New year, new beginnings — and in the beauty pageant world, this means second chances. Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach says that Steve Harvey deserves another take at hosting the pageant next year. Following Harvey's humiliating name flub, a clean slate may just be the perfect remedy.
Fresh off her winning title, Wurtzbach appeared on Good Morning America for her first interview. And her words on Harvey? They're nothing but positive. "I understand," the Filipina-German beauty queen begins, "It was [Harvey's] first time to judge a pageant, but it's OK. He's human. People make mistakes."
Harvey accidentally crowning the wrong Miss Universe — he first named Miss Colombia the winner before realizing it was Miss Philippines whose name was on the cue card — sparked a digital sensation. Naturally, memes began to invade the web, with even Harvey himself poking fun at the mix-up.
However, Wurtzbach is willing to look beyond the embarrassing mishap. "It's live television," she reminds everyone. "Steve Harvey was very gracious to apologize. I accept his apology and I think it speaks a lot about his character."
In true grace and Miss Universe fashion, the 26-year-old actress and model is all up for Harvey returning for a do-over. "Yeah, why not?" Wurtzbach says. "I think he’s a breath of fresh air, he made us feel very relaxed, the contestants. It makes us show our personalities a little bit more. I think that benefits everybody, especially the viewers."
While Miss Universe is in favor of Harvey once again playing pageant host, here are five other potential contenders for the next position. Certainly, the successor will be brushing up on their reading skills — history does not need to repeat itself.
1. Jeannie Mai
As the saying goes, third time's a charm. This fashion personality previously served as Miss Universe host in 2014 and 2013 — so who's to say she can't add 2016 to her collection? Plus, Mai has a hefty resume to boot — she has frequently appeared on The Today Show, E! News, and Wendy Williams as style expert.
2. Andy Cohen
The Andy of Bravo reality TV fame? But, of course. Cohen is not only a well-known television personality, but he was also Miss Universe host in 2011 and 2012. Plus, this is a man who has a one-name Twitter handle — just @Andy — so clearly he's talking business.
3. Terry Crews
There are a multitude of reasons why Terry Crews should snag the title as Miss Universe host: yes, Crews is a former football player, but he has hosting chops thanks to his stint at Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. His knack for comedy is also evident on Everybody Hates Chris andBrooklyn Nine—Nine, aka instant host material.
4. Heidi Klum
If there's one beauty extraordinaire who proves Miss Universe worthy, than it must be no other than Heidi Klum. The German supermodel and businesswoman is no stranger to the stage — and runway. Let us not forget Klum's iconic auf wiedersehen as host of Project Runway. Trading threads for a bejeweled crown may just be her next move.
5. Tyra Banks
While millions around the world were tuning into Miss Universe, Tyra Banks herself was waving her flag of support. The talk show host tweeted her blessing for newly-crowned Miss Philippines, throwing out a #SMIZE hashtag and all. With Banks an avid pageant viewer and owner of an extensive resume that includes modeling, producing, and hosting, she could very well replace Harvey in the coming year.
Images: @MissUniverse/Twitter, Getty
