Miss Universe 2015: Who Is Ariadna Gutiérrez? Colombian Contestant Mistakenly Crowned Winner Before Miss Philippines

The Miss Universe 2015 pageant concluded Sunday in a goof-up that had the organizers wrongly crowning the contestant from Colombia. Host Steve Harvey later apologized on air for his mistake in announcing Ariadna Gutiérrez as the winner of the competition instead of the real winner, Miss Philippines.

Colombia's Gutiérrez was the first runner-up but her name was announced before that of Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, resulting in the mistake. Harvey then took responsibility for incorrectly reading the card that named the winner. Wurtzbach was later crowned as the winner by last year’s Miss Universe from Colombia.

“I have to apologize,” Harvey said, while Gutierrez -- who had already donned the Miss Universe crown and sash -- took her first walk as the winner. “The first runner-up is Colombia.

“I will take responsibility for this,” Harvey said, adding: “It was my mistake… I can show it to you right here… Still a great night. Please don’t hold it against the ladies.”

Miss United States was second runner-up, after Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines, in a competition that featured a total of 80 participants from around the world.

Harvey, who spoke to reporters at the Planet Hollywood hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the event took place, said that no one feels worse than he does about the mistake, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Mark Shapiro of the pageant's new owner, WME ' IMG, reportedly called the incident a human error, noting that Harvey himself corrected the mistake on air.