Miss World Jamaica, Toni-Ann Singh has been crowned the 69th Miss World
At London, 14 December 2019, at ExCel London Toni-Ann Singh aged 23 has been crowned the 69th Miss World by her predecessor Vanessa Ponce de Leon at the grand final hosted by Peter Andre and Megan Young.
A tearful newly crowned Miss World 2019 said: “So honored and grateful for this opportunity but most of all I’m thinking about the work that needs to be done and that I have the platform and the means to do it. I’m ready to get out there and work. I’m excited!”
Toni is a women’s studies and psychology student at Florida State University who aspires to be a medical doctor. Previously she has worked as president of the Caribbean students association on campus. In her free time, Toni enjoys singing, cooking, vlogging, volunteering, and singing. Her special talent is that she can sing classical opera. The most important thing in Toni’s life is her mother who has facilitated her dream by supporting her in every way possible.
Lulu, one of Britain’s most iconic singers, with an internationally renowned voice performed a very festive ‘Run Rudolph Run and closed the show performing ‘Shout’, The show opened with Kerry Ellis, a West End and Broadway star singing ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’ with other performances by Andre singing ‘Mysterious Girl’ and Misunderstood, an all-singing all-dancing duo from South London who performed ‘Girls in London’ with the final 12 contestants.
UK broadcaster and TV celebrity Piers Morgan asked the final five contestants their last question before the judges had to decide who would wear the famous blue crown. Celebrating the icon theme, Zandra Rhodes was one of the judges.
Miss World France, Ophely Mezino was the runner up, and Miss World India, Suman Rao was placed third after the culmination of a month-long Miss World Festival that saw contestants from 111 countries competing in a number of fast track challenges.
These included Multimedia, Sport, Talent, Top Model, Head to Head Challenge and Beauty With A Purpose.
The highly anticipated final was broadcast live in the UK on London Live, streamed on www.missworld.com and 150 countries. Across all social media, the festival and final has received more than 2 billion hits.
About Miss World
Miss World is the oldest and largest international pageant first created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951. Julia Morley is the Chairman and CEO of the organization which has representatives in 140 countries.
Today, Miss World is a platform for women from across the globe to raise awareness and funds in aid of humanitarian causes. The organization prides itself on its philanthropic focus with millions of dollars being raised for good causes every year through ‘Beauty With A Purpose’.
The competition has the largest international broadcast audience with more than a billion people watching on TV, in the media, and across its social media channels. Each year contestants from 140 countries enter Miss World. Reigning Miss World is Vanessa Ponce de León from Mexico. 68 Miss Worlds have been crowned.
Toni is a women’s studies and psychology student at Florida State University who aspires to be a medical doctor. She has worked as president of the Caribbean students association on campus. In her free time Toni enjoys singing, cooking, vlogging, volunteering and singing.
In her interview with Ms. Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness Miss World 2019, Toni Ann Singh talks about her life journey and future dreams and aspirations,
Ms Namita Nayyar
You have won the Miss World Pageant 2019 marking the first time in history that a person of Jamaica-base and Indian origin has won the title for Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe, and Miss World. How do you feel about being a part of this historic moment?
I am proud to share a moment like this with these strong and empowering women. I believe representation is so important. I remember the first time I realised girls could become doctors was also the first time I met a female doctor. I hope that any girl looking at one of us will see herself reflected, and realise the greatness of the potential that lies within. I look forward to a world where celebration of beauty, in all its forms becomes the norm, so that there will no longer be a need to discuss race, color, or creed when discussing the capabilities and accomplishments of women.
Ms Namita Nayyar
After your ground-breaking win, you took to twitter and said “To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world — please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a purpose.” Define your purpose and how you wish to achieve it?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
I was born to serve. When I sing, I don’t just sing for myself. I sing for all the hearts that feel so many emotions but are unable to express themselves. When I studied, I didn’t just seek to learn for myself. Coming from a very rural area of Jamaica, I knew that I needed to make the most of all my opportunities in order to bring that knowledge, ideas, insight and experience home to benefit my community. I have no exact plan, or really any set idea on how I will continue to serve. I do know, however, that I will continue to answer the call to action when I hear it.
Ms Namita Nayyar
During the competition, you earned a resounding applause from audiences for singing Whitney Houston’s hit “I Have Nothing”. Is this talent that you wish to nurture further as a career? How would you define role of music in your life and its benefits?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
I always tell myself, “If the door opens, I’ll walk through it.” Music has been a part of my identity my entire life. When I’m happy, sad, sick, trying to stay awake or on long road trips, I sing. I can truly say there is always a song in my heart that helps me to get through everything life throws at me.
