“I feel like I’m dreaming. I'm so grateful.”
Jamaican-born, Toni-Ann Singh was awarded the Miss World 2019 crown at the grand finale of the beauty pageant in ExCel London on December 14, 2019.
During the three weeks leading up to the final, contestants for Miss World 2019 competed in numerous talent competitions. These included; singing, sports and engaging with fans on social media.
The beauty pageant was hosted by English singer Peter Andre and the winner of Miss World 2013, Megan Young.
The judging panel consisted of fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, TV presenter Piers MorgAn and chairwoman of Miss World Julia Morely.
Collectively, the respective judges crowned Toni-Ann the as winner.
For the final on Saturday, December 14, Toni-Ann Singh took to the stage to perform a rendition of ‘I Have Nothing’ by English singer Whitney Houston.
Toni-Ann looked stunning in a glittery white ball gown and headwear representing her country (Jamaica), which further radiated her beauty.
During an interaction with the PA news agency, Toni-Ann Singh expressed her delight. She said: “I feel like I’m dreaming. I’m so grateful.”
Toni-Ann continued to speak about the criticism the beauty pageant receives. Some people believe the beauty competition is outdated for the modern world. She mentioned:
“As somebody that has first-hand experience (of Miss World), the biggest part of the competition is Beauty With A Purpose, to get things done.”
Over the years, the winners of Miss World have been travelling across the world with the charity, Beauty With A Purpose.
The charity has been helping underprivileged communities in countries like Brazil, India and Africa since 1971.
As a result of their dedication, the charity has raised over billions of pounds. They have helped treat leprosy in Brazil and provide sanitary towels in Indian and African villages.
Toni-Ann Singh went on to mention how she is willing to talk to people who harbour this misconception. She stated:
“I understand there’s criticism, and I’m willing to have a conversation with anyone who would like to.
“This platform is about more than beauty.”
Ever since her win, Toni-Ann has been trending on Twitter as many want to know who the 23-year-old Jamaican beauty is.
Toni-Ann was born in St Thomas, Jamaica before she relocated to Florida, Unites States.
She went on to graduate with a degree in Women’s Studies and Psychology from Florida State University in Tallahassee.
She was also the president of the Caribbean students association during her time there.
According to the information provided on the Miss World website, Toni-Ann wants to study medicine and aspires to become a doctor. In her free time, she sings, cooks and vlogs.
Judge Piers Morgan asked Toni-Ann whether she would consider a career in singing. She replied: “If the door is open I’ll walk through it.”
The website also mentions that for Toni-Ann her mother is the most important person. Her mother is of African-Caribbean descent whilst her father, Bradshaw Singh is of Indo-Caribean parentage.
Previously, Toni-Ann Singh won the Miss Jamaica World 2019 competition and then went on to represent Jamaica on a larger scale in Miss World 2019.
Toni-Ann is the fourth Jamaican woman to win the Miss World crown. Jamaica had won the title in 1963, 1976 and with Lisa Hanna in 1933.
On Saturday, Toni-Ann took to Twitter to express her joy of winning Miss World 2019 and shared an inspiring message. She said:
“Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams … 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
The second and third runners up for Miss World 2019, Ophely Mezino of France and Suman Rao of India were awarded respectively.
Toni-Ann beat 111 contestants representing various countries. We congratulate Toni-Ann Singh on her win and hope she achieves her dreams of becoming a doctor.