TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe 2025 Top 5 second Q&A

Miss Universe 2025 upped the ante when it asked the pageant's top 5 queens to answer another question following the judges' round of Q&A. 

Standing proudly onstage ready to do their respective countries proud in the pageant's last hurdle were Thailand's Praveenar Singh, the Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo, Venezuela's Stephany Abasali, Mexico's Fatima Bosch, and Coté d'Ivoire's Olivia Yacé. 

Host Steve Byrn, an American stand-up comedian, asked the ladies the same question: "If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?"

Here's how the top 5 answered: 

Miss Thailand – Praveenar Singh

"I believe that everyone who has been through all the struggles, barriers, anything in life, we can get back up. It's not about how you fail, but how you rise up. I would encourage you all to be your own hero, to light that light within yourself and light on others. And if we come together, lift each other up, the world will be a much better place. And I encourage you all to never fear. I am standing here as your next Miss Universe, and I hope to be."

Miss Philippines – Ahtisa Manalo

"I work with an organization called Allen Academy, where we work with young people to provide them opportunities, to make them realize that it doesn't matter what your life circumstances is. It doesn't define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Allen Academy on a bigger platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people who come from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities as everyone else. Thank you."

Miss Venezuela – Stephany Abasali

"I believe that education and communication go hand-by-hand to influence positive activity for the girls, for the children, for everyone that watches this platform. I'm standing here because with my life experiences, I've been able to become the person I've wanted to be. And this is the representation of a woman that's determined. And with her conviction, she's reached her goal, and that is what I want all the girls to search for."

Miss Mexico – Fatima Bosch

"As Miss Universe, I will say to them, believe in the power of your authenticity, believe in yourself. Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt about your worth because you're worth everything. And you are powerful, and your voice needs to be heard."

Miss Coté d'Ivoire – Olivia Yacé

"Well, as an ambassador and as Miss Universe, I would want to be the face of representation, of a new generation that mixes culture, that mixes modern and traditional. I want to be the face of a new era of women that are bold, that are leaders, that are unapologetic about who they are. I want to be a role model for young girls and let them know that you, too, can make it. Go in those rooms where you think you don't belong; shine and make sure you assume your identity."

Miss Mexico's Fatima Bosch ultimately won Miss Universe 2025. 

First runner-up was Praveenar Singh of Thailand; second runner-up was Stephany Abasali of Venezuela; third  runner-up was Ahtisa Manalo of the Philippines; and fourth runner-up was Olivia Yace of Cote d'Ivoire.