Photos: Paulina Vega of Colombia crowned Miss Universe, India’s Noyonita Lodh exits

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega (L) is crowned by last year’s Miss Universe, Venezuela’s Gabriela Isler, at the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant in Miami, Florida, January 25, 2015. Miss India Noyonita Lodh did not trouble judges much. (REUTERS)

Paulina Vega, a 22-year-old student of business administration from Colombia, was today crowned Miss Universe at a grand finale here after beating more than 80 contestants across the globe.

India’s Noyonita Lodh, 21, failed to reach the top 10 in the 63rd edition of the pageant held late last night in Florida, United States. The last time an Indian won the Miss Universe title was Bollywood actress Lara Dutta in 2000.

Miss Universe Paulina Vega has been a model since she was eight-year-old. She belongs to a big family, four sisters and three brothers. The five-foot-nine (180 centimeter) model from Barranquilla is the granddaughter of legendary tenor Gaston Vega and 1953 Miss Atlantico, Elvira Castillo.

Miss Universe contestant Noyonita Lodh of India poses for photos during a break in rehearsals at Florida International University in Miami during the Miss Universe pageant, in Miami. (AP)

Noyonita Lodh, Miss India 2014, competes in the swimwear competition during the Miss Universe Preliminary Show in Miami, Florida in this January 21, 2015 handout photo. REUTERS

Miss Colombia, Paulina Vega, the reigning Miss Universe, is seen earlier during the swimsuit portion of the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant in Miami, Florida, January 25, 2015. REUTERS

In the Miss Universe Colombia pageant she earned the highest score possible in every presentation, 9.9, according to the pageant website.

Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler of the Venezuela handed the tiara to her at the event watched by an audience of nearly 1 billion across the world.

This is the second win for Colombia in the last five decades. Luz Marina Zuluaga took home the title in 1956.

Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, who finished third, takes part in the evening gown portion of the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant in Miami, Florida, January 25, 2015. REUTERS

Taking the runner-up positions this year is Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, Diana Harkusha from Ukraine, Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, and Yasmin Verheijen from the Netherlands respectively.

The five final contestants, from left, Miss Colombia Paulina Vega, Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen and Miss USA Nia Sanchez pose during the Miss Universe pageant in Miami, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. (AP)

This year’s judging panel included Cuban-American music mogul Emilio Estefan, Cuban soap opera star William Levy and Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao.

Miss Colombia, Paulina Vega, the reigning Miss Universe, is seen earlier during the evening gown portion of the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant in Miami, Florida, January 25, 2015. REUTERS

Contestants representing 87 countries competed in three categories — swimsuit, evening gown and interview.

The event also witnessed a flashback showing former Miss Universe winners from past several years along with a special showcasing of Isler and her contribution in the year after winning the crown.

Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, who finished third, takes part in the swimsuit portion of the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant in Miami, Florida, January 25, 2015. REUTERS

Miss Spain, Desire Cordero Ferrer, poses during the Miss Universe pageant in Miami, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. (AP)

Miss Universe contestants Noyonita Lodh, left, of India, Mary Jean Lastimosa, second from left, of the Philippines, Keiko Tsuji, second from right, of Japan, and Paulina Vega of Colombia pose for photos during a break in rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, At Florida International University in Miami. (AP)