Ann defeated 110 other Beauty Queen representatives from around the world. The contestants were in London for one month to participate in a lavish program of activities built as the Miss World Festival, leading up to the Grand finale’ on Saturday afternoon. “I am so honored and grateful for this opportunity, but most of all, I’m thinking about the work that needs to be done and that I have the platform and the means to do it. I am ready to get out there and work. I’m excited,” remarked the new Queen after she was crowned by the stunning out-going “Miss World” Vanessa Ponce De Lyon of Mexico.
The teary-eyed Queen edged passed her closest rivals and emerged victorious after several preliminary `Fast Track’ competitions for – Beauty with a Purpose; Top Model; Talent; Sports; Head to Head Challenge and Multimedia. Second place went to “Miss France” Ophely Mazino, while “Miss India” Suman Ratansingh Rao placed third. Rounding out the top five were “Miss Brazil” Elis Coelho and “Miss Nigeria” Nyekachi Douglas.
In a lavish live stage event that featured 70s British singing star Lulu, singer Kerry Ellis, Rap star Misunderstood and a special presentation to England’s legendary top fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, it came down to an up-close and personal interview with the top five leading contestants, conducted by the controversial Television personality Piers, Morgan. Toni-Ann captured the hearts of the judges and the audience alike with her calm demeanor, an aura of honesty and a sense of humor – not to mention her enormous talent. She won the `Best Talent’ award with a sensational rendition of the Whitney Houston classic “I Have Nothing,” which she performed during the evening’s activities.
In the end, after the top 12 beauties were announced: Kenya, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, India, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, Jamaica, France, Russia, and the Cook Islands, it was all about the judges selection of the top five beauties: Nigeria, Brazil, India, Jamaica and France who were all selected as the Continental Queens of Beauty. Each will represent their specific continent, so Nigeria became the Continental Queen of Africa. Brazil – The Americas. India – Asia. France – Europe, and they announced Trinidad & Tobago – the Caribbean since Jamaica won the overall “Miss World” title, Trinidad & Tobago qualified for that spot.
Toni-Ann Singh aspires to become a Medical Doctor. She’s currently a student of Women’s Studies and Psychology at Florida State University, where she is the President of the Caribbean Students Association on campus. In her spare time, Toni-Ann enjoys singing, vlogging, cooking, and volunteering. She’s a classically trained opera singer and said that whatever door opens in terms of her talents, she’s ready to walk through. I asked the newly crowned Queen how does she feel to be a part of history being in the group of all Black women, winners of the top Beauty Pageants namely – Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA. “I am overwhelmed. I didn’t realize that until you mentioned it, but I am so proud and very emotional. I am thankful and grateful and ready to fully embrace my new victory.”
