NEW ORLEANS, WILLEMSTAD - Gabriëla Pereira Dos Santos, 20, of Willemstad, Curaçao was one of the Miss Universe 2022 candidates who stood out in the competition. She finished in the Top 5.
Including Dos Santos, a total of 84 women competed for the Miss Universe 2022 crown, which was crafted by Mouawad. The judges were Big Freedia, Mara Martin, Emily Austin, Olivia Quido, Myrka Dellanos, Sweta Patel, Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam and Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete.
Hosted by Jeannie Mai and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, the Miss Universe 2022 coronation night was held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Zuri Hall and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray were the live commentators.
“If you had the opportunity to speak with the leader of your country, what would you want to discuss?” Dos Santos was asked in the semifinal question-and-answer portion. She answered, “I think there’s a lot to be discussed.”
“I believe that Curacao is a multi-cultural 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,” Dos Santos continued. “Thank you.”
Representing the U.S., R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, was crowned Miss Universe 2022. Runner-up to Gabriel was Amanda Dudamel, 23, of Venezuela while Andreina Martínez, 25, of the Dominican Republic was second runner-up.
Born and raised in Willemstad, Dos Santos speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu. She is passionate about kickboxing, modeling, traveling and nature.
On May 29, 2022, Dos Santos competed against two other finalists at Miss Universe Curaçao 2022 at Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort in Willemstad and won the title. She flew from Curacao to Miami, Florida, USA on December 27, 2022 and from Miami to New Orleans on January 3, 2023.
In New Orleans, Dos Santos tested positive for the new coronavirus (COVID-19). She was able to recover after quarantining before the Miss Universe 2022 preliminary competition on January 11, 2023.
