What is the most awkward thing that could possibly happen during a nationally televised pageant?
It is this: Steve Harvey, host of the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, having to announce that he named the wrong winner and runner-up–after the crowning had already taken place.
Here's Harvey announcing Miss Colombia as the winner:
VIDEO: The moment the wrong @MissUniverse was crowned on LIVE television... #sun7 #MissUniverse2015 https://t.co/F2FJaUnQ5sDecember 21, 2015
And here's Miss Colombia having her crown yoinked seconds later:
Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez, was already basking in the glow of her win when Harvey admitted he made the mistake. He then called up the actual winner–Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach. Confusion, excitement, disappointment, and a collective national cringe followed.
Harvey followed up with a (now deleted) apologetic tweet (in which he originally misspelled both countries as "Philippians" and "Columbia".
Not a good night for him.) He's since posted an extended apology:
I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.December 21, 2015
Secondly, I'd like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake.December 21, 2015
I don't want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing.December 21, 2015
And the memes are already starting...
Imma let you finish...
Is it too late now to say sorry #MissUniverse2015 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/JTRNAbwZRIDecember 21, 2015
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