'It was like a movie!' Miss Australia Monika Radulovic describes the cringe-worthy moment the wrong winner was announced at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant
It's bound to be remembered as one of the most awkward TV moments of 2015 after Miss Universe host Steve Harvey named the wrong contestant as the winner.
The audience were left stunned as Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was then forced to hand over the coveted crown to the actual winner - Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbachthe - all on live television.
And Australia's own contestant in the pageant, Monika Radulovic, who placed fourth in the competition, has since opened up about the experience and expressed her sympathies over the incident.
'It was so awkward,' the 25-year-old told The Daily Telegraph of the incident on Sunday, adding: 'It was honestly like a movie.'
'It was like a movie': Miss Australia Monika Radulovic, who placed fourth in the Miss Universe competition on Sunday, has since opened up about the experience which saw the wrong winner announced
She went on to say: 'It made for good TV, but all of us felt for Colombia so much — and also Philippines. It's hard, if you're the winner and some of that shine is taken away from you.'Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was named Miss Universe 2015, however she was quickly informed that it was actually Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach who had won the crown instead.
'I really feel for Philippines, obviously it was a complete mistake. We saw the prompter say Philippines so we knew something was wrong,' she said, adding: 'We couldn't believe what had happened.'
'It was awkward': Host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner of the Miss Universe 2015 pageant on Sunday night - and the crowd watched in heartbreak and horror as the crown had to be removed from the head of Miss Columbia and instead placed on Miss Phillipines on live television
'I really feel for Philippines': Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was named Miss Universe 2015 but was quickly informed that it was actually Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach who had won the crown
Bosnian-born Monika made the top five of the Miss Universe competition - but narrowly missed out on making the final three.
Despite not taking out the title, which hasn't been won by an Australian since Jennifer Hawkins in 2004, Monika said she was proud of her efforts.
The striking beauty showed off her impressive physique as she stormed the runway on Wednesday in a purple bikini, during the competitions hotly-anticipated swimsuit round.
The barely there bathing outfit was worn during the preliminary stages of the glittering contest, which took place at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Las Vegas's famous strip.
Introducing Miss Australia: Monika made the top five of the Miss Universe competition - but narrowly missed out on making the final three
However her best accessory was her million-dollar smile which she flashed for the crowds during the battle for the jewel-encrusted tiara.
The striking beauty has been preened and primed to perfection in the lead up to the contest.
With her glowing skin adorned by a golden tan and her hair styled in a bouncy blow dry, Monika was the epitome of utter glamour.
Shining bright: Despite not taking out the title, which hasn't been won since Jennifer Hawkins in 2004, Monika said she was proud of her efforts
On Thursday Monika took to Instagram to share an image from the round with her fans as well as thanking them for their support.
'Snapshot of last night's prelim show - thank you ALL for your support and well wishes, I really feel your energy and positivity,' the Australian-Bosnian model wrote to her more than 41,000 followers.
'Cannot wait for Sunday,' she added.
National icon: Monika also dressed in a Dame Edna inspired national costume by designer Timothy Cubbo
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