It was the first time in the pageant's history that the event was held in Dominican Republic.

Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago was crowned by Rina Messinger of Israel at the end of the event.

This was the first time a Black woman won Miss Universe.

[1] African American singer Dionne Warwick, one of the 12 judges, burst into tears when Commissiong won.

[1] The other judges were Dominican industrialist José Armando Bermúdez, fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, model Wilhelmina Cooper, actress Linda Cristal, film producer Robert Evans, film and television producer Howard W. Koch, Miss Universe 1970, Marisol Malaret of Puerto Rico, and photographer Gordon Parks.