Catriona Gray tapped as backstage host for Miss Universe 2022

Metro Manila, January 6 ------ Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will be one of the backstage commentators in the upcoming 71st Miss Universe, organizers announced.

The Filipina-Australian beauty queen will be joined by Emmy-winning TV host Zuri Hall of the “American Ninja Warrior” and “Access Hollywood.” Meanwhile, American TV host Jeannie Mai-Jenkins and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo were confirmed to be the main hosts of the pageant. Culpo earlier co-hosted Miss Universe 2021 along with Mario Lopez, while Jenkins was a former Miss USA commentator. The pageant's organizers announced in December that they will replace Steve Harvey – who hosted Miss Universe since 2015 – as they try to make sure they lead "with a female lens.”

The Philippines’ bet for this year’s pageant is Celeste Cortesi, a 25-year-old Filipino-Italian model from Pasay City. A total of 86 candidates will vie for the crown in this year’s edition of Miss Universe which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana USA on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. (Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. in Philippine time). The new queen will succeed reigning Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu of India.

This will be the first Miss Universe pageant under the new ownership of Thailand-based JKN Global Group.

Source: cnnphilippines.com