Catriona Gray had encouraging words for candidates who fell during Miss Universe prelims

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray had some encouraging words for some candidates who slipped and fell on stage during the Miss Universe 2019 preliminary competition.

During the swimsuit portion, Miss France and Miss Malaysia fell as they strutted in their capes and heels along the slippery runway, while a few other candidates had minor slips.

The incidents prompted Catriona, who was co-hosting the event, to announce a halt to the competition, saying that the runway will be given a sweeping "to minimize accidents."

The Miss Universe preliminary competition was put on pause as staff sweeps the runway “to minimize accidents” after two candidates slipped.

— Jessica Bartolome (@jessbrtlm) December 7, 2019

After the swimsuit competition, Catriona took the chance to acknowledge the ladies who slipped.

"We witnessed earlier these amazing women come out here, glowing with confidence, and even though we had a few falls, they took themselves up. They stood back up again. And I just want to take the chance to acknowledge that," she said.

She explained that when beauty queens are backstage, falling or tripping on stage is what they hoped wouldn't happen to them.

"It unfortunately did tonight," she said.

Gray also acknowledged the support of the audience who kept cheering for the girls who picked themselves up.

"I want you all to give yourselves a round of applause for being an amazing audience, for really encouraging those girls to get back up on their feet. Thank you so much," she said.

The Filipina beauty queen made the comment after co-host Nick Teplitz asked her what was the question she was asked the most.

According to her, people always asked her how she could possibly walk in those type of heels, similar to what the Miss Universe 2019 candidates were wearing during the swimsuit segment.

The Philippines' bet, Gazini Ganados, meanwhile gave a flawless performance during the swimsuit competition, pulling off spins and turns as she rocked a black two-piece and yellow cape.

—JCB, GMA News