Steve Harvey announced the correct Miss Universe on Sunday night — Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.
Kára McCullough of Washington, D.C., who made the finals at the Las Vegas event, asked Harvey a question when she was announced as a top 10 contestant.
As USA Today noted, Harvey introducing McCullough with: “I know that you are a (scientist with the) U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission with a degree in chemistry. I can’t read the rest of that question because I don’t know what none of that is.”
The “overly happy” McCullough replied with: “Actually, I want to give you a pop quiz. Do you know where radium is at on the periodic table?”
She continued: “Radium is actually one of my favorite elements because it was founded by the mother of radio chemistry, Marie Curie. And as a radio chemist, I advocate for so many children in S.T.E.M. and women in leadership positions and that’s the mission of a Miss Universe.”
Others in the top 10 besides the eventual winner were Miss Thailand, Miss Spain, Miss Colombia, Miss Brazil, Miss Canada, Miss Philippines, Miss Venezuela and Miss Jamaica.
Miss USA won top marks from science, math and engineering advocates.
Miss USA Encourages Kids to Pursue STEM Careers https://t.co/dHdAvLojjO
— Classroom Antics (@ClassroomAntics) November 27, 2017
Miss USA representing STEM (she is a radiochemist) and advocating for young women in Science! #MissUniverse2017 pic.twitter.com/PTjjazA5Mv
— Renee Barnett (@BarBioL612) November 27, 2017
Not only is Miss USA smart & beautiful, as a chemist she advocates for girls and #WOC in #STEM! https://t.co/nxauaksIzg
— Latina Founders (@LatinaFounders) November 27, 2017
Love our Miss USA! Even though she did not win, her influence for Black women in STEM is great and gives us amazing representation. https://t.co/iHLgiRRnGM
— SimplyLovelyXO (@SLXO_111417) November 27, 2017
#MissUSA just advocated for women in STEM and how she’s a radiochemist and I’m crying pic.twitter.com/9X8yl0rlFK
— Nicole (@nobodybutnicole) November 27, 2017