Host Steve Harvey announces wrong Miss Universe winner

THE host of Miss Universe just made the biggest mistake in the pageant’s history, and he takes ‘full responsibility’.

IN the biggest blunder in the 64-year history of Miss Universe, host Steve Harvey says he made a mistake and accidentally awarded the crown to the wrong contestant.

Live on air during the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, Harvey initially said Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez had won the title and the crown was placed on her head. She received a bouquet of flowers and the crowd was on their feet cheering.

Moments later, Harvey stopped the celebrations and called for calm, before announcing the winner was in fact Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach.

Miss Philippines was in shock on the sidelines, as she watched the saga unfold next to the second runner-up Miss USA.

Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega then removed the crown from Miss Colombia’s head and placed it atop Miss Philippines.

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, front, reacts after she was announced as the new Miss Universe at the Miss Universe pageant. Picture: John Locher/AP Photo.

Former Miss Universe Paulina Vega, center, removes the crown from Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, left, before giving it to Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. AP Photo/John Locher.

Miss Colombia looks upset after the crown was taken off her. Picture: John Locher/AP Photo.

Harvey apologised live on air and later on Twitter, admitting it was his mistake.

I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

Secondly, I'd like to apologize to the viewers at that I disappointed as well. Again it was an honest mistake.

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

I don't want to take away from this amazing night and pageant. As well as the wonderful contestants. They were all amazing.

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippines and Miss Colombia. This was a terribly honest human mistake. I am so so regretful.

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

He showed the card to the cameras and revealed the correct winner was written on the card.

The card Steve Harvey read off.

“I do apologise, it’s my mistake,” he said. “I take full responsibility. It was still a great night though,” he joked.

In a tweet, Harvey said: “I want to apologise emphatically to Miss Philippians and [sic] Miss Columbia. This was a terribly honest human mistake and I am so regretful.”

I'd like to apologize wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible.

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 21, 2015

Viewers on Twitter criticised Harvey for his mistake.

#SteveHarvey be like..... #MissUniverse2015 pic.twitter.com/yGIXbhPiwa

— Van Shumake (@SemperVan) December 21, 2015

#MissUniverse2015 #SteveHarvey Pretty much pic.twitter.com/7fQIr02KWJ

— Jingle Bellsmer (@MorganBesmer) December 21, 2015

You had one job #SteveHarvey! #MissUniverse2015 pic.twitter.com/QERKZ0qOS5

— Abu Adib (@sarabiany) December 21, 2015

Steve Harvey just lost his job

— kd (@KayleneDroddy) December 21, 2015

Steve Harvey be like.. Is it too late now to say sorry?

— CJ Villaruel (@Ceejaycjcj) December 21, 2015

Steve Harvey, you had ONE JOB TO DO TODAY! #MissUniverse2015 #EpicFail

— Katie Jeffries (@Katie_Jeffries) December 21, 2015

oh my god steve harvey’s screw up is unreal pic.twitter.com/b0PlfvKqgq

— Joon Lee (@iamjoonlee) December 21, 2015

Harvey is an American comedian and host, best known for his radio program The Steve Harvey Morning Show.

Harvey also has also hosted Family Feud and talk show Steve Harvey. This is the first time he has hosted the Miss Universe competition.

Other contestants comfort Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, center, after she was incorrectly crowned Miss Universe. Picture: John Locher/AP Photo.

More to come