Miss Universe 2015 host accidentally reads out wrong country when announcing winner

The Miss Universe competition in Las Vegas has descended into farce after the host announced the wrong winner of the title.

Comedian and television personality Steve Harvey announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez had won over Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo to rapturous applause at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

After being presented with her crown, a sheepish Harvey had to inform the audience and Gutierrez he had read the wrong name on the card in front of him.

IN PICTURES: Miss Universe host crowns wrong contestant

"I have to apologise," Harvey said to a stunned crowd.

"There's been a mistake.

"The first runner-up is Colombia. Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines!"

A horrified Gutierrez was then subjected to the indignity of having her crown and sash removed in front of a global television audience.

Harvey said the "horrible mistake" was entirely his after he read the card in his hand incorrectly.

"It was still a great night, please don’t hold it against the ladies," he said.

After the ceremony, Harvey tweeted an apology to both the contestants and the viewers, but landed himself in more strife by initially spelling both Colombia and Philippines wrong, before correcting his error.

Social media also lit up with commentary on both the pageant's existence, as well as memes mocking the major on-air blunder.

The disaster mirrored the finale of Australia's Next Top Model in 2010, when host Sarah Murdoch too announced the wrong winner.

Miss Australia Monika Radulovic, 25, was selected for the final five from 83 countries and drew praise after she unveiled her Dame Edna-inspired national costume.

The eye-catching outfit was designed by Sydney's Timothy Cubbo. 

She was asked by the judges on her take on legalising marijuana in Australia, and responded that while allowing use had some proven benefits, the government would need to consider both sides of the proposal.

Ms Radulovic boasts an honours degree in psychology and is the daughter of immigrants who fled war-torn Bosnia 20 years ago. 

The last Australian to win the Miss Universe title was Jennifer Hawkins in 2004.

The competition has been surrounded by controversy this year, with US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump forced to relinquish his ownership of the pageant after his controversial remarks on Hispanic Americans.