Miss Universe 2017 winner is Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Taking places in Las Vegas this year, over 90 contestants from different countries across the globe took part in the competition. Hosting the annual beauty pageant yet again is Steve Harvey and accompanying him is the beautiful plus size model Ashley Graham.

Also Read: Miss Universe 2017: Fans pick Philippines' Evening Gown, South Africa for Best in Swimwear; experts predict top 5 

The judges for the evening included Ross Mathews, Lele Pons, Jay Manuel, and Megan Olivi. Philippines' Miss Universe 2015 winner Pia Wurtzbach, 1998 Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam were also part of the panel. 

In Pics: Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is crowned Miss Universe 2017

This is Dishya Sharma signing out for International Business Times India. Thank you for joining us. 

Live Updates: 

10:00 PM ET: Miss Universe 2017 winner is Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

1st Runner-Up: Miss Colombia Laura González

2nd Runner-Up: Miss Jamaica Davina Bennet

Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaire of France crowns the winner.

9:50 PM ET: The final word question and answer is done. The top 3 walk the ramp for the final look. Who will the Miss Universe 2017 winner? 

Rachel Platten sings Broken Glass as the finalists take their final walk before the winner is announced. 

9:45 PM ET: The final question is what quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality to your time as Miss Universe? Who will win? 

Jamaica's Davina Bennet

Colombia's Laura González

South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

9:35 PM ET: Jamaica, Colombia and South Africa in top 3. 

9:30 PM ET: The question round ended. Host Steve Harvey pose the questions from fans posted on Facebook. 

South Africa was asked what is biggest challenged faced by women at work. She replied that women should have equal work and equal pay. Venezuela was asked if social media has had a positive or negative impact. She responded that it depends on how one perceives it.

Thailand was asked most important social movement and why. She said most important movement of our time is the youth. She feels more investments need to be made on the youth as they form the future. 

Jamaica was asked about sexual harassment and why men and women need to come together and fight it. She said that no abuse should be tolerated. It is necessary for men and women should come together to tackle this issue. She feels sexual harassment should be taken up as an important issues by the law and it be dealt with soon.

How would you explain terrorism to a child, Colombia was asked. She said, she would tell him that our generations cannot be full of weapons and urge them to have more books, culture and love. 

9:20 PM ET: The top 5 finalists are South Africa, Venezuela, Thailand, Jamaica and Colombia. Philippines out of the competition. 

9:10 PM ET: Miss Universe 2017 top 10 finalists stun in gorgeous and glamorous evening gowns as Fergie dons a shimmering silver dress to perform at the finale. 

9:00 PM ET: The top 10 finalists walk the ramp in their evening gowns. Fergie takes the centre stage with her live performance. 

8:55 PM ET: National Costume competition winner is Miss Japan Momoko Abe.

8:50 PM ET: The top 10 finalists are Venezuela, USA, Philippines, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand and Jamaica. 

8:30 PM ET: Top 16 contestants step out in their swimsuits oozing sexiness and confidence as the crowd cheers for them. Only 10 contestants will advance to the next round. 

8:25 PM ET: Help your favourite contestant win. Vote now! Here's how: 

8:20 PM ET: Ross Mathews, Lele Pons, Jay Manuel, Megan Olivi, Pia Wurtzbach and Wendy Fitzwilliam take their judges seats as the top 16 finalists gear to take on their first challenge of the night, the swisuit round. Swimsuits sponsored by Yamamay.

8:15 PM ET: Philippines, Venezuela, Jamaica and China in top 16. India fails to qualify.

8:05 PM ET: American contestants to advance into the top 16 are Colombia, USA, Brazil and Canada. 

8:00 PM ET: Europe's Spain, Ireland, Croatia and Great Britain advance in the finals.

7:45 PM ET: Preliminaries are over and now, its time to meet the Top 16 contestants. From the Africa and Asia Pacific category, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ghana and South Africa qualify. Philippines has to wait and see if she qualifies in the wild card category.

7:30 PM ET: After the Americans and Europeans, Steve Harvey introduces Africa and Asia Pacific contestants. 

7:20 PM ET: Steve Harvey introduces Miss Universe 2016 winner Iris Mittenaere and recount her year gone by.

7:15 PM ET: Beauty queens from Europe take the centre stage as Steve Harvey introduces them to the world. 

7:10 PM ET: The beauty pageant has begun with American delegates being introduced. 

7:00 PM ET: Steve Harvey, accompanied by the Miss Universe contestants, takes the centre stage to kick-off the Miss Universe 2017 event. 

6:55 PM ET: Twitter is going crazy as fans are betting Miss Philippines Rachel Peters will win the Miss Universe 2017 winner's title. Countless tweets show massive support to the contestant.

6:30 PM ET: The stage is set and the gorgeous Miss Universe 2017 contestants are adding last minute touches to their hair and make up as they prepare to walk the ramp shortly. Check out the backstage moments here: 

Laura González