Ms Namita Nayyar
Getting to fitness, tell us about your workout routine that you follow on a day-to-day basis with all that travelling?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
If I don’t get the chance to go for a run, or to hit the gym, I’ll usually watch a workout video online and get my heart rate up that way.
Things I do every day, no matter what:
- 100 total calf raises. (Some days I have to get clever about where I sneak them in, but it helps me to walk comfortably in heels)
- 100 jumping jacks before showering for bed
Ms Namita Nayyar
An optimum balanced diet is a significant factor to look and feel your best. What is your diet routine while preparing for competition or not. Foods you love to eat, would advise women to eat? 5 foods you avoid in your diet?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
To represent your country at Miss World there is no requirement to be a certain dress size or particular shape, we promote body positivity, confidence and healthy attitudes to our bodies. When preparing for this year’s festival and final in London, I tried to make sure I ate food that kept my body healthy and hydrated. This included: watermelon, avocado, leafy greens and fish. There was no strict diet, and I rarely passed on dessert, but I limited snacking to fruits such as Sweet Sop and Nesberry (Caribbean fruits), bananas, pineapples, dates.
I absolutely love avocados. In Jamaica we call them Pear, and I eat them so many that at this point I should very well just become one. And it doesn’t hurt that they are full of vitamins, magnesium, potassium, Omega-3 fatty acids and literally amazing for your body.
Every night I drink apple cider vinegar diluted in water, and during the day I consume an insane amount of tea, my favourite brew is peppermint, chai, and ginger.
5 NOs:
- Processed food
- Soda
- Fast food
- Energy drinks
- Candy bars
Ms Namita Nayyar
With your flawless skin & shining hair, share with us your daily skin & hair care routine?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
I am really into holistic health, and a firm believer in food being one’s own medicine. When I am at home, I eat pieces of raw Aloe Vera, as well as apply it to my skin as often as I can. The apple cider vinegar dilution I drink also helps to keep my skin clear. My family has always used natural products, my aunt taught me how to make my own soap. I also make my own mixture of oils that to moisturize my skin at night and lock in with a natural body lotion.
I am pretty proud of my face routine. I use an oil cleanser to remove my makeup and exfoliate multiple times a week. Twice a day, I wash my face (using my soap), apply my own concoction as a toner, apply a Vitamin C serum, and apply under the eye cream. In the morning, I will follow up with a hydration gel (hyaluronic acid is a MUST), and sunscreen. At night I apply my oil mixture and a natural lotion to seal in the moisture. Then a couple times a week I take my jade roller out of the freezer and give my face a nice refreshing massage after applying the Vitamin C serum. Self-care is so important; I usually play some music and make my face routine a ‘Me Time’ activity.
Ms Namita Nayyar
Now after becoming Miss World 2019, what social issues do you wish to work upon?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
People are my passion. I realize that so many people have amazing capabilities but have never had the opportunities to explore them. Realizing the advantages I’ve had, even just that of an education, I have become dedicated to help create these opportunities for people across the world.
The biggest part of being crowned Miss World is the global platform it gives you through ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ to travel the world, help disadvantage people and get things done. This year I will get to visit so many humanitarian projects that focus on a wide range of social issues from education to hunger and teenage pregnancies through to making sure communities have the right social infrastructure in place.
My focus started with women because I have first-hand knowledge and I am also a Women’s Study student. There are 98 million girls around the world who still don’t have access to even basic education. Education is the passport to the future and these girls will one day become the mothers of the people that are going will lead us going forward. We can ensure a brighter future if give them the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.
Ms Namita Nayyar
Five things we will always find in your gym bag?
- Headphones
- Chap stick
- Healthy snack
- Extra pair of socks
- Water bottle
Ms Namita Nayyar
Top three travel destinations that you absolutely love?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
I have not traveled extensively which is one of the reasons why I am so excited for the year ahead. I love London and the USA. My first official visit as Miss World was Cape Town and Mvezo in South Africa, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Wow, the most beautiful natural scenery, wildlife and I was truly touched by the warmth of the people. There is a saying that ‘Africa gets under your skin’, from my first visit I can see why and can’t wait to explore other parts of the continent.
Ms Namita Nayyar
A message for all your lovely fans and followers on Instagram?
Ms Toni-Ann Singh
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important.
It is okay to be afraid, and to doubt what you may be capable of. But only you can shine the way you were created to, and the world needs your light. If you are looking for a sign to get out there and walk in your purpose…. This is it.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
