Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutiérrez went through a roller coaster of emotions on live television, but the beauty pageant contestant had nothing but heartfelt words to share after going through such a disappointing experience.
The runner-up, who was initially named Miss Universe before being stripped of the crown minutes later after realizing that Miss Philippines was the actual winner, took to Instagram tonight to share a touching message about the entire snafu, and to thank fans for the support and love she's received throughout this time.
Posting a photo of herself making the shape of a heart with her hands on stage on Sunday night, Gutiérrez wrote, "After the storm comes the calm. I want to thank each and everyone of you who have sent messages of support and strength. Every one of you has become an incredible human being in my book and I am the most fortunate and thankful for having the support not only from one country but from the whole entire world."
She continued, "Your destiny is written for you. And my destiny was this. I was able to bring happiness to my country after becoming Miss Universe for only a couple of minutes... Today because of that COLOMBIA and the LATIN COMMUNITY are being talked about in every corner of the world. I also want to congratulate the Philippines for their new Miss Universe. The happiness that you must be feeling must be incredible. Life continues and in the future we will find out why things happen the way they happen. Thank you all for your LOVE SUPPORT and KINDNESS."
At first, host Steve Harvey made it perfectly clear that Miss Colombia was the winner. There were hugs, cheers, flowers, a standing ovation and everything you'd expect from such a happy moment. Things quickly took a turn, however, when Steve had another announcement.
"Okay folks, I have to apologize. The first runner-up is Colombia," he explained as the camera panned to finalists Miss USA and Miss Philippines, revealing that Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach was the actual winner.
"I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible," the Family Feud host posted on Twitter after the flub. "Secondly, I'd like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake. I don't want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing."