(PCM) Steve Harvey just ended 2015 with an incredibly awkward bang.
The comedian, Family Feud host, and Think Like a Man author hosted the 2015 Miss Universe pageant on Sunday, December 20, where he was supposed to crown Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines as the latest recipient of the highly coveted title.
Instead, Harvey made the uneviable mistake of announcing Ariadna Gutierrez Arévalo of Colombia as Miss Universe after misreading his presenter’s card.
A full two minutes passed before the mistake was realized, resulting in some truly awkward live television as Steve Harvey had to address the crowd and announce that Miss Philippines is the real Miss Universe while Miss Colombia actually won runner-up.
Visibly stunned, Wurtzbach took to the stage to a chorus of boos from the angry crowd in attendance, confused at the sudden change and riled-up by the last-minute winner mix-up.
Jumping back into action, Harvey quickly diffused the situation by showing the card with the winners’ names to the audience and explaining his mistake.
“Listen folks, let me just take control of this,” Harvey explained. “This is exactly what’s on the card. I will take responsibility for this. It was my mistake. It was on the card. Horrible mistake… but I can show it to you right here. It was my mistake. Still a great night. Please don’t hold it against the ladies. We feel so badly, but it’s still a great night.”
The host also tweeted then deleted an error-filled tweet apologizing to both Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines before tweeting an edited apology.
The Miss Universe Organization released a statement on Twitter, apologizing to the contestants and their friends and families:
“The excitement of live TV was evident tonight on The Miss Universe stage with over 10 million live fan votes tabulated. Unfortunately, a live telecast means that human error can come into play. We witnessed that tonight when the wrong winner was initially announced. Our sincerest apologies to Miss Universe Colombia, Miss Universe Philippines, their families and fans. We congratulate Miss Universe Philippines as Miss Universe 2015.”
Everyone has experienced at least one mortifyingly embarrassing moment in their life, so it’s hard to not feel major sympathy for Steve Harvey. Unless you’re one of these Twitter users:
I’m Done 💀#MissUniverse2015 #SteveHarvey pic.twitter.com/uVIsYqdszI
— Dylan (@DylanTheMan37) December 21, 2015
Steve Harvey announcing the winner at Westminster Dog Show pic.twitter.com/E6qE1NMVCL
— chris johnson (@yochrisjohnson) December 21, 2015
Is it too late now to say sorry? 😂#MissUniverse2015 #SteveHarvey pic.twitter.com/LbY2aGxoPt
— Power 105.1 (@Power1051) December 21, 2015
When you forgot you weren’t hosting a game show. #MissUniverse2015 pic.twitter.com/NDmoI3I86a
— Max Stoycos (@merlacher) December 21, 2015
Our sympathies go out to Steve Harvey for his embarrassing blunder, Miss Universe Colombia for her short-lived two minutes of glory, and Miss Universe Philippines for such an awkward crowning.